When I was in college, I ended up with a summer job that many students envied. I worked in the mailroom at Blue Cross Blue Shield. During this time, I worked an 8 hour day that only had 2 hours worth of work. There really wasn't anything else I could do during the time, I just needed to be in the mailroom in case anyone came in to UPS or FED EX something. As a result, I was allowed to spend the time however I saw fit. I got to do this for two summers. One summer I spent watching DVD's on a laptop. The other summer, I fell in love with reading. I went on a stretch were I actually read 23 books in 23 days. Having six hours on the job to kill helps you get through a book pretty quick. It was a good summer.
I read anything that was recommended to me, fiction, non-fiction, spiritual, pointless, entertaining, horrible, you name it, that summer I got to read some kind of it. I have read many more books since then, and often find myself giving book recommendations to others that I know. I don't read much fiction anymore, and focus primarily on reading books that deal with the Christian Faith in some way, those these books aren't always "Christian." I read many books about the Jewish faith as it gives me a new perspective on Jesus' teachings to the Jews and how they were revolutionary to that culture at that time. I've read a lot of books since becoming a Christian, and have found some to be more helpful in my growth than others. Here is a list of books that I found worthwhile for my faith.
A New Kind of Christian by Brain Mclaren
This is written by a leader of the "emergent" church movement. It deals with how to see Christianity without feeling the need to read the Bible as an answer book, and focus more on the Bible being read as a narrative.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This couldn't be much further away on the spectrum than it is to the book before it. This book is maybe the ultimate summation of "modern" Christianity. Easily the book I recommend first to new Christians.
The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
This is the longest book besides the Bible that I have ever read. Dallas' thoughts on personal discipline and Jesus teaching through the Lord's Prayer and the Sermon on the Mount are as well presented as I've ever seen.
Letters From a Skeptic by Greg Boyd
This book has great content, but it's content isn't what helped me. It was through reading this book that I became comfortable with asking myself and others deep questions about the Christian faith. It has been a life transforming journey for me to be on while asking these questions, so I'm thankful.
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
This book explains the gospel of grace in terms that are so inviting. Again, this book would be far from the "emergent church" side of things, but I find it riveting ( I believe Brennan was/is Catholic, which shows in his reverence but his thoughts appeal to all who know Jesus).
These would be the first 5 books I would recommend. I don't give any weight to the order that they are listed here. Below I'll put a list of some other authors that have been helpful.
On the more classical stances:
John Eldridge
John Piper
Brennan Manning
C.S. Lewis
Dallas Willard
Chuck Swindoll
On the more progressive side:
Rob Bell
Donald Miller
Brian McLaren
Greg Boyd
Erwin McManus
Again, these aren't listed in any particular order, and if you want clarification I'd be happy to explain what I mean by classical and progressive, or recommend a specific title to you based on what you'd like to read more about.
Monday, June 12, 2006
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2 comments:
I am curious about your comment that you have read a lot of books "since becoming a Christian." At what point do you consider yourself becoming a Christian? Is it at your baptism or is it when you started taking a more active role in checking out your beliefs? This makes me wonder whether I am considered a Christian in your eyes.
"since becomeing a Christian."
I am fortunate enough to have had answered this question many of times. I DO NOT have a specific instance that I consider my initial salvation experience. I understand that late in my junior year in high school, and throughout my senior year I was beginning the process of the "active role in checking out my beliefs."
I don't think that this activity made me a Christian, but it was the first step in my journey. Even during the year off of high school, I was still evaluating a lot of what I believed (was attending youth group at Bloomington Assembly then) and understood that I enjoyed a Christian environment far more than a partying environment... thus North Central.
Again, I can't state a moment that I "prayed a prayer" or "asked Jesus into my heart" but I can remember one day realizing that I had organized my life around what I believed to be true of Jesus' life and His teachings. Suddenly I just knew, i'm a Christian, not in the I belong to a religion sort of way, but in the I belong to Christ sort of way.
I know that realization was during my freshman year at North Central, but that the process began three years before that. I guess somewhere in the middle is where I first was a "Christian" (in the I have eternal security through Christ kind of way) but still struggle daily with being a Christian. It isn't something I attained "x" number of years ago, never to have to change. It makes me change daily.
Onto "whether I am considered a Christian in your eyes." comment. This is virtually impossible for me to answer. I am fortunate enough, as are you, to not be the judge of anyone else's salvation.
I do believe that salvation is only attained through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible is clear that there is no other way.
I would argue that many people who have many different thoughts on Baptism are all saved, without the requirement of a specific Baptism. I would also argue that many people are not saved who are "christian."
I have no problem saying that I belive if you had to chose which religion you most closely affiliate with, you would chose Christianity, but that has nothing to do with our salvation.
Only you know your own heart. Only you know if you've allowed Jesus to become Lord of your life, and what that means in your specific instance. I cannot, and will not answer that question for you.
I'd be more than happy to talk in person about what I feel are good indicators that can be seen in people's lives, and the "fruit" that is apparent to judge, but ultimately "you need to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Bible)."
I don't mean this to sound like, figure it out on your own, but I do intend for it to sound like, my thoughts have no bearing on whether or not you are a Christian (this time referring to saved in Christ).
I'll leave the further discussion to in person conversation, which i'd love to have, but think these basics clear up thoughts for everyone, so i'll post them publically.
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