Ten Books I've Read
A lot of people ask me what books I’m reading or have read. Not just any book, mind you. Ones that have challenged me, shaped my thinking, and made me want to learn more. Below is a list of ten books that I have read over the years, along with the reason I found them compelling. There are many others that could, and maybe should be here, this list is not exhaustive, but here it is for what it's worth ...
1. The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God by Dallas Willard
I read this book for the first time right after I graduated from college. For the first time in my life I learned about Jesus and Christianity in a way that made complete sense to me. It truly redirected my heart and life. I have read it five or six times now, and continue to learn more from it all the time.
2. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
First, a shout out to my friend Paul Steinke, who was the one who forced this book into my hands a few years back. This is one of the best novels I have read with regard to character development. Steinbeck leaves little behind in creating rich characters that you love, hate and pity – one with whom you can celebrate and empathize.
3. Nonviolence: The History of a Dangerous Idea by Mark Kurlansky
Mark Kurlansky is a born story teller. In this book he narrates the violent history of civilization, and shows why it never had to be this violent. In revealing the impotence of violence, he also shows the power of nonviolence. He then goes a step further and proves that nonviolence has worked in the past, can work now and will work in the future.
4. Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context by Stanley Grenz and John R. Franke
I bought this book because I saw it footnoted everywhere (there’s a hint! If you see a book footnoted and like what you are reading, buy the book that’s footnoted!). More than any other book, this one challenged the way I thought about God, the Bible, and faith. Rather than tear something apart, Grenz and Franke honor where we have come by building on it something even better.
5. Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves by Adam Hochschild
Do you want to know about all that led up to William Wilberforce and the Abolishonist Movement in England? Would you like to learn about what it takes to bring real and lasting change by forming a movement that will not crumble? If you said yes to either of those questions, then buy this book and read it.
6. Breakfast of Champions: A Novel by Kurt Vonnegut
Though I love this book, this is more of a category than one book. I love reading what some would find to be quirky and off beat novels like this. Why? Because they challenged my notion of storytelling, and compel me to think more creatively – to not just get outside the box, but to burn the box altogether.
7. Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness and Reconciliation by Miroslav Volf
Volf is a brilliant theologian who does not only speak from his head, but also from his heart. His exploration of oppression, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation is one of the most thoughtful engagements I have read.
8. The Myth of Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church by Greg Boyd
This book clearly outline and analyzes the presumption that so many have about America as a Christian nation. With humility, love and respect Boyd carefully scrutinizes our presumptions and compares them with Scripture showing how misguided we are to think that any earthly nation can be wed with the Kingdom of Heaven.
9. Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer
A friend of mine gave me this book years ago and said, “I have given this book away to more people than any other. It’s that important.” So I took it, and read it. Then I read it again. Then I gave it away. Bought another one. Read it again. Then gave it away. Over the years I now get to tell people, “I have given this book away to more people than any other. It’s that important.” No, I cannot buy enough to give to all of you, but you get the point. Palmer teaches us all about desire, letting go, and recognizing who God has uniquely made each of us to be.
10. My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok
Never before have I read a book about a fictional character and felt like I was reading about myself. Potok is a master storyteller, and this is displayed in this book. He explores the reality of desire that is hardwired in all of us, and the need for us to attend to those God given desires.
Okay, I couldn’t stop at ten … this list goes to eleven.
11. Insurrection: To Believe is Human, To Doubt is Divine by Peter Rollins
I just finished reading this book by Rollins. It is deep and challenging. Rollins has an ability to throw on the ground and kick you when you’re down, but something in you will love it and be thankful that he did.