Essential Christian Book List
Updated: I've removed the Bible from this list because it's on a list all its own. It's the absolute most essential collection of written words ever, and if you need convincing, please read my previous post about it.
*FAQs:
Q: Why is there no topical book on this list?
A: You'll notice that this list doesn't include topical books that give advice about things like relationships, addictions, parenting, etc. I've read many topical books and have found the testimonies and advice of fellow believers helpful on many occasions. I've also found that many have incorrect or bad advice. It's paramount to filter any topical advice through the truths of the Bible, and these 10 books help you get your feet.
Q: In what order do I read them?
A: There's really no recommended order for reading. Some people ask me where to start, and I say it's best to follow your own enthusiasm. Personal morale is important when learning, and there is so much goodness to be learned here! Because there is a variety of authors and time periods of origin, the reading difficulty differs. If you're not already an avid reader, you'll find some of these more challenging. I remember trying to read Watchman Nee in my early 20's and having a hard time focusing. Now I can read it with ease. That doesn't mean you should wait to read Watchman Nee! When you read more difficult texts, you expand your literacy, and you'll need that ability for studying the Bible. If you feel like you want to stretch your capacity for reading, you can alternate reading 2 or 3 books at the same time. Read a chapter (or a page) of a difficult text, and then read something easy. I'll let you explore each of these for yourself, but whatever you do, don't delay or deny reading the Bible consistently and repeatedly. It is alive and active and will benefit your life at any reading level! If Jesus invited children to come to him, we can confidently approach Him and His Word at any age or stage: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
Q: Why isn't C.S. Lewis's 'Mere Christianity' on this list?!
A. Mere Christianity is a phenomenal read. But I chose Reason for God, which is similar in purpose because it is easier to read for a modern audience and addresses some of the current barriers. I also didn't want to put two by C.S. Lewis on the list, and The Screwtape Letters offers a different reading experience (gotta think about the right-brainers just as much as the lefties).
These books help you in your journey to better understanding the Bible, the Gospel, and your identity as a child of God:
- Reason for God, Tim Keller
- Faith is Not a Feeling, Ney Bailey
- The Normal Christian Life, Watchman Nee
- Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert Coleman
- More Than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell
- The 3D Gospel, Jayson Georges
- The Mind of Christ, T.W. Hunt
- With, Skye Jethani
- The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis
- The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones
*FAQs:
Q: Why is there no topical book on this list?
A: You'll notice that this list doesn't include topical books that give advice about things like relationships, addictions, parenting, etc. I've read many topical books and have found the testimonies and advice of fellow believers helpful on many occasions. I've also found that many have incorrect or bad advice. It's paramount to filter any topical advice through the truths of the Bible, and these 10 books help you get your feet.
Q: In what order do I read them?
A: There's really no recommended order for reading. Some people ask me where to start, and I say it's best to follow your own enthusiasm. Personal morale is important when learning, and there is so much goodness to be learned here! Because there is a variety of authors and time periods of origin, the reading difficulty differs. If you're not already an avid reader, you'll find some of these more challenging. I remember trying to read Watchman Nee in my early 20's and having a hard time focusing. Now I can read it with ease. That doesn't mean you should wait to read Watchman Nee! When you read more difficult texts, you expand your literacy, and you'll need that ability for studying the Bible. If you feel like you want to stretch your capacity for reading, you can alternate reading 2 or 3 books at the same time. Read a chapter (or a page) of a difficult text, and then read something easy. I'll let you explore each of these for yourself, but whatever you do, don't delay or deny reading the Bible consistently and repeatedly. It is alive and active and will benefit your life at any reading level! If Jesus invited children to come to him, we can confidently approach Him and His Word at any age or stage: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these."
Q: Why isn't C.S. Lewis's 'Mere Christianity' on this list?!
A. Mere Christianity is a phenomenal read. But I chose Reason for God, which is similar in purpose because it is easier to read for a modern audience and addresses some of the current barriers. I also didn't want to put two by C.S. Lewis on the list, and The Screwtape Letters offers a different reading experience (gotta think about the right-brainers just as much as the lefties).
