Christian Goodreaders discussion

Our group already has folders for books on Scripture study, and for devotional/inspirational literature. But I've felt impressed recently that it would be a good idea to have another general thread where we can discuss, and make other readers aware of, Christian nonfiction books that fall into other categories. I'm thinking here in terms of books which, rather than looking at the Bible directly (like a commentary, for instance) instead look directly at the world around us, and attempt to apply biblical principles to how we --as individual believers, and as a community-- live in that world. I'm convinced that there are a lot of books out there that are of value to us in our quest to do that. To be sure, the Bible needs to be our central resource --and too many people, even in the church, don't have a real familiarity with it. But many others of us have read it so often, and are so sure we already know everything it says, that we're not as open to seeing it "outside the box" as we could be. Reading someone else's ideas about how to apply our faith to modern life can sometimes be a catalyst for fresh thinking on our part --at least, it can be (and has often been) that for me.

If we take the common life of the church as we see it in the New Testament to be the standard for Christian practice, it seems to me undeniable that the face we present to each other and the world in 2010, as the body of Christ, has devolved considerably. How to get from where we are now to where we should be is a worthwhile question; and I sometimes think we live in a time when there are more possibilities (and dangers) for addressing it constructively than there have been in many eras before us. And the kinds of connections we can make by means of the Internet in a group like this --that cuts across denominational lines, and brings together thoughtful Christians who both like to read and are serious about their faith-- is one of those possibilities. Hopefully, starting a thread like this is a step toward developing them!

To start the ball (as outlined in the post above) rolling, there are a few books that have been very influential in shaping my outlook. As good resources for thinking about what the church essentially is and how it should function, I'd really recommend Rick Warren's The Purpose-Driven Church and Howard Snyder's The Problem with Wineskins. (The first one focuses more on the church's mission, the second more on its common life; but both areas are important.) Jim Wallis' Agenda for Biblical People is a more general and more scholarly articulation of some of the principles behind Snyder's thought. (Wallis is the editor of the "Christian Left" magazine Sojourners, and I'm not in agreement with all of his political views, but this particular book eschews discussion of politics --indeed, he says something to the effect that the most revolutionary thing the church can do in the world is simply to BE the church.)

John Howard Yoder's The Politics of Jesus and Donald Kraybill's The Upside-Down Kingdom, as explorations of New Testament social teaching, are really resources for Bible study; but because they deal directly with Christian life in the modern world as well, they qualify for this thread too, IMO. (Kraybill's is the more popular-level treatment, Yoder's the more scholarly.) Both authors are Mennonites, so they take a pacifist stance that I don't completely share. (War: Four Christian Views is an outstanding resource for beginning to looking at perspectives on that question.) But their emphases on loyalty to God above loyalty to government and culture, on concern for the poor and marginalized, and on willingness to seek justice for others even at the cost of our own comfort and lifestyle, are emphases the church today needs to hear. Ron Sider's Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger also emphasizes the latter point in particular.

With the exception of Warren's, most of these are older books, dating from the 70s or even late 60s. But the Biblical principles they deal with are timeless, and the applications are still pertinent. I think every one of these books could be constructive conversation starters in most congregations today!

I would like to add my book to the Christian non-fiction list here. "Mission Possible" was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It applies scripture and biblical principles to the everyday struggle experienced by many women (and men) as they attempt to live out their faith in an unequally-yoked marriage.
You can visit my website at http://www.GodMissionPossible.com

God bless...

Deborah McCarragher
Author of "Mission Possible"
(Hebrews 10:23)

I didn't realize we'd opened the flood gates for self-promotion. :(

Outside of the Bible, I rarely read non-fiction books outside of a study. I'm very cautious about my peers 'playing God' so I stick to the source when I can.

That being said, some of my favorites (and ones I've reread several times) include:

Jon - I'm sorry you don't understand that my book is more of a ministry to me, and not all about sales... I simply pointed out that my book is a Christian non-fiction "life relating" resource for hurting women.

Here are some of my favorite non-fiction books I've read.

Deborah, not to worry --we know your concern isn't just about sales! Your book sounds like it speaks to women (and, as you noted, men --like some whom I've known) in a situation that's all too common today.

Jon, I haven't read some of the books you listed, but I'll echo Mere Christianity --in fact, anything by C. S. Lewis is apt to be rewarding reading! Yes, real caution (to say the least) is in order any time a human author, or preacher/teacher speaking orally, sets himself/herself up as the very mouthpiece of the Almighty. As Christians, we're all fallible humans with our own blind spots, trying to discern truth as best we can; I think that process can benefit from listening to each other, but we need to first recognize our limitations if we're going to have anything worthwhile to say. And modern books can't replace the Bible; it has to be the yardstick by which we continually evaluate every other book --and sermon, Sunday school lesson, tract, Internet text, etc. I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't do that (indeed, I think we usually don't do enough of it!).

Thank you Werner. Jon, forgive me for my defensiveness - not very Christian like...

Deborah wrote: "Thank you Werner. Jon, forgive me for my defensiveness - not very Christian like..."

Forgive me, Deborah, for assuming the worst. I live in fallen world, and that includes me.

Even more than Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters, I recommend C. S. Lewis' The Weight of Glory and Present Concerns. Though 60 years old, they are still relevant.

Among more contemporary writing I found There Were Two Trees in the Garden helpful, though maybe it falls in a different category.

I would also include Thomas F. Torrance I find his writing (his work, his thought? his elucidation of Scripture) wonderful. He and Lewis are 2 of my favorites and while they write quite differently I love them both. Of course there is also Francis Schaeffer Thomas Torrance's brother William and other theologians I may tend to not totally agree with but find fascinating and instructive, such as John R.W. Stott.

So Torrance: The Mediation of Christ is a wonderful and densely packed book That I'd highly recommend.

This could be self-promotion I guess but have I mentioned my new review site? I'm looking for books to review. The hits are minimal right now but I place the reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, NetGalley (where applicable), Twitter and Facebook so the exposure for your book should be good. Go to Christians Read: Books Review You can see what I have reviewed and what I need from you.

Pat, that looks like a great site, and a very worthwhile ministry for the Christian reading community! Do you review fiction, too, or just nonfiction?

Werner wrote: "Pat, that looks like a great site, and a very worthwhile ministry for the Christian reading community! Do you review fiction, too, or just nonfiction?" I review fiction. I like mysteries but I stay away from violence. I like non-fiction that edifies. I received a request for a poetry book and realized I don't review poetry. If it's a romance, it would have to be unusual--not too formulaic. Anyone interested can query. I might be surprised at what I like.

Well, I'll keep your site in mind! I know a writer who might want to contact you if his novel ever gets back in print. :-)

Werner wrote: "Well, I'll keep your site in mind! I know a writer who might want to contact you if his novel ever gets back in print. :-)" Thanks. I do ask for a 2010 or 2011 copyright date.

Mine's 2004, alas. But I still think you've got a great site that members of this group (and other Goodreaders) will be glad to check out!

Werner wrote: "Mine's 2004, alas. But I still think you've got a great site that members of this group (and other Goodreaders) will be glad to check out!" I'll wait for your next book. If the reprint is copyrighted in 2010 or 2011, that still counts. I appreciate your support and hope others on Goodreads agree. After struggling to find reviewers for my book, I know Christians Read can be a blessing.

Thanks for that clarification, Pat!

I read a lot of non fiction books, so feel free to look through my books, on my profile. I am not sure though if I reviewed a lot of them. I have trouble reviewing books. I think it's interesting that you mentioned about the bible, and how some people just read the bible, and how some just read christian books and not the bible. When it comes to physically reading the bible, I have a hard time. Unless I am reading it with a more mature christian. I have ADD and I think that plays a part in it. lol. I will read a section in the bible, and I end up thinking about random things that normal people don't think about. For instance it seems in the bible when people get upset they tear thier robes. After I read that, I then start daydreaming about how many robes they waste doing that, or when they fast, how could they go so long without eating and not die. When I read a christian book, that has scriptures in it, it helps me stick to what I'm learning, and also teaches me more. I would eventually like to understand the bible when I read it. I think the main reason I don't read the bible is fear. I had a very bad experience with my ex husband and the bible. He twists it all, and focused on bad things about the bible. So I think a part of me is still scared of what I will find when I read it. And I don't want to misunderstand the bible either. It's wierd to because I am very scared to read the book of revelation. Because of the anti christ, and mark of the beast, and plagues etc. But it's sopposed to be very good because God wins. I guess as time goes on, God will work on that with me. :)

Tiffany, I can relate to your wondering mind. Mine doesn't wonder like that when I'm reading the Bible, but it certainly does when I'm listening to a sermon. I'm very relieved only God can see into my head, and not other people.
I'm sorry your husband gave you such a bad experience with the Bible. Fortunately there are many very sound non-fiction Christian books out there. But I hope one day you will be able to find a way to enjoy the Bible itself, even if it's just in small chunks.

It was amazing, because last night I spent three hours reading Lady in waiting. And in the three hours about one hour just on the bible. The lady in waiting book, has lots of questions, and then scriptures to look up. So I decided to write out all the questions, my answers, and the scriptures. While writing out the scriptures, for some reason it clicked more in my head, I guess with writing and also the question from Lady in waiting, it made more sense to me. But I did have a couple of times last night while reading the bible that I was like what? lol. I read a NIV and sometimes NLT. What kind do you read? Basically what I got from reading the bible last night, was that Jesus loved broken women. He had a heart for them. Or maybe that's what God was showing me, because of my past, he wanted to make sure I knew he loved me. It is funny to me though. My ex husband would use certain verses to control me. To make me "submit". Like for instance where it talks about how husband's should be head of the household, should lead, women should be silent in the church, and my fav verse he used agianst me. Where it says something like women should submit to thier husbands and respect them. (I'm paraphrasing so if im wrong sorry). But he would always leave out, Husbands should love thier wives. So for a long time I was to afraid to find out on my own what the bible says. I just took peoples word for it. But now that I am reading it for myself I am in awe. For instance the two stories I read last night were about these two different women who poured perfume on Jesus from albaster jars. The people around were shocked and judging. Because these women were sinners, and they were wasting expensive perfume. Jesus showed compassion and love for them, and stood up for them. It's amazing to me. This Jesus is totally different then the Jesus my husband knew. I also have in the past been scared about marrying agian, and letting him lead. But God has been working on me with that, and I now believe that if the man is Seeking God with all his heart, then I have nothing to fear to put my faith and let him lead. Also it's funny because some men believe the "women should be silent in the church." So women like Joyce Meyer, etc are a abomination to them. (I'm quoting my ex on that). I don't really understand that verse, but I think it had to do with back then the women of that time were very powerful and could cause a lot of drama or something. So that's why they should be silent? IDK. So if you could explain that verse to me that would be great. But to someone like me Joyce meyer means the world to me. Her testimoney is one of the reasons that helped me follow God. She helped change my mind about thinking God was mean and angry, and into God is loving and really cares for us. So I don't see how that is wrong. lol sorry I kind of ranted. But hopefully you get my point. :)

Hi Tiffany, I don't profess to be any sort of an expert, but my understanding is there were a few cultural issues at play here. Firstly, women did not have access to education or teaching. In the Jewish culture for example, it was seen as a waste of time to teach women spiritual things. So women were not equipped to be teachers. They were also not respected in male society, and it would be a great insult for a woman to be trying to teach men. This would not be seen as respectable behaviour and would damage the church’s reputation. Secondly, in many churches women and men sat on opposite sides of the church. Therefore if women were calling out during the service to ask questions, then there would be quite a disruption to the service. In a sense, Paul was doing something radical by suggesting that they should ask their husbands when they got home. Paul is acknowledging women’s right to know and their ability to learn. I’m guessing this was something new.
Hope that helps.

Thanks, Janelle. That is a good explanation.

No worries, Tiffany.

I just today came across this thread. I have read several of the books mentioned above, and so would like to list a few Christian non-fiction books that I have read and enjoyed in the past, but which I did not see listed above:
Heaven
The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God
Christianity in Crisis
The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible REALLY Says About the End Times . . . and Why It Matters Today
Counterfeit Revival
The Face That Demonstrates The Farce of Evolution
Last Days Madness: Obsession of the Modern Church

Tiffany wrote: "I read a lot of non fiction books, so feel free to look through my books, on my profile. I am not sure though if I reviewed a lot of them. I have trouble reviewing books. I think it's interesting t..." It helps to read the Bible aloud. I have trouble concentrating in prayer so I've taken to praying aloud. Your mind can't wander very far when you do that.

I've never tried that Pat, it sounds like a good idea. I'll have some alone time soon and try that.

Whenever I'm praying without other people around, I've gotten into the habit of praying out loud. It does help in focusing one's thoughts, IMO.

I'm alone a lot and I have to watch as I've caught myself mumbling a prayer when I'm not alone. People look at you funny...

A familiar scene from The Fiddler on the Roof, comes to mind. :)

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I'm alone a lot and I have to watch as I've caught myself mumbling a prayer when I'm not alone. People look at you funny..."I know that feeling. I've always suspected that some people who talk on cell phones carry them as a prop. They are really talking to themselves :-) Some people have answered me when I caught myself talking to the produce. I pretend I was talking to them. "That canteloupe looks good." "Yes. It smells fresh." "Yes it does. Think I'll get two (smile)."

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I think I know which scene from The Fiddler on the Roof that Banner is referring to. That is my all-time favorite movie. Have watched it many, many times.

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