What are you reading?
I'm always interested in what others are reading. Here's what I've been reading lately:
- Currently reading 'The Forgotten Ways: reactiving the missional church' by Alan Hirsch. Just getting into it, but I connect with Alan and it's much better than I thought it might be. Seems very practical, with a nice glossary of terms in the back.
- Just read 'Strengths Based Leadership' by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. This was also much better than I thought it might be, because it's a "leadership" book, and not necessarily from a Christian perspective. It was a rather quick and easy read, it also comes with a code so you can take a strengths-based leadership assessment online.
- Introverts in the Church by Adam McHugh was an okay read. It wasn't the most well-written book, but the content was very good - especially if you are an introvert, or have introverts in your church.
- 'Living Faith: A Guide to the Christian Life' by John Schwarz was a nice "beginners" book for someone new to the faith. Fairly well written and an easy read.
- 'Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders' by Reggie McNeal was another one of those books I didn't think I would like, but it was actually quite good (if you are a spiritual leader). Very helpful and practical, imho.
So... what about you. Has anyone read anything worthwhile lately (or anything we should avoid)?
Labels: books
posted by dan at 10:37 AM
15 Comments:
GREAT topic. I am currently reading More Ready Than You Realize by Brian McLaren. I know he is a bit of a controversial figure, but this book is one of the best books on personal evangelism I have ever read. I am also currently reading Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional by Jim Belcher. This book is phenomenal and I think it is honestly an important book that many will miss out on.
After having met Peter Rollins recently I read all of his books last month. "How Not to Speak of God"-a really good book to see the theology and expressions of worship of an emerging group on the other side of the pond. I would give it a decent read. "Fidelity of Betrayal"-Though provocative, I did not agree with all of it. "The Orthodox Heretic" is a MUST read. It is a book of parables he has written and they are quite good and the concept of writing and telling new parables based on insights in the Bible and from reading some theologian...I've been taking to writing a few of my own. Finally, while I was in the hospital I read me some "Cost of Discipleship" by Dietric Bonhoeffer. I read it once back in '92 and I am so glad I picked it up again. Very glad.
good topic.
i've been going through "God, marriage and family" by andreas kostenberger as part of pre-marital prep. it's been very good theologically, strives to be faithful to Biblical texts, and yet readable for an average person.
"the knowledge of the holy" by a.w. tozer has been a great read, solidly Godward in content and tone. each chapter is on an attribute of God, for the purpose of refocusing faith on the God who is as revealed by Scripture, rather than a god of our imagination.
i also just started "life together" by dietrich bonhoeffer. while i haven't gotten far, i love the passion with which he writes, and am excited to read more, knowing a bit of his background.
anyone else?
I just read A New Kind of Christianity by Brian McLaren.
1) I loved his chapters on reading the Bible more as a community library than as a constitution.
2) His chapters on what we do in the church today about practical issues like sexuality were completely unsatisfying and felt hastily written.
3) I was troubled by the fact that the Cross was only mentioned briefly as an example of love and self-sacrifice. This was also the case in his book The Secret Message of Jesus. Many people are realizing that the image of blood-atonement has limitations and is only one of the biblical pictures of the Cross, but the absence of the Cross in McLaren's writings makes one wonder if he no longer believes Jesus' death was redemptive per se in any actual sense.
The book will make you think, and is worth the read, even if like me, you don't love the whole thing.
Random side note. Fran, if you wanna read a great book on atonement, check out A Community Called Atonement by Scot McKnight. It is the best book on the topic I have read yet. Considering the take on atonement you have in your book I suspect you will appreciate what Scot has to say.
I find the last chapter of Brian's new book to be stinging. He expresses his frustration about how during his Everything Must Change tour no one would talk about the merits of that book but question his theology...so this book is kinda a..."Here...this is what I think...can we get back to what matters now?" Even when I do not agree with him, I admire his drive and his priorities.
Tux,
That may be a good insight into what motivated A New Kind of Christianity, but if this was his "Here is what I think" book, he should have either addressed how the Cross (central to Christioan thought for 2000 years) fits into "a new kind of Christianity" or said that the Cross doesn't matter that much to him anymore. It just seemed like an awfully big topic to be silent on in a "here's my take on the faith" book.
I was just thinking about this topic today. I have saved a lot of money by getting reviews before I buy. Thanks for your insights.
I read about 8 books at a time so I will mention the ones that have moved to the top of the pile.
"Shaped by God's heart" (The practices of missional churches). It has helped me focus on what really matters.
"Breaking the Rules"--Breaking free of religion to follow Christ. I need this book.
Along with this will be reading "The Naked Gospel". (similar theme as above)
Speaking of McLaren (and in light of some recent discussions I've seen on people leaving the pastorate to concentrate on writing books) I never really thought about it until now, but I personally think Brian's best books were those he wrote when he was still a pastor with his church.
I would agree with that, Dan.
BTW, 2 days ago I started reading Untamed: Reactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship by Alan and Debra Hirsch. This book ties in so amazingly well with The Forgotten Ways and ReJesus and is rather a kick in the pants for any honest reader.
This is a must must must must read. Seriously, read this book.
I have heard good things about it too. Fitch has a nice review here: http://www.reclaimingthemission.com/untamed-reactiving-a-missional-discipleship-by-the-hirschs-a-review-and-a-question/
Gang,
I'm rereading The Forgotten Ways and The Shaping of Things to Come and I'm about to crack open Houses that Change the World by Wolfgang Simpson.
I posted a little late, but here is what is on the RV dash right now.
The Rabbit and the Elephant by the Dales and Barna. (Bill they like and quote Wolfgang a lot.)
Also reading Untamed by the Hirsch's
LB and I just finished Tangible Kingdom.
I am also read Ministry Action Plans M.A.P.s by the Church of the Nazarene, 4 Square Gospel, and the EFree looking at launching big.
Bill I would really like to borrow Wolfgang's book after your done. The Dales really recommend it.
Justin,
I usually read those books very deliberately.
My guess is that the first I'll be able to give it to you might be NLI in September.
Justin,
I've started Wolfgang's book. As they'd say in Boston, the guy is wicked smart.
Brilliant!
It's an easy read but, man! Does the guy have insight!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Right now I'm blessed. I'm reading three books so compelling to me that I can only read a few pages at a time before I get so charged that I have to stop and let my brain rest.
I'm well into Houses that Change the World and I'm doing a reread of The Forgotten Ways (the Addendum in the back is some of the best stuff I've ever read.) and I'm also rereading The Shaping of Things to Come.
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