"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.”
-George R.R. Martin
Theology
Powerful Leaders? When Church Leadership Goes Wrong and How to Prevent it. - Marcus Honeysett
Power is of particular interest to me. My own personal interest in power came from reading Robet Caro’s works on political power. And particularly, for a variety of reasons, power in the Church is of great interest to me. We are living in a day and age when power in the Church is more important than ever. It seems that we’re daily hearing of another leader who has fallen into disgrace. Understanding power is such an important topic, and Honeysett’s book is a valuable contribution to the project.
Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing Up in Christ - Eugene Peterson
Eugene Peterson is one of my favorite Christian writers. He just has such a way with words and imagination; I wish I could have met him, but look forward to meeting him one day in eternity. In this book, Peterson walks the reader through Paul’s message to the Ephesians; a message unlike any other among the New Testament letters. As Peterson notes, Paul is insistent that Christians grow up into Jesus, and that happens as we learn to “practice resurrection.” Add this one to your list!
Collected Writings of John Murray, Volume 1, The Claims of Truth - Banner of Truth
“John Murray (1898-1975) was a leading Scottish-born Reformed theologian of the 20th century. He began his teaching career at Princeton in 1929, but left in 1930 to serve as professor of systematic theology at Westminster Seminary. Teaching alongside legends like J. Gresham Machen, B.B. Warfield, and Cornelius Van Til, Murray wrote prolifically.”
He was an instrumental theologian in the twentieth century, and his writings are beautifully preserved for our edification. If you are looking for some serious but very accessible theology, Murray is a wonderful teacher and guide.
Disciplines of a Godly Young Man - R. Kent Hughes and W. Carey Hughes
Kent Hughes is such a faithful guide, and his many writings are proof that he both loves the Lord and the people of God. In this book, Hughes and his son Carey call young men to the life of godly manhood. It is a call to virtue for young men of all ages.
I am working through this book with my sons.
Biography
Timothy Keller, His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation - Collin Hanson
Tim Keller is the pastor of Redeemer City Church in New York City, and has been one of the most influential Christian voices of the last 40 years. In this new biography, Collin Hanson sets out not to tell the story of Keller the man, but looks at the various spiritual and relational influences that have shaped Keller into the pastor, theologian, and apologist he has become. Really enjoyable.
The Peacemaker: Ronald Regan, The Cold War, and the World on the Brink - William Inboden
As I’ve written about previously, I have a personal project to read a biography on (most) every United States President. In recent days, a new work on Ronald Regan has been released, and I am just getting started with it. I was introduced to both the book and the author on several podcasts I listen to, and after hearing him discussing the book, I got my own copy. Regan and his presidency is a fascinating story from both American and world history. More bold than he perhaps remembered for, Regan stood against the Iron Curtain, and ultimately helped to bring about the fall of the Soviet Union.
Health and Fitness
Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path back to Health - Dr. William Davis, MD
Last month, I began working with a fitness coach and nutritionist. So far, things are going pretty well. And per his recommendation, I picked up this book and have been reading it. Dr. Davis argues, quite persuasively, that wheat is a pretty negative food for the human body. Not that we have to avoid any and all wheat, but the processed wheats that make up the majority of the modern American diet are known to have some radically negative effects on our bodies. For example, it has been shown that a slice of white bread causes the average male’s blood-sugar to spike significantly more than a full snicker bar. The processed wheats found in most all foods in the grocery store are also linked to things like joint inflammation.
The more I read about food, the more and more I am convinced that most of us just don't know enough about food.
Christian Living
Andy Crouch is one of my favorite writers. His ability to see the world and speak straight to complex issues is truly a gift from the Lord. In his newest book, he tackles the issue technology and what its doing to us as humans. It marketed as a means of make us closer (ex: “Social” media), but it is being shown again and again to be isolating us more than ever. And along with that isolation comes a whole host of psychosomatic issues. Read Crouch.
Noteworthy Articles and Podcasts
Rick Warren Reflects on his Legacy - The Russell Moore Show
-This is one of the most wildly fantastic (in the most negative sense) interviews that I’ve ever heard. It really is the departure of one of the faith giants of my generation from the Christian faith itself. Rick Warren absolutely walks away from the Bible, and he does it with a smile on his face. It is arrogant, pompous, and shameful. But, it is historic; and given his influence, it will absolutely cause aftershocks.
Jesus Revolution and the Tragedy of Lonnie Frisbee - Bethel McGrew
The Jesus Revolution was such an influential movement in the mid-twentieth century, and the recent movie, put out by my mega-Church pastor Greg Laurie, documents that movement. But, does the movie get everything right? Are there historical pieces left out? Who, in fact, was Lonnie Frisbee?
Hey Christians! Get Out and Stay Out! - R. Albert Mohler
Without provocation or reason, a school board in Arizona breaks its long-standing relationship with a Christian college, refusing to receive any more of its student teachers. The issue? The school is too Christian. Dr. Mohler discusses the realities and implications of such a decision.
Keep Alive this Experiment in Liberty - Eric Patterson
President Ronald Regan’s 1983 speech and its relevance for today.
Wellesley Forgets Who Women Are. - Carl Truman
The historically all girls school is reinventing itself, all in the name of the transgender revelation. As Trueman notes, “It is not that the definition of what it means to be a woman is being expanded. It is being abolished.”
The Trump Indictment and the Rule of Law - R. Albert Mohler
For the first time in American history, an American President has been charged with a crime. What does this mean? And what does it say about where we are headed? Mohler weighs in…