This Year’s Reading List, Part 1

I am steadily working through this year’s reading list, here’s short reviews of some of the books I’ve read so far.

1. Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey by A. Scott Moreau, Gary Corwin, and Gary B. McGee. This was a great introduction to the subject of world missions. It’s a standard textbook, and so at certain places has that feel, but nonetheless helpful.
2. Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott. This interesting little book is an address that Stott gave at an ecumenical missions conference. He emphasizes the duality of Christian missions as both “saving souls” and as ministering global justice. This is a thought provoking book and a timely one for the modern church.
3. Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen. A classic indictment of the liberal church’s use of the name “Christian,” while essentially robbing the faith from everything that makes it “Christian.”
4. The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson. The Puritans new how to write solid devotional works and this is no exception. Watson outlines what Biblical repentance is, points to its advantages for the soul, and warns against the dangers of false repentance. A classical work that I read regularly to refresh my own soul.
5. Interpreting the Prophetic Word by Willem Van Gemeren. Interpreting the prophets is not always easy, but this book sure makes it seem like it is. Without making the discussion overly technical Van Gemeren introduces a general hermeneutic for interpreting the prophets. This is, hands down, one of the best books I read all year.
6. The Lost World of Genesis 1 by John Walton. I am not sure I buy into the system, but nonetheless Walton makes a convincing case for the compatibility of evolution and Christian theism. He argues that the text of Genesis 1 does not necessarily support a young earth creationism and that read in light of historic literary patterns, thoughts, and contexts that evolution is actually still compatible. At the end of the day it still seems to me like these guys are trying to make something fit which, on the surface, doesn’t. But I couldn’t help but be impressed by much of what Walton has intelligently written; there is no doubt that it has given me some fresh perspective on Genesis 1.
7. How to Read the Psalms by Tremper Longman III. Longman is a well respected Old Testament scholar and with both clear knowledge of the Scriptures and their ancient background he nonetheless brings the interpretation of the Psalms down to a layman’s level. This is a great introduction to reading not just the Psalms but the whole Old Testament and I recommend it. It is even designed to be used in small group settings or Sunday school classes.
8. M.Y.T.H. Inc In Action by Robert Asprin. I don’t get much time for fiction, or more to the point I don’t allow much, but I love a good silly science fiction comedy and Robert Asprin writes some of the best.
9. Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today by John Stott. I’ve read a number of books on preaching, not a lot, but enough to get a variety of views. Stott’s book, however, ranks above them all as the best book on preaching I have ever read. With both sensitivity and with a compelling style Stott instructs, from his wealth of preaching experience and knowledge, readers on how to preach sermons that are both rich in theological, Scriptural content and how to apply those sermons to the lives of your people. Preaching and preachers must be part of two worlds: the world of Scripture (which rightly understands and interprets the text in light of its historical and theological context) and the world of today (the place where your hearers live and need help). Great material and an easy, enjoyable, read.
10. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America ed. by Darrell Guder. This is one of the seminal works in the missional church discussion. Guder edits a volume by an eclectic group of pastors, researchers, and church ministry leaders. Each essay is co-written by the team and is thoughtful in its own right. Some chapters are obviously better than others, but the book as a whole presents a case for rethinking church structure and purpose in the 21^st century. A call for the church to return to the one true mission is at the heart of the book and while I quibble over some things I can heartily agree to that call.