The following is my objective, absolute, written in heaven, add it to the Bible list of the top ten books every Christian should have. The post is in response to our latest Theology Unplugged Podcast on the same subject. You can listen to the complete podcast by clicking the play button below:
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Romans, John StottA wonderful commentary on what I believe to be the most important theological work ever written, the book the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans. Very influential in helping me begin to grasp this book.
Grace Awakening, Charles SwindollC.S. Lewis once said that the most unique things about Christianity is grace. Nothing can kill the Christian life quicker than the enemy of grace: legalism. I cannot tell you how important this book is for establishing an understanding of what grace is all about.
Mere Christianity, C.S. LewisI don’t think it would be possible to underestimate the impact this book has had on millions of Christians. C.S. Lewis provided us with a much needed, out of the box, defense of the Christian faith. You need this to understand the intellectual side of Christianity.
Pilgrim’s Progress, John BunyanA classic. In fact, one of the best selling books of all time. This is a fictional allegory that I suggest, not simply because of its historic stature, but because it will give you eyes to see your faith that is both entertaining and challenging.
The Cross of Christ, John StottThe cross is the apex of all of human history. While there are some great mysteries to what happened on the cross, there is a lot we do know. The Cross of Christ is a theological masterpiece on what the cross and salvation is all about.
How to Read the Bible for all its Worth, Gordon FeeDon’t forget: when you read the Bible you must know that it has to be interpreted. This is a easy to understand guide to interpreting the Bible. (Also suggested in this area is William Hendricks “Living by the Book.”)
“Canon” “Pseudopigrapha” “Calvinism” “Atonement” “Irenaeus”: These are all words and people you need to know. This is reference book that will guide you as you walk through the waters of theological terminology and concepts. A must have reference work.
Systematic Theology, Wayne GrudemSystematic theologies are like handbooks to the Bible and the Christian faith. Everyone should have one. I think that this one is the most accessible of all systematic theologies.
Everyone needs a multi-volume commentary to help them work through the more difficult issue that come up in interpreting the Bible. This set is the best-of in Evangelical scholarship, each contributing to their area of expertise. Confused by a particular passage of the Bible? Never fear. This set will help you in understanding and teaching the Bible.
The Story of Christianity (volume 1), Justo Gonzalez
We all need to know our roots. We stand on the shoulders of 2,000 years of Spirit indwelt Church history. Gonzalez’s two volume work is highly accessible and truly enjoyable. Instead of being bored your heart will be inflamed for your Savior.
The Story of Christianity (volume 2), Justo Gonzalez
We all need to know our roots. We stand on the shoulders of 2,000 years of Spirit indwelt Church history. Gonzalez’s two volume work is highly accessible and truly enjoyable. Instead of being bored your heart will be inflamed for your Savior.
For a list of all my recommended books in many categories, see here.
13 replies to "10 Books Every Christian Should Have (Michael’s List)"
[…] Michael’s list is silly and heavily subjective, here is my more level-headed list. The post is in response to our […]
[…] Nick Norelli I don’t know what’s going on in the world but something’s fishy. C. Michael Patton and Tim Kimberley have both posted “10 Books Every Christian Should Have” lists over at […]
The following is my objective, absolute, written in heaven, add it to the Bible list of the top ten books every Christian should have.
I love objective truth. Thanks for informing me.
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by TylerFlipboard, John Calvin Hall. John Calvin Hall said: 10 Books Every Christian Should Have (Michael’s List): The following is my objective, absolute, written in heave… http://bit.ly/dKItdn […]
Well, here’s my list, for all it’s worth: you may call it the Eastern-Orthodox list, if you wish: 🙂
0) The Bible
1) The New Testament
2) The Psalter
3) The Horologion
4) The Akathist-book
5) The Lives of the Saints
6) The Patericon
7) The Lemonarium or The Spiritual Garden
8) The Lausiac History
9) The Way of the Pilgrim
[…] time, Michael Patton at Parchment and Pen offers his list of the ten books every Christian should […]
I splurged on Expositors Commentery a while back. I love this collection and often find my missing volumes in my teenagers rooms.
[…] Michael and Tim have given you their ultimate Top Ten list, so now it’s my turn. […]
I scored an 8 out of 10!!
The score drops sadly if you change the title from “own” to “finished reading”
I need to start The Cross of Christ, it’s been on my to read shelf too long….
Just browsing old posts, and I love book lists.
It’s interesting that the publication dates for these, except I suppose Pilgrims Progress, are all relatively recent.
For fun sometime, you should put yourself in Calvin or Augustine’s shoes, and make a top ten list for each if them. (As if they had written it during their lifetimes, in other words, no modern books.)
It would be a very good intellectual exercise, too! You’d have to demonstrate a good knowledge of the way they thought, how they were educated, and what was most important to them, as well as a knowledge of literature in history up to that time.
Hey, sounds like a good project for Fr Robert! (:
And, also, it would be interesting to see what different people came up with and why. (On this particular list, I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know who John Stott is, and you’ve got him twice! So I’ll learn something.)
Add this one to the list. A book that will change everything: http://www.amazon.com/—logical-S-James/dp/0615783201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365477240&sr=8-1&keywords=theillogical
hmmm….I find that unlikely but will keep my eye out
(1) Leibniz’s Theodicy
(2) Aquinas’ Summa Contra Gentiles
(3) Aquinas’ On Truth
(4) Augustine’s On Free Choice of the Will
(5) Anselm’s Proslogion
(6) Aquinas’ Summa Theologica
(7) Augustine’s On the Trinity
(8) Leibniz’s Correspondence with Samuel Clarke
(9) Malebranche’s Search After Truth
(10) Berkeley’s Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous