The Best Christian Writing 2004

by John Wilson (Editor), Miroslav Volf (Introduction)

This collection of the finest contemporary Christian writing is "a prime example of diverse beliefs among Christians."
― Los Angeles Times This year's volume brings together an elegant and engaging array of essays by Christian luminaries tackling relevant issues. These writers distill the riches of belief into lucid explorations of faith and truth, reflecting the many dimensions of today's Christianity. Includes contributions from a diverse group of distinguished David Batstone
J. Bottum
Andy Crouch
Scott Derrickson
Jennifer Holberg
Philip Jenkins
Douglas Jones
Jeremy Lott
Frederica Mathewes-Green
Wilfred M. McClay
Kathleen Norris
Julie Polter
The Preacher
James Calvin Schaap
Lewis B. Smedes
John D. Spalding
Tim Stafford
James R. Van Tholen
Lauren F. Winner
Albert Louis Zambone
Wendy Murray Zoba

Genres: Christianity, Nonfiction, Essays, Religion

217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[WashU Catholic Student Center]

*author listed as E. Peterson*

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I was expecting to read; oddly, I was hoping to read about the purpose of Christian writing and what makes it great/best. Instead, it is passages from Christian authors or their writings based on Christianity beliefs and some were quite moving or great to read!

I like the quote: "dare to be Daniel" where he was in Babylon during a horrible reign under King Nebuchadnezzar but Daniel and his friends still prayed, not worshiping and abiding to the laws of this day, and were vegetarians instead of eating meat and wine; they still lived for God regardless of the man-made laws at this time.

It was an okay read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

another totally random pull from the library... several of the articles were excellent. it almost felt like I was reading a summary of a bunch of people's articles/blogposts in book format, which is interesting...

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am actually reading this for BIFL, but I have enjoyed the assigned essays so far.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skipped most of the pieces in here. There were some nice ones, but none that inspired me to write about faith, which I'd hoped it would.

[Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not all the cases are great, some are truly astounding.