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The best book, by any
standard, is the Bible, available online several places, e.g.  ible Gateway
You
can read an outstanding modern interpretation (not a translation, but the
author's own interpretation) in The
Message by Eugene Peterson.
Peterson's vibrant and insightful writing brings the scripture to life.
The
Bible is available in many very readable translations. Check out various
versions at to see what you like,
To find a good book, find a
good author. Here are some, listed alphabetically. (The most recent
additions are marked by an asterisk.) These are all available through the
national online bookstores.
Bierle, Don
Surprised
by Faith--Bierle is
a scientist who became a Christian as a mature adult. This book chronicles
his discovery that when you look hard at Christianity, you find truth--even
when you were sure you'd find lies.
Bloom, Anthony
Beginning
to Pray--This
wonderful book, written by a Russian Orthodox Archbishop, hits at the real
problems that we encounter when we try to pray: the absence of God, our
inability to stay in the present, our need to go inward rather than outward
to find God. This is an excellent book for those who seriously want to connect
with God through prayer.
Borg, Marcus J.
The
God We Never Knew, Beyond Dogmatic Religion to a More Authentic
Contemmporary Faith--If
you've been in church but don't feel connected to God, this book may be of
help to you. The way of knowing God that Borg describes is at least as old
as Christianity, but he describes his new-found faith in a helpful way.
Cahill, Thomas
Desire
of the Everlasting Hills, The World Before and After Jesus--When we read about Jesus in the Bible,
he doesn't always seem real. Cahill's book gives historical context that
brings the gospel alive. Cahill writes extremely well. While accurately
historical, there is nothing boring about this book.
Foster, Richard J.
Seeking
the Kingdom--Written
as a daily devotional, this book helps the reader examine his own thoughts
and behaviors to see where they are leading him. Foster's works are
especially strong in the areas of humility and submission to God, which are
the core of Christianity. All of his books are excellent.
Devotional
Classics--(edited
by Foster and James Bryan Smith) This book brings together edited
selections from 52 Christian classics that focus on the transformation of
the human personality by the working of God. The selections span the full
range of Christian understanding.
Johnson, Jan
Enjoying
the Presence of God
-- A practical guide
for reconnecting to God as you go about your ordinary activities.
Lewis, C. S.
Mere
Christianity -- A series of radio talks was the basis
for this book. It is one of his less well-written books but it provides a
helpful and brief overview of basic Christianity.
The
Great Divorce-- An
allegory about heaven and hell. This book will give your mind a tweak and
should set you thinking about this life as well as the one beyond. This is
not the standard Christian view on the subject, but it is thought-provoking
and enlightening.
The
Screwtape Letters--Tongue-in-cheek,
very entertaining and insightful. Screwtape is a devil who is writing to
his nephew--a devil in training--about how to corrupt the young man in his
charge.
The
Problem of Pain--For
those who struggle with this issue, this book could be a great help. Lewis
spoke from experience, and he spoke with great honesty.
McCullough, Donald W.
The
Trivialization of God, The Dangerous Illusion of a Manageable Deity--A strong call to worship God with
humility and reverence rather than trying to manipulate Him for our own
benefit.
Nouwen, Henri J. M.
Letters
to Marc about Jesus--In
seven letters to his nephew, Nouwen describes aspects of the character and
nature of Jesus. Written from his heart, this book gives a beautiful
picture of the God who came to earth to suffer for our sakes.
Life
of the Beloved--Focusing
on God's forgiveness, acceptance, and deep love for us individually, this
book is especially helpful for dealing with our feelings of guilt and
failure.
Petersen, Eugene
The
Message--- A
marvelous, lively rendition of the New Testament, together with the Psalms
and Proverbs. The Jesus I know is the Jesus who shines forth in this great
work. Peterson reminds us that the New Testament was written in
"street language", not in formal phrases.
Where
Your Treasure Is--I
bought this book because of its table of contents (and Petersen's
reputation). Chapter titles include, "Unself-assertion",
"Unself-help", "Unself-confidence", etc. He addresses
the problem of our self-absorption and its consequences. This book
challenges the reader to live his faith more actively in his community and
confronts us with our own self-centeredness.
*Smith, Huston
Why
Religion Matters --
Just as the title says, from an expert on the topic. If you're not sure you
need religion, see what Smith has to say before you make up your mind.
Strobel, Lee
The
Case for Christ--This
is another book by a successful, no-nonsense, adult who searched for
reasons not to believe in Christ and ended up finding faith instead.
Strobel is a journalist who writes a fast-paced, fact-filled study of the
factual evidence for Christ.
*Willard, Dallas
Renovation
of the Heart--Willard
helps the reader work through what it means to bring our entire selves to
God through Christ: our minds, wills, bodies, souls, and communities. This
is an excellent book for those serious about living lives connected to God.
Zacharias, Ravi
Cries
of the Heart--Zacharias
is an intellectual with a world-wide ministry. He addresses questions about
Christianity and about the existence of God from a logical, thoughtful
perspective. For those who think Christianity is a mindless or
superstitious religion, Zacharias offers a strong rebuttal.
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