Proclaimer Blog
The essential Christian library
I've been asked to come up with a list of 12 books that would be part of an essential Christian library. I'm very nervous about such lists because they often (a) reveal more about you than you would wish and (b) I'm always nervous about what might be left off. Nevertheless, in the spirit of co-operation, here's my attempt. My starting point is to think through what books would be useful (no books are "essential") for a thinking Christian – not particularly a leader or preacher, but a mature, keen Christian who wants to grow. I've included a word of explanation with each. But even now, as I write this, I can't help thinking there are better answers. So, no answers on a postcard please. They are in no particular order:
- New Bible Commentary 21st Century Edition (ed. Carson, France, Motyer & Wenham). This is still the best one volume commentary and, for my money, you still get more for your money with something like this than you do from a study Bible.
- Valley of Vision, a book of Puritan prayers, ed Arthur Bennett. This is my wildcard entry. Much trailed in the evangelical world and much loved in mine. Helps me to pray when I don't feel like praying. Leather edition is vastly superior to the paperback.
- Bible Answers, Derek Prime. A thinking Christian needs to have a systematic book, but which one. I honestly struggled to choose. However, as a starter, I think this is still my favourite. Easy to use, easy to read, trustworthy in content. It doesn't interact with other views in the way, say that Grudem does. Nevertheless, a good volume.
- Guidance and the voice of God, Phil Jensen & Tony Payne. Many Christians struggle with this particular issue and therefore I've included a book on it. I think that MacArthur is also good on this – but Jensen and Payne set the bar.
- Delighting in the Trinity, Tim Chester. The Trinity is such an important topic that I needed to include a book on it. Couldn't decide whether to go with Tim's or Sam Allberry's Connected. Both are good. Sam's perhaps slightly more accessibly, but neither is difficult.
- The secret of contentment, by William Barcley. I really wanted to get some older writing in, but if my target audience is the keen Christian, I've refrained from choosing puritan tones, though that is what I like to read. This is the next best thing – Barcley distilling wisdom from Jeremiah Burroughs and Thomas Watson. Discontent is one of the root sins of the age.
- When I don’t desire God, John Piper. I think Desiring God is a great book, but with this one you get the exhortation of that book plus some thinking about when things are broke. I find this an excellent book.
- The Reason for God, Tim Keller. Some of its deficiencies are much trailed, but if you understand this book for what it is, it is a superb apologetic defence of some (not all) of the basics of faith and whether God is really there. I'm always confident handing this onto friends.
- The cross of Christ, John Stott. This is a classic. Deservedly so. My list of 12 needs a book on Christ and the cross, the heart of our faith.
- The footsteps of God, John Legg. I needed a history book for my list, but couldn't decide which. There are great individual bios, but this one I like because it tackles a range of people. I've just tried to make a link and realised that this is now out of print. *Sulk* I was so keen on this particular volume, that I'm not sure what to replace it with. Perhaps this – the Story of the Church by Clouse, Pieard and Yamauchi- a wonderful little hardback with pictures! Yay! One of the most engaging church history books. Update: I've since found out that this title is out of print too! It's a travesty. I'm halfway through writing a simple church history. In the meantime, here's the next best thing (!): Christopher Catherwood's Church History Summary from IVP.
- Through the British Museum with the Bible by Clive Anderson and Brian Edwards. Did you know the Bible is true? Of course you did. We know that by faith. But, wonderfully, archaeology helps. I have bought more copies of this book than any other. I keep giving them away. Strongest volume in a strong series.
- For the love of God, vols 1&2, Don Carson. These are now available free through the Gospel Coalition website. Two wonderful devotional books based on McCheyne's Bible reading plan. Still fresh after many readings. Print versions also available.
I'm already having second thoughts about my list…. I can see some glaring omissions. But such is the nature of such things. So, I shall put my pen down. It's a useful exercise, perhaps you should do it as part of your planning a church bookstall? What would you recommend to your people?
Our friends at tenofthose.com have put the whole pack above into a search string for you. Click here to start reading!