I have always loved to read – starting with children’s books, then comic books, westerns and science fiction, as well as some of the classics. I also loved to read historical novels. By the time I was in the sixth grade, I was vexing my teachers by hiding paperbacks in my geography book during class.
After I became a believer, books about the Bible and theology became a major part of my reading, though I continued reading “secular” books. The book that became the most important for me, however, was the Bible itself (see MY BIBLE). I also have found myself reading more and more biographies, books on history, and books on current issues – especially those related to ethics (see BOOKS).
Of course, the Bible -- any version and many versions. I do recommend this one book with no reservations!
Mere Christianity and Miracles by C. S. Lewis – showed me that faith and reason are not incompatible.
The God Who is There and Escape from Reason by Francis Schaeffer – gave boldness to answer to the world’s philosophers and deep thinkers.
The Dialogues of Plato – I haven’t read them all, but enough to learn how to think more clearly – the “Socratic Method.”
The Knowledge of the Holy and The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer – God to Tozer is not simply an object of study. He is to be the object of worship and knowing Him, our greatest goal.
Knowing God by J. L. Packer – a theology written in love.
The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. The depth of thought and devotion still amazes me, even after (at least) four readings.
Modern Science and Christian Faith by members of the American Scientific Affiliation (1948 probably no longer in print). I read this very early in my Christian life and it removed many of the fears of a young fundamentalist.
Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams. Though I disagree with many of Adams’ principles and techniques, the book showed that a Christian need not be threatened by modern psychology.
The Outline of History by H. G. Wells – opened me up to a love of history that my teachers seemed to have made every effort to squelch.
Roughing It, Huckleberry Finn, A Connecticut Yankee by Mark Twain. The sometimes bitter satire and social commentary showed me two things: first that all is not right with the world around us; and second, that critical thinking can be put across with humor. Twain has probably influenced my writing and speaking style more than any other author (though it probably doesn’t show).
Click here to read my reviews of some current books.
