10: Why I’m not a Calvinist by Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell
Well, I am one, and so it was very interesting. I appreciated getting a sense of the categories of free-will arguments out there. I certainly was not convinced, because, at the end of the day, despite their best efforts, they still can’t seem to get God off the hook, so to say.
9: 50 Crucial Questions by John Piper and Wayne Grudem
I really appreciated this short little book. It only takes an afternoon to read and somehow seems to give fairly satisfying answers to just about every egalitarian argument imaginable (at least that I had ever thought of).
8: Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen
This 20th century polemic is a must read for any protestant who wants to be able to defend the faith from the onslaught of doctrinal compromises brought on by theological liberalism. His eloquent, witty defense of orthodoxy pulls no punches in communicating the necessity to hold our ground on the most important christian doctrines.
7: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Truman
This more approachable synthesis of Charles Taylor’s, “A Secular Mind” brings an insightful investigation into the historical strands that underpin a society that would develop such manifestations as today’s transgenderism. Truman traces the ideological roots back through studies on the romantic poets, Darwin, Freud, Rousseau, Nietzsche, and more. I appreciated being taken along for the ride, and gaining a better understanding of some of those common ideas from Taylor, such as the “social imaginary.”
6: Son of Hamas by Mosab Yousef
This absolutely riveting true account of a young terrorist-turned-christian opened my eyes to the complexity of life in the middle east. This sober tale is well written and I highly recommend the Audible listen. It is narrated by the author and comes across with an authenticity and urgency that I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered in an audiobook before. Once you turn it on, you won’t be able to pause it. You will come away truly amazed at what God can do in a life!
5: Is that really you God? by Loren Cunningham
I really appreciated this book in which the founder of YWAM tells his story and describes how he has come to think about listening to God. Some of the stories contained here are astounding, and testify to a man who truly knew how to walk in the Spirit. Loren describes his approach to praying for specific answers in specific circumstances. It was a challenging and humbling read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they don’t know how hear from God.
4: Abraham Kuyper by James Bratt
This is certainly the longest book I have read in a while, and boy, it was a project. I did not come away empty handed though. Kuyper’s life was inspiring. I was left wondering where he got his drive, and how he was so productive. His emphasis on education was a big takeaway. This biography is abnormally theological, and Bratt works hard to convey the nuances of Kuyperian thought while telling the chaotic story of this prolific man.
3: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
I’m not sure where to begin in making a case to read this book. Just do it. This is also a great Audible listen. It’s not every day you get to encounter stories this potent that happened so recently. You can go find the corresponding clips of the innocent who were set free on youtube. Bryan Stevenson is a true contemporary hero.
2: Knowing God
I started this book years ago and was bored by it. It was that christian book that everyone recommended, but it didn’t seem to land on me and just sounded like christianese at the time. That was not the case in 2024. I read this book together with friends early in the year and each day that I encountered a new chapter, it brought more depth to my understanding of God. Packer brings comprehensive insight into the christian’s relationship with God. This is a truly helpful and devotional book. Read it in the morning, one chapter at a time. They are short.
1: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
I’m truly glad that I have friends that force me to read fiction (thanks Josiah). Being a pastor’s kid myself, I encountered this story at multiple levels. It left an impression on me—but I’m not entirely sure how to say it. It’s something along the lines of how profound the mundane is. The fictional father who is writing to his son in this book is a truly compelling, humble, godly, loyal man. The story is downright beautiful, theologically rich, and worthy of its high praise. Robinson’s lyrical, almost poetic writing style is deployed through this character to tell a story that leaves you feeling—well, you know—like that feeling after a really great book. This one is hard to pitch. Josiah didn’t even he try, he just said we were going to read it. I’ve already done the same.
Honorable mentions
Leisure and Religion in America by Robert Lee
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (yes, I read it again, its that good)
Mindset - Carol Dweck
Family Worship - Don Whitney
Calvin Coolidge - Amity Shlaes