Me and My Assumptions

If you had to recommend just one book of the Bible for a non believer to read, what book would it be? (Posted by MDK)

As usual, while answering this question, I'll avoid being direct and just saying a book (for example, Jonah) and will instead give some of my implied assumptions and explain my answer as best I can.

I'll start with the assumptions. I am assuming, that the goal of recommending a book of the Bible to a non-believer is to begin a process of discovery, discussion, or education of the Christian faith. To be more clear, I'm assuming the non-believer doesn't just want to read the book for fictional entertainment value, or at least that the reason for recommendation shouldn't be based on this.

Secondly, I feel trapped by the "if you had to recommend just one" part of the question. Though I believe there are better starting points than others, I do believe that all of the Bible is important. That, however, does not mean I would recommend a non-believer read through the Bible in order, but I don't assume that just one book will give a proper understanding of scripture entirely.

So here it is. I would feel comfortable with any of the four Gospels being the recommended book, as they cover the most crucial aspect of the scriptures (Jesus life, death and resurrection). Further, I would probably recommend John as the best of these for a new believer. John is more "everyday" friendly in the fact that the miracles don't involve the "supernatural" of demon possession and the like, but follow far more with miraculous physical healings and things. The book of John is a good source to get the core of the scriptures (again, Jesus life, death, and resurrection) without a lot of genealogy, or "awkward supernatural" story elements.

The most common practice I recommend for new Christians would be to read through the book of John while also reading through C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity." This process can be helpful for a non-believer if they have expressed interest, as this book gives a wonderful overview of the Christian faith in a non-threatening and clearly explained way.

That's all I've got for now.