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 classical 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, sometimes tortuously so! But a brilliant Christian apologist he was! 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 and by many the greatest novel ever written (It's absolutely my favorite!). You'll be angered by Fyodor Karamazov's opportunism, soothed by Father Zosima's wisdom, inspired by Alyosha's virtue, confused by Ivan's intellect, sympathize with Dmitry's penchant for trouble, and repulsed by Smerdyakov's narcissism. In the end, you'll be educated theologically about life as well as to the truth that we are indeed accountable to one another for our actions. If you make it past the first 50 or so pages, you'll see it through! (++) 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/
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