'24 Reads

Reading is an abiding joy in my life. I read to learn, feel, understand, enjoy, and stretch my mind. So, I consume various books, mixing theology with classics, Christian living with current affairs, and more.

I enjoy seeing what others are reading and how others are reacting to their books; I get ideas for my reading plans through what others pick up. So, I’m here to join the conversation. Here’s a portion of what I read and enjoyed in 2024—in no particular order:

A Change of Heart: A Personal and Theological Memoir, by Thomas Oden

In the early middle of one’s life, it is humbling to read an entire life unfolding in a few sittings—especially one of such vigorous theological activity as Oden’s. Most moving for me was his ultimate personal adherence to Christ's historical resurrection and his commitment not to make any new contribution to theology. I saw through his writing and development the demise of modernity: “Four typically modern figures that identify the four movements going downhill since 1968 are naturalistic reductionism (Darwin), narcissistic hedonism (Freud), autonomous individualism (Nietzsche) and property redistribution by elites who factor their own interests first (Marx).” And I appreciated his finding: “Catholics accused Protestants of ignoring good works, while Protestants accused Catholics of making good works the basis of salvation. The consensual patristic writers corrected both of those tendencies.”

Help for the Hungry Soul, by Kristen Wetherell

If your Bible reading feels dull or flat, this is the spiritual pep talk you might need. I have been in a season of richness in Bible reading and connection with Jesus (praise God!). Still, I eagerly reached for my Bible after finishing this book. I found it well-written and sound. Here are three quotes I especially enjoyed from this work:

• “I thought that by opening my Bible I was seeking something good and right to do, rather than primarily seeking someone to love.”

• “Oh, that we would not miss Jesus! For if we miss him, we miss life itself.”

• “God’s words are purposeful, nourishing, and invaluable. They are worth trusting, for God’s words come from God’s heart.”

Are We Living in the Last Days?, by Bryan Chapell

I was impressed by the detail and description in a book that was a primer on the end times. The teaching I received in my undergraduate degree was refreshed and augmented with new facts and realities. I am grateful. For me, the arguments about the hermeneutical processes of the amillennial are worth exploring in more depth. I am a premillennialist who sees more separation between Israel and the Church than the amillennialist might see. However, overall, the book had a fair and even-handed approach to describing end times views. I would recommend this book readily!

Waiting Isn’t a Waste, by Mark Vroegop

This book took the posture of a friend and guided me through the purposeful work of waiting. Though Vroegop wrote and included many poignant quotes—lending understanding to my soul such that my eyes grew wet—the overall takeaway I had was that waiting is the process of trusting actively in the presence of God. Delay is part of life. Yet, so is God’s presence. So, all is genuinely okay.

Hillbilly Elegy, by J. D. Vance

I read Hillbilly Elegy because of the rise to prominence J. D. Vance has experienced in the Republican Party. I know that Vance wanted to advance more than the ideals of a functioning family. I know that he wanted to advance more than the impressive character of a country that can allow for achievement and change of circumstances. I know Vance wanted to portray more than the need for a stable living situation as a child. I know. But these I walked away with. For these reasons and more, this book is worth reading.  

Pierced by Love, by Hans Boersma

This book captures a process I am drawn to when reading the biblical text. Research and study serve the objective of meeting Christ through the Scriptures. The Scriptures transform us, leading us to sorrow over personal sin. They lift us to the light of grace—of eternal relief. And then, they lead us to the contemplation of God himself. Using the four rungs of a ladder, Boersma lifts the tradition of lectio divina from Church history, the four rungs being lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation). The author frequently uses the sense of being pierced by Love—pierced by Christ—whether by sorrow over sin and suffering or by joy.

But most notably, he pulls from tradition that the cross and passion of Jesus are central to this practice. Jesus will come to us through his Word, which he communicates to our souls as we silence ourselves before his divine communication. The book has enriched and grown my understanding of how to approach the Scriptures. I focus on the text's literal meaning and see what God is teaching me there through the greater narrative of Scripture. This practice of lectio divina is worth adopting and often speaks to my natural disposition before the Word.

The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host, by David Gibson

I will let a few quotes speak to this blessed book:

• “Athanasius said, ‘Most of Scripture speaks to us; the Psalms speak for us.’”

• “It is a wonder that we have a shepherd; it is a great wonder that the shepherd we have is ‘the Lord.’”

• “When all is said and done, the point of everything is not warfare and the clash of good and evil but fellowship and feasting.”

• “The greatest of hosts himself prepared the most lavish of feasts for the lowliest of creatures. How amazing it is that the Lord of heaven should be seen here spreading his fame in all the earth by wanting to be known as a certain kind of host.”

Justification: An Introduction, by Thomas R. Schreiner

This book highlights the righteousness of God in his saving acts. He must save righteously. There was a brief overview of the new perspective on Paul. There were also some helpful words about what the Reformation taught as faith, found in his discussion about Paul and James. Faith is the cord that transmits the electricity of salvation. And justification, then, allows us to rest. Here is a quote that I highlighted:

“True faith as the Reformers emphasized includes notitia, assensus, and fiducia. Notitia has to do with what we must know to believe, specifically that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead for the sake of sinners. But knowing such facts isn’t enough to bring salvation. One must also assent (assensus) to these truths and actually believe them. One may know that there is a vaccine for polio but refuse to believe it. Still even assensus isn’t enough for salvation; fiducia is also required. Perhaps the best word to describe fiducia is trust, where one gives oneself to Jesus Christ, where one relies on him for deliverance. For Paul faith involves all three of these realities, and he particularly emphasizes fiducia, entrusting oneself to Jesus Christ.”

The Good Gift of Weakness, by Eric Schumacher

For me, the value of this book was not any one point in particular. Nothing stands out that I haven’t thought of or been taught previously. However, the value and conclusion of this book are based on the theme of weakness throughout Scripture. On a deeper emotional level, I am convinced that God wants me weak before him. And I am more convinced than ever that any strength is due him. When I experience personal weakness, I am living out the theme of the Scriptures that weakness is where God is glorified in me. Therefore, I honestly can echo the Apostle Paul’s words that I boast in my weakness. I view this book as an extended Scriptural meditation or sermon on this theme that has created a prayerfully lasting impression in my spirit. I’m glad I read it.

The Death of Ivan Ilych, by Leo Tolstoy

This novella was instructive. The viewpoint of impending death considers the course of one’s life. Relationships, work, and religion all play their part in consideration. Why was this work instructive? It was a reminder of what one thinks about when one is about to die. Those thoughts are always fruitful for me.

The Bruised Reed, by Richard Sibbes

Jesus is tender with us when our sins bruise us. He is tender not only once we are righted but also while we are being righted. He shows us the truth and gently picks us up when we see how wounded we are by our sins. If you have trouble believing this, read Sibbes. I will return to this book’s principles often and resist the urge to be strict and condemning toward myself, where Jesus lifts and restores. He is a beautiful Savior.

To Gaze Upon God, by Samuel G. Parkison

The beatific vision is not a doctrine to which I had previously given much thought. I don’t remember it being mentioned, or mentioned as such, in my formal education. Though, indeed, its underlying tenets were there. But this book opened up the history, development, and depth of this topic for me. I did not, for example, know that it amounted to more than the glorious expectation of seeing God face-to-face. More is involved. I would highly recommend this work and do so as a layperson coming to grips afresh with the distinctions raised about this doctrine. The journey was both intellectually stretching and spiritually edifying.

My Ten Favorite Books I Read for Seminary

As a recent seminary graduate, I have taken some time to reflect on my courses at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (where I took 14 credits) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (where I finished the majority of my degree).

In terms of overall experience, my favorite classes were: The Problem of Evil, Psalms, Ethics, The Theology of Jonathan Edwards, and American Evangelicalism (whose books I excluded from the list below because they’re discussed here).

Favorite course books (below) are drawn from Hermeneutics, Systematic Theology, Introduction to Missiology, Ethics, New Testament, The Theology of Jonathan Edwards, and The Problem of Evil.

From Eden to the New Jerusalem, by T. Desmond Alexander

An insightful and compelling telling of the storyline of the Bible from beginning to end

40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible, by Robert L. Plummer

Solid and conservative answers to issues of Bible interpretation; highly recommend

The Holy Spirit: Theology for the People of God, by Gregg R. Allison and Andreas J. Kostenberger

A captivating read about the ministry of the Holy Spirit

Christian Mission: A Concise Global History, by Edward L. Smither

An overview of the history of Christian missions that is highly readable and delightful

The Abolition of Man, by C. S. Lewis

Lays the philosophical groundwork for objectivity as the basis for moral feelings and attitudes

Natural Law: A Brief Introduction and Biblical Defense, by David Haines and Andrew A. Fulford

Two metaphysical principles and one epistemological principle necessary for the philosophical foundation of natural law

Liberty for All, by Andrew Walker

How a government understands its relationship to temporal and ultimate authority

Jonathan Edwards, by Iain Murray

A detailed, inspiring overview of the life of Jonathan Edwards

Jesus's Final Week: From Triumphal Entry to Empty Tomb, by William F. Cook

An enlightening examination of the final week of Christ, harmonizing the gospel accounts

Where Is God: A Personal Story of Finding God in Grief and Suffering, by John S. Feinberg

A thoughtful and unique contribution to material on the religious problem of evil (as opposed to the theological/ philosophical problem of evil)

'23 Reads

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 of 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 of 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 about judgment (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!

Six Books on American Evangelicalism

In my Spring 2023 semester as a student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, I took what came to be one of my favorite classes: American Evangelicalism. It was taught by Dr. Albert Mohler—so, a wonderful opportunity. I want to share with you the books that were assigned for class and my reflections that resulted from this class reading.

Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction, by Kevin DeYoung

DeYoung does a thorough and convincing job on the main points of his book: women are not to teach/ preach for men in the local church, and there are differences between men and women that cannot be overlooked. We can celebrate the differences between men and women as God’s design and creation. I appreciated the insight that women are to grow up into full beauty, while men are to grow up into full strength. Further, in broad strokes, I appreciated his insight that men are the cultivators of the soil, while women are cultivators of the womb. I felt affirmed in my womanhood and femininity through reading this book because pure stereotypes were avoided.

It felt, at times and especially in the section on teaching/ leading in the church being reserved for men, that men have a level of importance that is not shared by women. Men seemed to have an air of significance not garnered by women in their roles. Women are to sit aside while men figure out the important tasks of governing and leading. However, I see that Jesus places great importance upon the words of a woman in that, for example, a woman was the first to see Christ resurrected. Women may have just as important of thoughts and ideas as men, even while men take on the important mantle of leadership in church and home (Acts 6:2). Men do best to want and desire women’s buy-in prior to decisions, and that pertains to the most important tasks of leadership and direction.

The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism, by Carl F. H. Henry

Here’s my personal takeaway: We can look to Jesus’ example of bringing order, healing, and peace in society wherever He went—through His healing and miracles. Jesus was continually speaking of His kingship—that place where He is honored as King. And, that kingdom has bearing upon society, wherever Christians are engaging.

Christianity and Liberalism, by J. Gresham Machen

This was my second time through Christianity and Liberalism. Perhaps not my last! Machen’s main argument is that liberalism is a completely different religion than Christianity. This is true despite the fact that liberalism uses much the same language as Christianity. Liberalism is ultimately a failed attempt at “rescuing” Christianity from naturalism and the scientific age.

Dr. Mohler expressed in class that evangelicalism is an argument. While personal conversion experience is necessary to the faith, defending that evangelicalism is based upon true historical facts and events is essential. Personal Christian experience is based upon that history and those events (most prominently, the truth of the cross). Doctrine and history run together because evangelical doctrine is based upon historical fact. That’s a main argument of American evangelicalism.

We Cannot Be Silent: Speaking Truth to a Culture Redefining Sex, Marriage, & the Very Meaning of Right & Wrong, by Albert Mohler

I’m glad I read this book. It’s packed with insight.

In the eyes of society, Christians have moved—due to the sexual revolution—from being seen as the caretakers of social ethics to being “immoral” for their views of homosexuals, transgender people, and more. This cultural shift did not start with cultural acceptance of homosexuality, but with evangelical response to contraceptives, divorce, reproductive treatments, and cohabitation. What this will ultimately mean for the religious liberties of believers remains to be seen in full—God knows. But, Mohler charts the course of liberties being removed. Regardless, God has shown us what sin is, what we need to be saved from—indeed what He died to save us from. We, thus, cannot allow the gospel to become empty by remaining silent on today’s sexual revolution.

“Fundamentalism” And the Word of God: Some Evangelical Principles, by J. I. Packer

This book was extremely helpful in defining for me exactly what liberalism holds to and why.

I learned about the basic tenets of liberalism: 1.) God’s love does not have measurable standards for people or beings; 2.) There is a bit of the divine in all of us as people; 3.) Jesus Christ is the perfect example for us—and only in this way is He Savior; 4.) Christianity is merely the highest religion of all the religions of mankind; and 5.) the Bible is a human record relating man’s experience of religion (not being God’s authoritative Word).

Fundamentalism differs from liberalism in the basic doctrines that it upheld: 1.) God does have measurable standards; people must personally respond to His offer of salvation with repentant faith; 2.) Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, meaning we are inherently sinful and needy; 3.) Jesus is God, being born of the virgin Mary; 4.) Only through personal faith in Christ does one get to God (not through other religions); 5.) the Scriptures are inerrant and infallible—the very Word of God.

Furthermore, evangelicals are not obscurantists in terms of abandoning progress, reason, the scientific method—rather, the evangelicals use these (progress, reason, and science) under a consistent framework of thinking. Evangelicals believe in what Christ and the Scriptures teach about the Word of God (that it is our authority) and we subject ourselves to it as such; this is wholly reasonable.

Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice, by Thaddeus J. Williams

Here are my main personal takeaways: There is good evidence that flies contrary to many of the claims about racial and economic inequality—i.e. inequality is not necessarily due to discrimination. There is much seemingly compassionate activity that contradicts the actual goal of helping people—i.e. sending shoes to poor countries undermines local shoemakers and their livelihoods. There is much in terms of definitions that are not what they seem—i.e. the very meaning of racism has changed to include a necessary power on the side of the racist. Instead of helping young people, many are transformed into fearful and continually “victimized” people because of the culture of social justice that is taught at universities. Marxist-based theories promote a false gospel of social constructs to help people, which steal hearts and minds away from the true gospel.

'22 Reads

The 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.

Let Me Be a Woman, by Elisabeth Elliot

Elliot pursued exquisite truths about being a woman in this work. Though I did not agree on every point, she elevated womanhood in a way that made me feel blessed to be counted among this sex’s ranks.

The End Times in Chronological Order, by Ron Rhodes

Here was a fascinating look at end times events, and I do happily recommend this book. His thinking is categorically and near-dogmatically biblical—while being thorough and organized.

The Imperfect Disciple, by Jared Wilson

Wilson confessed that he woke up every day for a season not feeling like a Christian. As someone who has struggled with assurance of salvation, I believe I needed to read this book purely for this sentence.

Devotions from the Song of Solomon, by Charles Spurgeon

This book was my lasting delight for weeks, for I listened to it on repeat. The love of Jesus is magnified.

Hinds Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard

Much-afraid’s journey helped me with my own. But I will never forget that in this work, the Lord Jesus leaves Much-afraid while Jesus bounds ahead. And this is simply not what I see Jesus doing with me. He is there, showing himself in the sorrow and suffering. I am afraid that Much-afraid would have had reason for fear if the Lord were not her ever-present help. If anything, this book made me all the more grateful for the presence of Jesus.

Rejoice & Tremble, by Michael Reeves

This book promotes fearing God for His awesome goodness. That every attribute of God calls forth awe for him is what I will remember. God’s goodness is so good, we fear Him.

The Christian Lover, by Michael A.G. Haykin

I adored this little series of letters between Christian lovers across history; it was good for a short Sunday afternoon read. Simple and sweet, the letters provoked reflections on the beginnings and closings (in death) of Christian marriage. “Rejoice with those who rejoice”—so says the Scriptures. And these letters made me rejoice in the gift of marriage evidenced in faithful saints, a source of comfort and friendship and God-facing joy and more. My complaint for this work: too brief.

A Week in the Life of Corinth, by Ben Witherington

I found this book’s depiction of Paul utterly unconvincing. I don’t imagine Paul fading into the background of his own life, even if he is mild in person. Otherwise, quite a few facts were learned that will enrich my studies of 1 and 2 Corinthians and the corresponding times.

The Things of Earth and Strangely Bright, by Joe Rigney

My reflection as I concluded these books: I do sometimes withhold myself from enjoyment because withholding symbolizes the present fallen reality of this earth (that is, we are kept apart from the full experience of God’s presence and joy here). That practice is, perhaps, keeping me from rendering due gratitude to my God for life on this earth.

George Müller: Delighted in God, by Roger Steer

This was a fascinating account; it shows how deeply God honors our faith. In fact, I am moved by this book to see that God loves the faith of his people. Müller’s story will stay with me—it made a deep impression.

'21 Reads

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 and changed me this year.

Katharina and Martin Luther, by Michelle DeRusha

The story of a marriage between a runaway nun and the Reformer Martin Luther amidst the Protestant Reformation

Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cures, by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Addresses the source and causes of spiritual malaise; points to hope and joy

The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The captivating story of healing and finding joy, friendship, and freedom as a child

Introducing Christian Mission Today: Scripture, History, Issues, by Michael Goheen

An overview of the global mission of the church; includes history and present-day concerns

Christian Mission: A Concise Global History, by Edward Smither

Easy-to-read survey of the history of the spread of the gospel throughout the world

Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global, by Andy Johnson

Explains and helps the church in its vital role in worldwide missions

The Way Home, by Tessa Afshar

A heartfelt and touching six-week Bible study on the book of Ruth pointing toward redemption, providence, and divine purpose

God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our World, by David F. Wells

On viewing the world through the character of God in His holiness and love

Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl, by N. D. Wilson

A poetic look at faith, wonder, and creation—coaxing the reader toward awe

The Story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day, by Justo L. González

Traces events, movements, and figures in the history of the church from the time of the Reformation

'20 Reads

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 and changed me this year.

Surprised by Joy, by C.S. Lewis

The poignant and reflective spiritual autobiography of C.S. Lewis

Union with Christ, by Rankin Wilbourne

How a doctrine that can be overlooked brings comfort and power to the Christian life

Taking Hold of God, edited by Joel Beeke and Brian G. Najapfour

A rich look at the Puritans’ practice of prayer

Joy: Poet, Seeker, and the Woman Who Captivated C.S. Lewis, by Abigail Santamaria

The life of the Joy Davidman, who would become C.S. Lewis’s muse and encourager

The Soul of the American University, by George M. Marsden

Traces the fall of American higher education from its Protestant foundation to secularism

The Life of God in the Soul of Man, by Henry Scougal

Calls the Christian away from mere knowledge to the life of God deep in the soul

Who Is an Evangelical?, by Thomas Kidd

Kidd’s perspective on the history, doctrine, and cultural expressions of evangelicalism

Keeping the Heart, by John Flavel

How and why to guard the heart as the source of Christian spirituality

Nehemiah: A Pastoral and Exegetical Commentary, by T. J. Betts

Scholarship and pastoral wisdom combined to provide guidance for church life, leadership, and faithfulness

Practicing the Present, by John Koessler

An exploration of how the present is not a transition from past to future, but the time when God works with us

'19 Reads

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. (Note: In order to avoid redundancy, I excluded any books that I mention in Keeping the Faith.)

On the Incarnation, by Athanasius

Athanasius’ meditations on Jesus, God Incarnate, upholding the universe imparted to my spirit true Christmas joy. He wrote: “Existing in a human body, to which He Himself gives life, He is still Source of life to all the universe, present in every part of it, yet outside the whole; and He is revealed both through the works of His body and through His activity in the world.” (Pg. 15) To read Athanasius’ reflections was beauty imbibed!

Provence, 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste, by Luke Barr

For all of this book’s discussion on good taste and foods that taste good, its greater value for me was in the distaste it produced: never before had I quite identified that what I call excellence might sometimes be snobbery. And, purchasing the book on a whim to read about Julia Child for fun, it was a surprise lesson no less.

American History: A Very Short Introduction, by Paul S. Boyer

Largely, Boyer carried me through a sweep of American events—but this book also made me grieve. The author wrote: “The means have changed—from open-air exhortation to televangelism and suburban megachurches—but evangelical faith and missionary zeal remain alive and well in the twenty-first-century America.” (Kindle Loc. 361) Can George Whitefield and Joel Osteen possibly be seen as belonging to the same group worshiping the same God? 

Agnes Grey, by Anne Brontë

Prior to reading this novel, I had dwelt on character as a reward in itself—and most of all, as a response to God’s grace of godly perseverance in suffering (Romans 5:3-5). But this book propounded that being able to interact in robust and substantive ways with other people also rests on good character—another reward. 

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, by John Bunyan

Bunyan influenced me as a writer. From him I saw that divulging how one’s personal, developing faith interacts with the truths of Scripture can be a writing pursuit timelessly of aid. Bunyan writes, for example, of an illness that brought him near death. After confessing that he had once been afraid of death, he relayed: “Now death was lovely and beautiful in my sight; for I saw we shall never live indeed till we be gone to the other World. Oh, methought this life is but a slumber in comparison with that above; at this time also I saw more in those words, Heirs of God (Rom. 8:17), than ever I shall be able to express while I live in this world. Heirs of God! God himself is the portion of the Saints.” (pg. 50)

Eight Women of Faith, by Michael A. G. Haykin

Lady Jane Grey: an Evangelical Queen—she was (very briefly) queen of England prior to her execution by “Bloody Mary.” Her debate with Roman Catholic John Howman, or John of Feckham, about why she was an evangelical; her words for her younger sister about the treasure of Scripture; and her final speech prior to death all reveal an abiding faith in Christ—whom she knew through Reformation doctrine. Addressing those who would soon witness her execution, she said: “I do look to be saved by no other mean, but only by the mercy of God, in the blood of his only Son Jesus Christ.” (Kindle Loc. 424) I pray that her conviction printed on Haykin’s page would be assumed in my heart with the same black-and-white clarity. 

The Four Loves, by C. S. Lewis

Under Lewis’ tutelage, friendship became a less amorphous concept to me. He wrote, “To the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and most full human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue.” Another of his thoughts: “. . . [Friendship] is a relation between men at their highest level of individuality.” And then: “The very condition of having Friends is that we should want something else besides Friends. Where the truthful answer to the question Do you see the same truth? Would be ‘I see nothing and I don’t care about the truth; I only want a Friend,’ no Friendship can arise—though Affection of course may. There would be nothing for the Friendship to be about; and Friendship must be about something. . . .” I often want my friends involved in one endeavor or another that I undertake—and I have sometimes noticed the same tendency in others too. Lewis puts words to why. (Kindle Loc. 742, 859—Note: The Kindle edition I own is no longer available, so I have linked to another.)

Christianity & Liberalism, by J. Gresham Machen

Even if anti-intellectual Christians have existed, God cannot be described as such. I mused throughout reading Machen that the God who created the intellect gives it the satisfaction of His inscripturated word. My reasons for desiring knowledge, and anticipation of how knowledge can augment my faith expressed, grew meatier.

The Short Life of Jonathan Edwards, by George Marsden

For this entry on my list, I make an exception to my premise for this post. I must reveal my appreciation for this book—that if I were ranking books I read this year, this would be among the top. The even writing, the marked detail, the unexpected pieces of history interwoven—I fell ravenous over this little feast. (I say “little” because, in full, it registers at 176 pages as compared with Marsden’s Edwards: A Life at 640). The whole of it fed me; so, I can do no better than humbly raise it for your 2020 reading list (if you haven’t read it already).

The Soul in Paraphrase, By Leland Ryken

I am certainly not familiar with all of George Herbert’s poems—simply reading one here or there over the years or using a topical guide when I want to feel with him on a given subject. So, when might I have found Prayer (I) had I not read The Soul in Paraphrase? I stand indebted to Ryken for introducing me to a poem that I anticipate carrying into the next year and still remembering the year after that.