Top Ten Books On My Reading List…

For the New Year, it is a great time to get some reading done and thankfully I received plenty of books to read for Christmas. Please don’t make fun of this nerd who asks for books for Christmas, I was born this way! Okay, maybe not…but still my top books to read are now littering my house (just ask Leah about them, they are everywhere) and it is a great problem to have. They are far better than mindless video games (yes I said it guys), and I find the main difference in actually studying for graduate school, which is much more difficult when forced, is far easier if you are finding your interests within the realm of your studies. Who wants to read a bunch of theology books when it is assigned as homework? How about instead, realize what the theology can mean for your life and for the lives of others if you apply the truths and have a deep, growing relationship with Christ?

Without further rambling, here is my list.

1. Lost To the West by Lars Brownworth – This list is not in order of the best to least, but this work is certainly my best read as of yet this year. If you know me, I love history. I can remember random facts probably more than most would care to realize and it has been something I have fed since I was in 4th grade Social Studies (okay, i didn’t fead it, it was really my amazing teachers out in good ole’ Merit, Texas). This brief history of the Byzantine empire was simply fascinating to me as it revealed single empire that held back the push of Islam into Eastern Europe. The world would be quite a different place if not for the Byzantines empire, which finally fell with its capital, Constantinople, falling to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
2. Knowing God by J.I. Packer – I know little of Packer except I have heard some of his dialogue of Calvinistic teachings. I figured I would get to know him a little better by giving this work a try (Calvinist unite! Ha, I am not telling which one I am here). Only a few chapters in, and so far he has challenged me to make sure I am following Jesus through relationship, not simply through knowledge. What is knowledge worth if it isn’t with a deep love for God? I certainly have to remember that throughout seminary.
3. Counter Culture by David Platt – Prepare yourself, David is going to challenge the Jesus out of you. Seriously, I have not found a Christian writer who does this better in Christian bookstores today. I’m reading this one chapter at a time so I can process just how to apply some of the challenges (sincere ones to) to living a life sold out for Christ in today’s altruistic culture. Thanks to my in-laws (they gave the book to me), my life will be challenged and who knows what it could mean. I could be in Africa by the end of this book because thats how the Holy Spirit can work through David’s writing. Do not take this one lightly.
4. Path Between the Seas by David McCullough – Recommended by my boss (is he trying to kill me? this book is huge!), I have yet to venture into the great books of McCullough but he has won several awards for his unique presentation of writing. “Path Between the Seas” is about the building of the Panama Canal in Central America and the astronomical achievement it was during the time (and still is today). It will probably take me five months to finish this epic seven-hundred page beast but I believe!
5. 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe – Great theologians such as Jonathan Edwards and perhaps one of the greatest preachers since the time of Christ, George Whitefield, are mentioned in this easy biographical study of (you guessed it) fifty great Christians throughout history. It has been very refreshing for me to pick this book up after reading something that made me want to re-think my theology career…thank you any C.S. Lewis book. You make mere peasants out of the rest of us.
6. The Evolution Cruncher– I had this book given to me by a co-worker after a great discussion on the creation of the earth. I won’t reveal where I stand in the grand debate on how old the earth is in this post, but you can probably guess just by looking at the name of this book. Okay, I can’t resist… you think we evolved from monkeys?!?! Read this to get a good perspective on Biblical Creationism.
7. Life’s Ultimate Questions by John Newport – Given to me to read by the wise sage that is my grandfather Darold Morgan, I can almost guarantee the deep thought of this work to be superb (Dede has been giving me books since I was able to read). Taking this one a day at a time because the thinking is rich and very deep. Leave it to my grandfather to make me think profoundly.
8. If by Mark Batterson – I loved Mark’s previous work “In A Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day” and thought I would try this one as well. Mark’s writing is very smooth and easy-to-read. I find no difficulty in keeping up in this book as of yet as he challenges his readers to take chances and consider the possibilities of taking chances with God at your back. Sounds easy enough right? Hmmm, not sure about that. Take that prosperity gospel.
9. The Constitution of the United States of America – Why not read the greatest historical document our government has ever produced? Thanks to my beautiful wife, I will read this ALL the way through and in-deph. It also has other historical documents that contributed to the founding of our country (Common Sense, Federalist Papers, etc).
10. The New Testament and the People of God by N.T. Wright – Another book I need to read based off of really positive work conversation about it. I have heard he is one of the best New Testament scholars in the world today.