A friend recently asked what was the best book I read this year? It was “Judaism in the Second Temple Period” by David Flusser. The question prompted this list of great books in Christianity. It is not in any particular order, other than the order they came to mind. It is also not an exhaustive list, I am sure I will think of something else the moment I post. However, hopefully this list will expose others to some great works. This is my list of books that have personally influenced my life and theology. If you have any questions feel free to post them, if you have any personal favorites post those as well. Remember this is not a list of the best books of Christian history. This is a list of my personal favorites and those that most influenced me. After I started making this list I decided to limit it to only the books I would consider very influential. By saying they are influential I do not mean to imply that I agreed with them all, that would be difficult considering that some of these authors are in disagreement with each other. We do not have to be in complete agreement with something or someone to be influenced by them, I will leave it at that. I also limited this book to Christian writing and would add several other books to the most influential list otherwise. And before anyone points out that I did not list the Bible, that is a given.
The way in is the way on by John Wimber
A collection of essays and sermons. Clear, direct, refreshing, Christianity!
A Theology of the New Testament by George Eldon Ladd
The most influential American theologian of the past thirty years. You may not have read Ladd, but if you read new release Christian books by people like Chan, Oberbrunner, Wimber, or Platt, than you have exposure to Ladd. He was the most influential theologian at Fuller Seminary and Fuller has shaped American Christianity.
Knowing God by J. I. Packer
I know a number of people put this book on their personal list. I find that interesting considering how many over look his views on statues and pictures. That should stir a few people to go read it, or re-read it, which ever the case.
“Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Life changing! I stumbled onto this book and later found out it has been life changing for many people.
A Theology of Liberation by Gustavo Gutierrez
This book is not widely accepted but its influence on the world is monumental. It would be easy to find criticism of Gutierrez, all I can say to that is to read Gutierrez before you critique him. I think most people get second hand knowledge which is jumbled up with other writers on the same subject.
Outcry in the Barrio by Freddie Garcia
I love this book!
God and the Philosophers Thomas V. Morris
This is a collection of essays.
The Little Flowers of St. Francis by Raphael Brown
No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green by David Hazard
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
There are a number of books for people who may have just become a Christian, this is not one of them. But I think it should be, it gives an outline for the life of Christianity. The day to day actions that make for the good life.
Freedom of Simplicity Richard Foster
Foster expands on the topic of simplicity and gives a great historical overview.
Evangelical Theology Karl Barth
Eternity in their Hearts Don Richardson
The implications of this work can shift ones world view.
The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
Francis writes from a biblical worldview without apology so common in Christian writers of our day. We need more people like him.
Renewal Theology by J. Rodman Williams
Williams does theology with the bible in hand unconcerned about the philosophers and their questions.
The Journals of John Wesley by John Wesley
The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley
Century of the Holy Spirit by Vinson Synan
Synan does more the write history he connects the ideas.
A History of Christian Thought by Justo L. Gonzalez
My favorite book of Christian history.
He Is There and He Is Not Silent by Francis A. Schaeffer
Letters and Papers from Prison by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I had a much larger list and as I said many more will come to mind, but for now this will work. What are your thoughts? How many of these books have you read? Feel free to put together your own list and post it.
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