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            LEGEND

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EDUCATIONAL LINKS

  • VERITAS FORUM:  To be a Christian is to both "think" and "act" Christian.  Please consider listening to Christian "thinkers" like Peter Kreeft, John Stott, Dallas Willard, N.T. Wright and others as they discuss issues related to truth/relativism, atheism, the exclusivity of Christ, and other relevant topics.  Go to:  www.veritas.org/media/presenters/101


 ANNOTATED READING LIST FOR ADULTS
The following authors have added perspective to my world and hopefully will to yours.  Their works were chosen for content, of course, but content that proved especially effective in shaping, challenging, and altering my worldveiw.  Christian and non-Christian works alike have shared in this responsibility.  
(Dr. Richardson)

 

Bloom, Allan. The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today's Students (NY: Simon & Schuster, 1987), 392 pp.  Who could ever forget Bloom's diatribe against rock music and his brassy criticisms against what was being foisted upon college students as a genuinely liberal education?  Considered a bombshell in some circles of academia, for people like me, the work was a reminder of just how alluring change can be and how demonstrably difficult it is to stand up to it once the change becomes imbedded institutionally.  Bloom convinced me that education does have a center, which if surrendered to lesser aims and ideologies, leaves the mind closed to what is actually true and therefore worth preserving---and living.  (+++)   For an up-to-date review of Bloom's work, go to:  newcriterion.com:81/archives/26/11/openness-the-closing-of-the-american-mind/

Chesterton, G. K. Orthodoxy (Ft. Collins, CO: Ignatius Press, 1995), 160 pp.  Originally published in 1908, Chesterton should be read simply because he was a genius.  Plowing through just a few pages will shock your senses and awaken you to the reality that not all minds are created equal---something that everyone should experience from time to time.  (+++)  For the online version, go to:  www.ccel.org/ccel/chesterton/orthodoxy/orthodoxy.html

Dostoevsky, Fyodor. The Brothers Karamazov, trans. David McDuff (New York: Peguin Group, 2003), 960 pp. The famous Russian novelist Dostoevsky first published this work in 1879.  It universally is recognized as a literary classic.  You may never read the entire saga of the Karamazov's bitter family rivalry, but I encourage you to read at least the first several chapters, just to see how lliterary classics are born.  (++)   For the online version, go to: www.ccel.org/ccel/dostoevsky/karamozov/files/karamozov.html

D'Souza, Dinesh. What's So Great About Christianity (Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing Co), 348pp. Dr. D'Souza's book is hard-hitting but honest, sincere but not over-dramatic.  He believes that the Christian message necessarily and relevantly addresses our current age,  uncompromisingly setting forth principles and truths about life that challenge and debunk prevailing worldviews--most notably, atheism and scientism.  (++)   See www.dineshdsouza.com/

Fee, Gordon & Stuart, Douglas. How to Read the Bible for All its Worth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 260 pp.  Reading the Scriptures necessarily implies the act of interpretation.  And their proper interpretation requires an understanding of the different types of literature found therein.  When the Scriptures are honored and read in light of their literary diversity, the message they intend to convey becomes more coherent and therefore more accessible to both mind and heart.   (+)    For more on this foundational exercise, go to:  www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm


Flew, Antony. There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind (NY: HarperOne, 2007), 222 pp.  Pundits of every stripe have commented on one of the most celebrated (and villified) turnarounds in recent memory.  Professor Antony Flew, long established as a foe of Christendom, writes at age 81 how his mind has changed in favor of the existence of God.  In Dr. Flews on words, he wants to set the record straight about what happened.  (+++)   For more, go to:  www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6688917/

Guinness, Os. Dining with the Devil: The Megachurch Flirts with Modernity (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993), 113 pp.  Dr. Guinness is a fearless social critic, some say a "professional curmudgeon."  But he's hard to ignore, harder to rebut, and pure sage-like in his social analysis.  To hear his lectures, go to www.veritas.org/media/presenters/18   (++)  For a brief biography of Dr. Guinness, go to: www.ttf.org/index/about/guinness/

Guinness, Os. Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003), 119 pp. On pg 15, Guinness writes: "By our uncritical pursuit of relevance we have actually courted irrelevance; by our breathless chase after relevance without faithfulness, we have become not only unfaithful but irrelevant; by our determined efforts to redefine ourselves in ways that are more compelling to the modern world than are faithful to Christ, we have lost not only our identity but our authority and our relevance. Our crying need is to be faithful as well as relevant." (++)

Hersch, Patricia. A Tribe Apart: A Journey into the Heart of America Adolescence (NY: Random House, 1998), 391 pp. "A Tribe Apart provides frightening evidence that, even in favored communities where young people have lavish homes, the best of food and medical care, loving parents, modern schools, and well-qualified teachers, their values are skewed by an exploitive economy and a powerful peer culture." (Ron Brandt, review of A Tribe Apart, by Patricia Hersch in 21st Century Learning Iniative, May 26, 1998)    (+)   For the full review, go to: www.21learn.org/arch/articles/brandt_hersh.html

Hitchens, Christopher. The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever (Cambridge, MA, De Capo Press, 2007), 499 pp.  This anthology is recommended reading for anyone who wants to trace the origins and historical development of skepticism, doubt, and atheism.  Hitchens' premise is that men have always doubted in one form or another, and that over time that doubt will manifest  itself so completely that our newly enlightened minds will disavow God and religion altogether.  Hitchens' affair with absolute darwinism suggests that he feels himself selected to usher in this new godless age.  Despite his antagonistic and arrogant rhetoric, he is a capable fellow who has mastered a "godless" worldview    (+++)     For an article about Mr. Hitchens, go to:  online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118247644823044329.html

Hunter, James Davison. Culture Wars: The Struggle to Define America (NY: Basic Books, 1991), 430 pp.  This book is widely read and with good reason.  And althought the work is over 15 years old, its thesis of an American cultural divide seeking resolution is still playing itself out.  (++)   For more on Dr. Hunter, go to:  www.virginia.edu/sociology/peopleofsociology/jhunter.htm

 Hunter, James Davison. The Death of Character: Moral Education in an Age without Good or Evil (NY: Basic Books, 2000), 322 pp.  Dr. Hunter writes that "we all share an awareness that profound change is taking place in our society and that children reflect, promote, and bear the consequences of that change" (pg 3).  Parents and educators alike should seriously consider reading Dr. Hunter's claim that our children are moving perilously close to a mindset that dismisses the moral categories of good and evil.  What remains is only a powerless and vacuous semblance of morality which carries little, if any, enduring qualities.  (++)   See:  www.amazon.com/Death-Character-Moral-Education-Without/dp/0465047300

McGrath, Alister. Incarnation (Truth and the Christian Imagination) (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2005), 87 pp.  Dr. McGrath's seeks to stimulate the mind and the imagination as he explores why the ancient Church set its faith and hope on the extraordinary event we call the Incarnation.  The pictures alone are worth an examination.   (+)   For a full book review, go to: www.carr.org/~sandymt/Book%20Reviews/20071BookReview.htm

McGrath, Alister. The Dawkins Delusion (London: SPCK, 2007), 96 pp.  Some atheists, like Richard Dawkins, claim that Christians are narrow-minded and naive.  Dr. McGrath, a Christian with a Ph.D. in both molecular biology and theology, is neither.  In his rebuttal to Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion, McGrath sets forth his reasons why a naturalist, materialist worldview is faulty, and why he continues to insist on the truth claims of traditional Christianity.  If you read Dawkins, you should, in the interest of balance, also read McGrath's rebuttal.  (++)  For a preview of the book in McGrath's own words, go to: 
theo-musing.blogspot.com/2007/07/dawkins-delusion.html

Miller, Jonathan. "A Brief History of Disbelief" (PBS Documentary, Online version dated 7/6/06)  In this critically acclaimed documentary, British-born Jonathan Miller explores the origins and varied expressions of skepticism and doubt as they relate to Christian belief.  The online version mirrors the original 3 part series which aired on PBS.  The work is thoughtfully done, expertly researched, and compelling in its presentation.  Mr. Miller's effectiveness at communicating his own position of 'disbelief' is a clarion call to Christians everywhere to make an equally compelling case of their own in favor of supernatually revealed religion.  I highly recommend this series if you lack the motivation to fine-tune your own Christian worldview.     (++)       To see this 3 part series, go to:   www.informationclearinghouse.info/article13868.htm

Packer, J. I. Knowing God (Downers Grove: IVP, 1993 ed), 286 pp.  Packer argues that what “lies at the root of much of the church’s weakness today” is “ignorance of God…both of his ways and of the practice of communion with him" (pg 12).  A great introduction to the basics of Christian theology.   (+)   For a review, go to:  theologymatters.blogspot.com/2006/10/thoughts-on-ji-packers-knowing-god.html

Pelikan, Jarsolav. The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Christian Doctrine. 5 Volumes (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press), 1971.  Martin Marty rightly calls Pelikan's 5 volume series "magisterial."  Having worked through this series two times in the last 15 years, I can think of no other work that has infomed me more of the sheer magnitude and profundity of Christian doctrine.  You'll not find a more productive yet challenging read, one that presupposes advanced study and reflection.  (+++)   For a review of the first volume, go to:   www.press.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/hfs.cgi/00/1856.ctl

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business (NY: Penguin Books, 1984), 184 pp.  The mediums of TV and print are not created equal, says Postman.  Television promotes entertainment; print promotes information.  When, however, we seek information from an entertainment source like television, the likelihood is that we'll only get entertaining information.  Something is lost in the translation, Potman believes.  A really insightful book, short in length, but weighty in its reasoning and presentation that print is the best form of public discourse.    (++)     Postman's "Forward" to the book is superb: to read it, go to:  www.serendipity.li/jsmill/post_1.html

Rust, Eric C. Toward a Theological Understanding of History (NY: Oxford University Press, 1963), 292 pp.  Dr. Rust beautifully tells the story of "salvation history" in a way that unifies the biblical narrative.  Though Part I is somewhat academic, Part II is refreshingly inspirational and accessible to most any reader who wants to dig deeper into God's larger purposes.   (++)

Smith, George. Why Atheism? (NY: Prometheus Books, 2000), 355 pp. Looking at life through a different lense is not only wise, it should be mandatory for those of us who are called to love our neighbor.  Self-professed atheists are not excluded.  Smith's work is accessible, caustic throughout, but crystal clear in its defense of atheism as a superior worldview to Christianity.   (++)   For a review of Smith's book, go to: www.infidels.org/library/modern/michael_martin/review-smith.html

 Stott, John. Basic Christianity (Downers Grove: IVP, 1971), 142 pp. "John Stott's disarming introduction to personal faith is a modern classic."  J.I. Packer   (+)

Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. 2nd Edition (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 380 pp.  Unless one understands the centrality of the cross in Christianity, then one knows very little of God.  No one explains the meaning of the cross better than the Anglican minister and theologian, John Stott.  Every believer should read Stott's classic rendering of the most vital component of God's revelation.  (+)   For a book review, go to:  www.ivpbooks.com/isbn/9781844741557.htm

Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962) , 56 pp. This book should be read by anyone thinking of starting the journey of a theological education, or those who have started the journey only to forget what the destination is. (+)

Wells, David F. Above All Earthly Pow'rs: Christ in a Postmodern World (Grand Rapids:: Eerdmans, 2005)  You"ll not find a more thought-provoking writer and theologian than Dr. Wells. He prophetically engages the church most particulary at the points that seem most critical to our existence---i.e. it's a 'no fluff' read!  But read Losing Our Virtue first.  (+++)   For a brief biography of Dr. Wells, go to: www.gordonconwell.edu/faculty/wells.php

Wells, David F. Losing Our Virtue: Why the Church Must Recover Its Moral Vision (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), 228 pp.  In this book Dr. Wells "reflects deeply about the causes of the decline of moral virtue around us and then muses on how beautiful the gospel is as an alternative to the world’s destructive self-worship." (Randy Newman, review of Losing Our Virtue, by David F. Wells, in Academic Initiative).  (+++)  To read the full review, go to:  ai.clm.org/reviews/losing_our_virtue.html

Willis, Gary. Head and Heart: America Christianities (NY: Penguin, 2007), 626 pp. The issue of church and state is hotly contested. Dr. Willis, history professor at Northwestern Univ., claims that the ongoing debate is centered in two opposing yet complementary aspects of American Christianity---"head" religion, with its stress on the intellectual side of faith, and "heart" religion, with its stress on the interior, emotional side of faith.  When one becomes dominant, we find ourselves less enriched and otherwise imbalanced.  An excellent read.   (++)     For a review of this book, go to: www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/books/review/Allitt-t.html

Wood, Ralph C. Contending for the Faith: The Church's Engagement with Culture (Waco: Baylor University Press, 2003), 218 pp.  Dr. Wood is a Baptist theologian and literature critic who teaches at Baylor University.  He is passionate about  the church's thoughtfully preserving its unique identity in the world and equally clear about the dangers inherent in choosing otherwise---a highly recommended book!   I especially like Chapter 8, "The Ugly, the Beautiful, and the Holy in Christian Worship." (++)  For more, go to:  www3.baylor.edu/~Ralph_Wood/

Yancey, Philip. What's So Amazing About Grace? (Grand Rapids:Zondervan, 1997), 316 pp.  Yancey, like so many of us, understood  very little about God's grace early on. Through a deeper reflection on his own life experiences, however, Yancey's understanding of grace matures into a story that has inspired scores of Christian pilgrims who yearn for a truer awareness of who God is in his essential being.  Told in a real-life story framework,  this work is especially accessible and readable.  It will inspire!     (+)    To review the book, go to:  www.amazon.com/Whats-So-Amazing-About-Grace/dp/0310213