10 Books That Changed Me in 2023
The ten books below are not ranked; you’ll not find here “the best books of the year according to Lianna,” “a list of books I endorse,” or even “my favorite books I read this year.” Instead, my list is comprised of a handful of books that drove themselves into my thinking—in the assorted ways described below—and changed me this year.
The Evangelicals, by Frances FitzGerald
The picture developed of evangelicals is not always what I would choose, not always flattering and not always representative of my viewpoints as an evangelical. Evangelicalism is a wider and more diverse movement than I knew. On another point, this book, unsurprisingly, sees the movements of evangelicalism as responses to culture rather than movements of the Holy Spirit for biblical fidelity. The power of the movement comes not from meeting culture/ societal trends in time and space, but from the Holy Spirit who draws men to God. Still, this book was an education.
The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan
I have not read The Pilgrim’s Progress since high school. Rarely do I read books a second time, but this re-read was overdue. What I didn’t remember from the first time: the clear and beautiful presentation of the gospel within the book. Also, I found it moving that this entire work came from one mind so evidently devoted to the Scriptures. I found myself developing new tools in the fight against sin—new reasons to avoid sin and cling to righteousness.
Through Gates of Splendor, by Elisabeth Elliot
I confess it: I had never read this work, despite being familiar with the story. It was a pure joy to read—such missionary zeal for the Lord, such sacrifice for him, and such inspiration to follow Christ wherever he leads. I found myself swelling with Christian love for these brave missionaries for the Lord. The gospel is God’s good news, and these missionaries proclaimed that truth with power.
A quote from this book particularly challenged me concerning how one of the missionaries was known for following Christ, his Captain: “Obedience is not a momentary option; it is a die-cast decision made beforehand.” May I have that level of obedience.
The Essential Scriptures, by Kevin Zuber
At Moody, I took systematic theology with Dr. Zuber. This book was a helpful, minimalistic review of his excellent classes. Here is a book primarily of and about Scripture. There were also brief interactions with tradition. I am glad to have it in my back pocket, and I feel refreshed in the Scriptures, well, essential to each area of doctrine covered.
John MacArthur: A Servant of the Word and Flock, by Iain Murray
The book made me love righteousness more, resonate with a high view of Scripture, and relish the witness of other Christians to how God has shaped and formed them. It ministered to my very spirit. Perhaps this is my favorite book of the year.
Come, Lord Jesus, by John Piper
I was particularly helped by “Part 1: Reasons to Love Christ’s Appearing” in Come, Lord Jesus (which is also found here). This section of the book was purifying. Does my heart long for Christ’s coming in order to be freed from sin and because God has saved me from judgment? I want to see Jesus face-to-face. I do. There is no doubt about it. But to have these motives set before me strengthened my purity while I long. I want Christ to be drawn to come and meet me because of the way in which I walk, and the way I think about his coming.
Breaking Bread with the Dead, by Alan Jacobs
I liked the direction of this book. It gives reasons to be less judgmental toward the people of history. The book advocates allowing differences to be, while being glad that those in history moved us closer to our ideals. We can commingle with the thoughts different times with grace and discernment. I would also add from the standpoint of the Christian tradition that sometimes we simply stand in awe at those in history.
Called to Cultivate, by Chelsea Patterson Sobolik
Called to Cultivate was simply a treat to read. As a stay-at-home mother, I appreciate Sobolik’s viewpoint as a woman working outside of the home; that is, I find her writing on career, calling, and womanhood interesting. It was like taking a peek into a different life (though she does incorporate some points for women in my circumstances in her book as well). That’s what I most liked about this book—hearing from a woman processing and managing a very different life than mine in a very Christian way. Even though I am not a stranger to working outside the home, I am not doing so now; I found the book broadening, for I have grown very accustomed to my way of life.
The Christian Manifesto, by Alistair Begg
Chapter 5 is titled “Generous Forgiveness.” I felt the Lord stirring my soul as I read these teachings. Have I forgiven? Do I hold grudges? Have I exhibited a censorious spirit this year?
Unfortunately, I have seen the following quote from page 60 to be true (and have been part of the problem in the past!): “…churches in which there is a strong desire to maintain theological purity, moral rectitude, and clear expectations regarding church membership—are perhaps most in danger of coming down on the wrong side of what Jesus is saying here (to not judge—from Luke 6:37).” As someone who has a history of being judgmental and hopefully a future of being welcoming, I find this quote to be highly important.
Tactics, by Gregory Koukl
Koukl gives examples of debates and conversations he has had with unbelievers. His goal, as he puts it, is to put a stone in the other person’s shoe in each exchange—to give the other person a reason to be uncomfortable with an unbelieving point of view and to see the Christian worldview as one worth thinking about. I find myself wanting to revisit this book because of his many examples of counterarguments to unbelieving viewpoints; I think a list is in order. In short, this book sharpened my thinking and increased my knowledge. My gratitude!
Note: You can also view a “Ten Books That Changed Me” post from 2019 here; also, I did not include above any books read for the American Evangelicalism class I took this year, listed here.