4 books every Christian should read to understand what we’re up against today
A special Holy Week book club discussion
Hey friends,
Wishing you a very Good Friday.
I thought I would deviated from our normal book club format to mention a few books that I think every concerned believer should read if they haven’t already, particularly if you are feeling grieved by the state of our world.
It certainly seems fitting for Holy Week, as we consider the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord on our behalf to also meditate on the fact that the mercy He has shown for mankind, He also enables us to show to others. This includes those who are wrapped up in worldly deceptions designed to appeal to their deepest longings for truth, goodness, justice, righteousness, and love.
No matter how angry, confused, blue-haired, or violent, everyone is made in God’s image and the worst people are often those who have been injured the most by the brokenness of the world.
Sadly, we often approach the most divisive issues of the day and how they are affecting the souls of our fellow man like a doctor who only addresses symptoms, rather than considers the holistic body and person.
Yet what’s going on in our society culturally, politically, spiritually, and existentially all traces back to how humanity views God, just as our own personal turmoils can often be traced back to the way we view Him and whether or not He is truly in His proper place upon the throne of our hearts.
Jesus died for our sins out of pure love, completely unfiltered as ours so often is by the wickedness of our hearts and clouding of our minds.
This love can be felt most potently in our assurance that He knows better than anyone just how much pain we feel and struggle we face against sin.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
The grand theme of the biblical narrative is mankind’s own raging battle with himself and the victory of only One Who can bring peace to this battle, unifying is yet again with the One for Whose glory we were created.
Whether or not we fear God makes all the difference for where we are going in the next life as well as how we live in this life.
And the humbling stories of God’s people and the raging, tyrannical messes they make when they do not reflect a fear of Him in how they arrange their societies are all around us, from the pages of Scripture to the annals of history to the things going on in the world around us today.
The more we understand the struggle of those raging against their fallen state, the more we are able to love as Christ loved, in mercy and truth, rather than get sucked into the same vicious, earthly cycles.
So, I wanted to put together a quick list of the books that have humbled my heart towards th
Here they are in no particular order:
The God Who Is There
by Francis Schaeffer
Written at the time when radical philosophy was starting to have a real tangible impact on society and the way it viewed God, morality, and its own humanity, this book explores the history of postmodern philosophy as contrasted to the assuredness of the Christian worldview and that stable foundation of faith in the God Who is there.
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
by Carl R. Trueman
Apologies to my faithful readers who have heard me rave about this book countless times, but it would be a crime if I left it off this list. Trueman examines the evolution of the way modern man views himself and the core ideas at play in modern assumptions about self-identity.
God in the Dock
by C.S. Lewis
This collection of writings from Lewis confront many common objections to the Christian faith that are as relevant now as they were at the time this great 20th Century apologist was writing.
I also strongly recommend Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters by Lewis.
Love Thy Body
by Nancy R. Pearcey
The most potent and compassionate book on the list when it comes to loving the lost. Pearcey writes about the sanctity of life and the human body as relates to issues like abortion, gender identity, and sexual ethics. It is as brilliantly written as it is beautifully sensitive to men and women who have experienced abortion, promiscuity, same-sex attraction, or gender confusion.
Now, I’d love to hear the books you recommend to every believer or books that have changed your paradigm.
Please share in the comments if you are a premium subscriber as well as anything else you are reading, learning, or meditating on this Holy Week! Can’t wait to chat.