My Year in Books
Desiderius Erasmus, the Dutch priest and theologian from the 1400 and 1500s, famously said, “When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.” I’m sure he was exaggerating (I hope), but I agree with his sentiment. Good books are a valuable investment. They stimulate our thinking, deepen our understanding, broaden our perspective and strengthen our discernment.
Christians especially should be people who are devoted to the life of the mind. After all, Jesus commanded us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). Below you will find a list of books I read this year which I found stimulating, enjoyable, and helpful, and which I commend to you.
Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West
by Andrew Wilson
My book of the year. Wilson interestingly and insightfully synthesises large swathes of historical detail from the year 1776 to show how the events of that tumultuous year have influenced today’s cultural landscape, helping us to more effectively bear witness to the gospel in our post-Christian age. A remarkable achievement. For a similar type of cultural analysis with a shorter page count, check out Glen Scrivener’s ‘The Air We Breathe’.
A Gospel Pageant: A Readers Guide to the Book of Revelation
by Allan Chapple
A sane and straightforward guide to the most misunderstood book of the Bible. This is not the most detailed work on Revelation, but it is one of the most helpful (that I read). Others worth checking out are ‘The Joy of Hearing’ by Thomas Schreiner and ‘The Returning King’ by Vern Poythress.
Knowing Christ
by Mark Jones
Mark Jones serves as an able guide through the deep waters of Christology (the study of Christ), which brought me to a deeper love for our Lord. Sublime.
The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host
by David Gibson
Gibson lingers over the well-known phrases of this well-known psalm to paint a fresh and compelling picture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
You’re Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches
by Ray Ortlund Jr. and Sam Allberry
What difference should the gospel make on the ground in our churches? How should the gospel shape our leadership and our preaching and our community? This is what Ortlund and Allberry explore in this eminently helpful book.
Resurrection Year: Turning Broken Dreams into New Beginnings
by Sheridan Voysey
I could barely put this down. The story of Sheridan and his wife Merryn’s journey with infertility was raw, heart-breaking and, ultimately, redemptive. For those who have walked (or are walking) the agonising and bewildering road of infertility, this book will serve as a helpful companion.
Raising Confident Kids in a Confusing World: A Parent’s Guide to Grounding Identity in Christ
by Ed Drew
This is easily one of the best parenting books I’ve read. Gospel-hearted, readable, helpful, and humorous. I imagine I’ll be returning to this for years to come.
The Hiding Place
by Corrie ten Boom
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this classic book about this remarkable family of faith. Lord, make me more like Casper, Corrie and Betsie!
Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)
by Daniel Nayeri
I can’t recall reading a more inventive, more moving, or more heartwarming book ever. Daniel’s story of growing up in Iran before having to flee to Oklahoma following his Mum’s conversion to Christianity is extraordinary in every sense of then word.
Peace Child: An Unforgettable Story of Primitive Jungle Treachery in the 20th Century
by Don Richardson
The Richardson’s story of living as missionaries among the cannibalistic Sawi tribe in Papua, Indonesia, has to be heard to be believed. In particular, their contextualisation of the gospel was a vivid reminder that Christ really is ‘good news of great joy that will be for all the people’ (Lk. 2:10). I listened to this on Audible, narrated by the author himself, which added a sense of urgency and authenticity to what is already a remarkable tale.
Grace and peace,
Adam
