The most important book for anyone and everyone to read is, of course, the Bible. If you’re not reading the Bible, make that your priority. But if I could recommend books for every Christian in America to read — assuming they were already on top of their Bible reading — these seven would be at the top of my recommended reading list.
These seven books are not necessarily my favorite all-time books, although they are certainly in my top 20. But they are “what the doctor ordered” for the times in which we live.
When I look at the state of American society today and (most importantly) the state of the Christian community living within our American society, these seven books come to mind as what we most need.
If you haven’t yet read these books, I hope you will do so. Reading all seven of these books before the end of 2021 would be a worthwhile goal for anyone who takes their faith in and walk with Christ seriously.
The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren
There’s a reason why The Purpose-Driven Life is one of the bestselling non-fiction books in modern history. It is quite simply one of the clearest, most practical, and articulate presentations of Christianity ever put to paper.
The Purpose-Driven Life speaks to both the head and the heart.
If you wonder why Rick Warren is often referred to as America’s pastor, it’s a sign you probably need to read Purpose-Driven Life. Reading this book is like having a wise, knowledgeable, loving, and articulate pastor sitting next to you and explaining the truths of Christianity in a way that any of us can understand and appreciate.
It of course has its critics. And I would agree it’s not perfect. If you want a perfect presentation of Christianity, read the Bible.
If you want a book written by a pastor and brother in Christ who earnestly, and to the best of his ability, explains God, Jesus, the Bible, and faith in ways that most people can grasp, look no further than this modern classic.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This masterpiece by the late (and I would add “great”) C. S. Lewis was published in 1952 and adapted from a series of BBC radio talks made during World War II.
Famous as both a fiction and non-fiction author, Lewis is one of the most brilliant scholars in the history of the English-speaking world. And he gave his mind and pen to the service of Jesus Christ — becoming one of Christianity’s all-time greatest apologists.
Mere Christianity is among the greatest (and perhaps most popular) of his apologetics contributions.
As the title suggests, Lewis cuts through the clutter and distraction from centuries of denominational debates and differences within Christendom.
He aims to get at the critical, central CORE of Christianity — and explain how and why Christianity, at its basic core, makes the most sense of the world in which we live.
In my opinion, and that of millions of others, he succeeds brilliantly.
No Christian’s library is complete without Mere Christianity.
The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller
Though Lewis warned of the dangers of postmodernism (see The Abolition of Man), he wrote at a time when most of the industrialized world, certainly the West, embraced modernism. And his apologetic defense of Christianity, including in Mere Christianity, was in that context.
The world in which we live is largely a postmodern world. In fact, it’s really a post-postmodern world. Western society today is characterized by deep emotion, polarization, animated pursuits of social justice, and “woke” outrage over actual (and perceived) injustice — all in the midst of intellectual incoherence and intense philosophical and metaphysical confusion.
Enter Timothy Keller. A bestselling author, popular lecturer, and retired New York-based pastor, Keller is the gentle, wise grandfatherly figure offering soothing and profound wisdom for society’s consideration.
The Reason For God is divided into two parts. The first addresses the most common (and often quite emotional) objections to God and evangelical Christianity. And the second lays out a logical, but gentle, case for why (of all the religions, philosophies, and schools of thought) Christianity makes the most sense.
I firmly believe every Christian – and especially every church leader (pastor, deacon, Sunday school teacher, worship leader, Bible study leader, etc.) – should read this book.
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman
This modern classic by Gary Chapman is one of the best books on relationships ever written. It’s aimed at engaged and married couples, but its principles are applicable to just about any relationship.
In fact, Chapman followed up The Five Love Languages with versions aimed at parents (The Five Love Languages of Children and The Five Love Languages of Teenagers), singles (The Five Love Languages: Singles Edition), and the workplace (The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace).
Feel free to pick up the book that applies best to your situation, although (if in doubt) the original (even though aimed at couples) is, in my opinion, the best place to start.
Chapman explains that people express and receive love differently. Some do so primarily with words, while others do so with touch. Some are oriented around quality time, while others most appreciate acts of service.
Of all the marriage and relationship books out there, this one helped me by far in my efforts to be a better husband.
If you value your relationships, grab this book.
Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better by Brant Hansen
I’ve already written a full review on this awesome book. Let me just say for now that Unoffendable was one of the most thought-provoking and spiritually convicting books I’ve read in a long time.
It asks a question that many of us have never even thought of asking, which is…
Do we really have a right to be offended? If so, when?
And the book challenges us to live a life where we choose (as often as possible by the grace of God) NOT to be offended.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. I’ll simply add that if every Christian read this book – especially every Christian who goes to church – then our churches would truly be pictures of “heaven on earth.”
Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America From The Culture of Contempt by Arthur C. Brooks
This is not a Christian book per se, although it is based on one of Jesus’ most famous (and most difficult) commands: Love your enemies.
Brooks, who I believe is Catholic in his personal faith, challenges Americans to stop seeing those on the other “side” politically as enemies — and to instead love them.
If we will love those with whom we disagree, we will be less inclined to believe the worst about their intentions and motives. We will be more inclined to listen to them. And we will be inclined to handle disagreements in a respectful, considerate, and compassionate manner.
Brooks explains that this is an uphill battle – given the “outrage industrial complex” (made up of media, politicians, pundits, etc.) that dominates our culture and fans the flames of discontent and rage. But it’s a battle we must wage if we want to save our nation — as well as our own sanity.
I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude That Makes a Difference by Thom Rainer
In this great easy-to-read book, Rainer challenges the consumer culture that has infected too many churches – and has destroyed many of them. If we want to have the kind of church God wants us to have, then we must reject consumerism and see ourselves as servants of God called to be a part of His family.
The church is the local manifestation of God’s family. And when we join a local church, we are assuming a responsibility to glorify God and love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is a mindset that I wish every single Christian on planet earth had with respect to the local church. And if every Christian would read, digest, and follow the simple principles in this little book – and also Unoffendable (see above) – churches would be “heaven on earth.”
So there you have it!
That’s my list of seven (7) books I wish every single Christian would read.
As you read these books, I hope you’ll let me know what you think in the comments.
God bless you.
