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Besides the Bible: 100 Books That Have, Should, or Will Create Christian Culture
What book as influenced you most?
"Besides the Bible" is a guide to the really great books you "should" read - ones that matter. Covering a wide array of subjects and authors, from Christian bookstore bestsellers to classics of Christian history and more, you'll find yourself agreeing with some titles, shaking your head at others, and even shocked by a few. This isn't a dry catalog with dull summaries of books authored by a bunch of dead guys. Dan Gibson, Jordan Green, and John Pattison, along with an all-star team of today's most interesting Christian thinkers (including Donald Miller, Phyllis Tickle, Steve Taylor, and William P. Young) will re-ignite your love for reading. Or, if you're a little lazy, give you enough information to make it seem like you're incredibly well-read.
"Besides the Bible" is a guide to the really great books you "should" read - ones that matter. Covering a wide array of subjects and authors, from Christian bookstore bestsellers to classics of Christian history and more, you'll find yourself agreeing with some titles, shaking your head at others, and even shocked by a few. This isn't a dry catalog with dull summaries of books authored by a bunch of dead guys. Dan Gibson, Jordan Green, and John Pattison, along with an all-star team of today's most interesting Christian thinkers (including Donald Miller, Phyllis Tickle, Steve Taylor, and William P. Young) will re-ignite your love for reading. Or, if you're a little lazy, give you enough information to make it seem like you're incredibly well-read.
261 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
4 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 15, 2020
I stumbled across this book and found the title interesting. I looked at the table of contents and found myself wondering what was in these books that compelled the authors to read them. I did start reading them (even have a shelf on goodreads for them). I eventually got a copy of the book. The authors give a couple of pages on what each book means to them and the Christian faith. As I continue to read books on this list, I'll definitely read their essay first to refresh my memory.
June 15, 2011
*Full disclosure: I know all three of the main authors of this book, and I am even mentioned in the acknowledgments section. However, I tried to give as objective a review as I could under the circumstances.
I like the concept of this book and the potential for meaningful conversation contained within it. I like that the books included are not only religious but cover many different kinds of literary genres and topics. I also like that the essays are short and accessible. In all, it's a great starting place for compiling an ongoing reading list for expanding conversations about Christian faith outside of the "church" box.
That being said, while I am always in favor of more women authors, more non-white authors, and more non-evangelical authors being included in the conversation, I appreciated the attempt to include books written by women and non-white folks. Perhaps my main dissatisfaction is that this diversity was not necessarily reflected among the guest reviewers.
I recommend this read for anyone looking for a book list to accompany them on their journey of Christian faith.
I like the concept of this book and the potential for meaningful conversation contained within it. I like that the books included are not only religious but cover many different kinds of literary genres and topics. I also like that the essays are short and accessible. In all, it's a great starting place for compiling an ongoing reading list for expanding conversations about Christian faith outside of the "church" box.
That being said, while I am always in favor of more women authors, more non-white authors, and more non-evangelical authors being included in the conversation, I appreciated the attempt to include books written by women and non-white folks. Perhaps my main dissatisfaction is that this diversity was not necessarily reflected among the guest reviewers.
I recommend this read for anyone looking for a book list to accompany them on their journey of Christian faith.
August 5, 2019
I strongly recommend this book. Great review of where Christianity is today in this modern world and the books that have influenced our beliefs. Now comes the hard part; selecting from amongst the 100 great titles which to feast upon and digest.
October 23, 2021
This book definitely pointed me to some new books I would like to read! I felt that the focus was very much towards contemporary white American emergent church (left-leaning evangelical) authors, which to me is a very narrow scope. It is a brilliant idea though!
June 3, 2020
Local author! Just made my TBR pile big
March 23, 2020
I am a great lover of books-about-books and a librarian at a public Christian library, so when I came across this title, I couldn't pass it up. I discovered one of the authors, John Pattison, when one of my favorite book bloggers referenced an article he had written in 2017 about where to start if you are new to the works of Wendell Berry. (I am a huge fan of Berry, so I took note).
There is much to commend this book, and I hope a glance at the Table of Contents will not scare too many away. However, if you are someone who thinks Christians should only read Christian books, then this is probably not for you.
This is much more than just a list of books. There is a short essay for each book, describing the book and why it was included. Many people apparently contributed to the development of this book and the essays themselves, so a variety of perspectives is represented. It was affirming to see many of my personal favorites included, and the essays served to bump-up many of the books I know of but haven't read higher on my TBR list. I was very pleasantly surprised to be introduced to a number of new-to-me books and authors, too. The essays definitely made a difference in that regard.
Of course, there were several books where I didn't agree with the justification for including them, and I lamented the absence of several books that I would have included that weren't. There were other books, such as The Fountainhead, that I most likely will never find worthy of my reading time, but I appreciated the essay on how it has contributed to culture.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to a discerning reader interested in developing a rich understanding of Christian thought and the intersections with modern culture.
There is much to commend this book, and I hope a glance at the Table of Contents will not scare too many away. However, if you are someone who thinks Christians should only read Christian books, then this is probably not for you.
This is much more than just a list of books. There is a short essay for each book, describing the book and why it was included. Many people apparently contributed to the development of this book and the essays themselves, so a variety of perspectives is represented. It was affirming to see many of my personal favorites included, and the essays served to bump-up many of the books I know of but haven't read higher on my TBR list. I was very pleasantly surprised to be introduced to a number of new-to-me books and authors, too. The essays definitely made a difference in that regard.
Of course, there were several books where I didn't agree with the justification for including them, and I lamented the absence of several books that I would have included that weren't. There were other books, such as The Fountainhead, that I most likely will never find worthy of my reading time, but I appreciated the essay on how it has contributed to culture.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to a discerning reader interested in developing a rich understanding of Christian thought and the intersections with modern culture.
March 3, 2011
I thought this book was well thought out and intriguing. A friend of mine lent it to me and I only have a week with it so I devoured it. I'm not sure about some of the books, but there are a couple there that are definitely worth discussing and looking into further. And they're right: not all the books are great books, but even the bad books are helping create Christian culture. I love that they included poetry and plays. I don't usually ever buy books, but I purchased this one last night and am looking forward to tackling some of these books on with either friends or, in the future, hopefully a son or two. I think this will be a good resource. Can't wait to mark mine up as much as my friend Megan has hers.
January 26, 2013
The book is great at helping you fill out your "want-to-read" list. It tries really hard to convince you that real Christian culture will avoid the pitfalls of individualism, consumerism, and idiotism by simply reading better books...and possibly looking at some art.
If I didn't already read snobby fiction and walk around critiquing the likes of mainstream christian literature...I probably would've been offended by the book.
Either way (if you are touchy or snobby or not into reading) my experience tells me, having read some of the books summarized in "Besides the Bible", that reading works of art can actually unveil quite a bit about God and His creation. And that is never an unworthy endeavor. (If nothing else read the essay on "Gilead" and then immediately read the book itself!!)
If I didn't already read snobby fiction and walk around critiquing the likes of mainstream christian literature...I probably would've been offended by the book.
Either way (if you are touchy or snobby or not into reading) my experience tells me, having read some of the books summarized in "Besides the Bible", that reading works of art can actually unveil quite a bit about God and His creation. And that is never an unworthy endeavor. (If nothing else read the essay on "Gilead" and then immediately read the book itself!!)
March 2, 2011
When I received this book I was very intrigued about what books would make the list. As a Theology and Bible major I had a tentative list in my mind of books that I thought should be on the list. For the most part the list as included in the book. I was a little disappointed at times because I thought the discussion on some of the books should be a little longer. It is understandable because the book would have been significantly longer if the length of each book summary was longer. Overall I thought a good starting point for those looking to widen their horizons in the field of Bible and Theology.
May 26, 2014
I love this little nugget of a book! It's like the lists that compel you to click on them on various internet sites, but it's for books, and it is for books that have, could, should and will create christian culture. Having lived in and worked in that culture for a couple years, this book is great. It is what it says it is: it describes books that have shaped christian culture, books that the authors wish would shape christian culture, and a few gambles on what will create christian culture. It's put together by some writers/readers/cultural commentators donald miller is associated with. It is well worth your time, put it on your shelf!
August 22, 2011
This is a great book as a catalog of 100 books that Christians should read. While it made me feel that I haven't read enough (which is true), I can say that it is motivating me to add around 70 books to my list of "to-read" here.
My biggest praise is that not all 100 books are Christian, and not all of the choices by famous authors are their most famous works. These guys (Dan Gibson, Jordan Green, and John Pattison) know their stuff, and the guest essays are fantastic, too.
If you want to expand your literary horizons, start here.
My biggest praise is that not all 100 books are Christian, and not all of the choices by famous authors are their most famous works. These guys (Dan Gibson, Jordan Green, and John Pattison) know their stuff, and the guest essays are fantastic, too.
If you want to expand your literary horizons, start here.
February 5, 2011
This is a well-written and enjoyable collection of essays on influential, inspiring and thought-provoking books by authors who enjoy reading. The smooth flow and conciseness of the writing makes this a worthwhile conversation on the written word and how it helps to both shape and challenge us.
If you're a reader, heck, even if you're not, jump into the conversation. You won't be disappointed.
If you're a reader, heck, even if you're not, jump into the conversation. You won't be disappointed.
August 31, 2011
A very informative read. It has definitely given me thoughts on books that I should read, as well as the authors. As a Christian, I am always wanting something good to read that will encourage my growth, and these guys (including one who is my older brother) have done a great job of recommending great books.
Definitely a great book to have on the shelf, to be looked at before starting another book, just to get some ideas.
Definitely a great book to have on the shelf, to be looked at before starting another book, just to get some ideas.
January 27, 2011
I am thoroughly enjoying reading this book! The essays about each selection are informative and yet have a conversational, informal tone. An added bonus is the additional book suggestions that you will find in several of the essays. My unwritten "to read" list is suddenly much larger! I was even tempted by some of the essays to reread books that I have read when I was much younger.
May 3, 2014
I appreciate this book's goal of Christian intellectualism and the breaking the idea that Christians only own a copy of the Bible and Left Behind. There's a good mix of book recommendations; some are very surprising.
February 9, 2014
Interesting selections were made, will have to check more of these books
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews