There’s nothing quite like a good question to get a great discussion going. So we’re starting a new column called “Ask RP” where we are hoping – you guessed it! – that you’ll send in your best queries, and we’ll see if we can get someone to give them the answers they deserve. We hope to answer at least one question each issue.
To start things off, we answered a question of our own manufacture: What are 5 of the most impactful books you’ve read outside of the Bible? The key here is most impactful as these are not neccesarily anyone’s own personal Top 5, but at one point these titles hit us with particular punch.
We pitched it to the five editorial staff, and here’s how they answered.
*****
JAN BROERSMA
New Morning Mercies
by Paul David Tripp
Probably my favorite devotional, New Morning Mercies consistently reminds me that life is about God’s kingdom… not mine.
Mom Enough
by Rachel Jankovic et al
This collection of short, encouraging blog posts on “missional motherhood” had a place of honor beside the rocking chair when my kids were small. (And the e-book can be had for free at DesiringGod.org/books.)
Sometimes a Light Surprises
by Jamie Langston Turner
Thoughtful and well-written, this was an inspiring example of what Christian fiction can be, with interestingly complex characters and a plot that isn’t trite.
When Faith Is Forbidden
by Todd Nettleton
These stories of persecuted Christians stuck with me and gave me, as a Western Christian, a lot to ponder.
The Power of Generosity
by Dave Toycen
I’ve always had a soft spot for World Vision, and this book by the organization’s long-time Canadian president touched me – and reminded me that generosity, in all its different aspects, is key to so many parts of our lives as Christians.
*****
JON DYKSTRA
God & Government
by Charles Colson
Through true stories of Christians in politics, Colson demonstrates that Christ’s lordship over all isn’t something Christians have to bring about, but rather rely on… and proclaim too, even in the public square.
Before this I had some vague notion of heaven as a place where we’d sing for eternity. I didn’t like singing very much, so that wasn’t enticing. Alcorn got me to better understand what it means to enjoy God forever, and has me looking forward to Heaven.
Death by Living
by N.D. Wilson
This might not be the book you’d give someone suffering burnout but Wilson’s message, that life is meant to be spent, was an encouragement when our small kids weren’t allowing for much sleep at night.
Love that Dog
by Sharon Creech
The Bible has poetry so I should appreciate poetry. But I didn’t until this book. In each chapter the grade-school boy narrator shares a different style of poem he had to write for school. He doesn’t like poetry (we were on the same side!) but as he continues making them, his poems help him deal with a deep grief he couldn’t express any other way.
God’s Smuggler
by Brother Andrew
A Dutchman saw the need for Bibles behind the Iron Curtain, and succeeded as smuggler only through God’s ongoing miraculous interventions. We all rely on God constantly, but Andrew understood it better, and so, in trust, relied on God more.
*****
ALEXANDRA ELLISON
The Air We Breathe: How we all came to believe in freedom, kindness, progress, and equality
by Glen Scrivener
It’s quite common for the secular world to bash Christianity and blame religion for all the world’s problems. I found this book really helpful in dismantling those arguments with history proving that the teachings of Jesus Christ have shaped the values that we hold to today.
Christian Mind
by Harry Blamires
I read this while working a job that was very secular, and I found the ideas of not only living but thinking “Christianly” quite convicting. Blamires calls Christians to develop a “Christian mind” characterized by a commitment to truth, a recognition of the authority of Scripture, and a discerning approach to contemporary thought and culture.
Them Before Us: Why we need a global children’s rights movement
by Katy Faust
I found Faust’s boldness impactful, especially in her challenge to the IVF industry, particularly regarding Christian parents who, while meaning well in wanting to bring children into the world, may not fully grasp the serious ethical concerns surrounding IVF.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The path to true Christian joy
by Tim Keller
A very short read, but one that packs a powerful punch and offers a refreshing perspective on humility and its role in finding true joy in the Christian life.
You’re not enough (and that’s okay)
by Allie Beth Stuckey
I would recommend this to any young Christian woman struggling with the world’s ideas of “self-love.” Stuckey challenges the pervasive notion that we must strive to be “enough” on our own. Instead, she offers a liberating perspective rooted in Christian truth and that our insufficiency is not a flaw but a gateway to reliance on God’s sufficiency.
*****
MARK PENNINGA
Loving God
by Charles Colson
Right when I needed it (in university), this book hit both my heart and mind and convicted me of the paradox of the Christian life: finding self by losing self.
Just Do Something
by Kevin DeYoung
In a world so full of opportunities, this book is a much-needed kick in the pants to stop wasting your time and to move forward in faith.
The Grace and Truth Paradox
by Randy Alcorn
Alcorn put into words a truth that I saw demonstrated so powerfully in Scripture and in the lives of people that I respected the most. 100% grace and 100% truth, rather than one at the expense of the other.
The Treasure Principle
by Randy Alcorn
This book (and his other writings) convicted me at an early age to make decisions about possessions with an eternal perspective in mind.
Mission Drift
by Peter Greer
For all those who lead successful businesses and organizations, this book gives practical strategies to keep it faithful to the mission that you care so deeply about.
*****
MARTY VAN DRIEL
Resurrection
by Hank Hanegraaff
The “Bible Answer Man” wrote a logical, powerful defense of the historical truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Thirty years later, I can still easily recall its main points: “FEAT” reminds us of – Fatal torment, Empty tomb, Appearances of Christ, and Transformation of the lives of the resurrection’s eyewitnesses. A great apologetic tool for the layman.
An American Life
by Ronald Reagan
Outlining Reagan’s improbable rise from poverty to Hollywood to the White House, the book reminds us that good men believing in timeless principles can accomplish much that is God pleasing, even in a broken world.
Cold Case Christianity
by J. Warner Wallace
A retired police detective brings the same skills and techniques he used to solve “cold criminal cases” to examine the evidence for a historical Jesus and the accuracy of the Scriptures. While logic alone can’t bring one to faith, its application can help break down barriers to belief.
One D— Thing after Another
by William Barr
Former Attorney General Barr writes his life story, reflecting on much more than just the years he served alongside President Trump (although these chapters are fascinating). Barr brings principled insight, wisdom and practical advice to matters of faith, justice, education, capital punishment, and the legal system.
Death Comes for the Archbishop
by Willa Cather
We’re used to tales of priests’ misbehavior, but Willa Cather praises the simple, humble obedience of two French clergymen serving bravely in the American southwest in primitive conditions to God’s glory.
