Understanding Christianity - A Top 5 Reading List

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 Monday, December 14, 2015
Jeff Lampl
Do You Want to Understand Christianity?
A Top 5 Reading List

Recently I came across a Top 5 list of books from Pastor Tim Keller that give an overview of Christian beliefs presented in the context of most contemporary arguments for and against their validity. The tones and styles of the books differ widely so you’ll have to try them out to see which speaks best to you.   I’ve read them all and can affirm them wholeheartedly.  I am pleased to note that Keller tops his list with the book that also tops my list!  

1.      C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (Harper San Francisco, 2009).  

Most complete single volume to read. Gives both explanations of the beliefs of Christianity along with arguments for their validity. However, while popular in style, Lewis demands that the reader follow long sequences of logical argument. Originally talks given over the BBC in Great Britain during World War II. (227 pages)
NOTE:   this is the book that introduced me to what Christianity actually is when I first became a believer and its shaping of me lasts to this day.  

2.    Francis Spufford, Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense (HarperOne, 2013).  

Funny, ironic, and very colloquial. A British writer explains why the basic beliefs of Christianity “work” emotionally and culturally to address many of the main problems and to solve many of the main puzzles of contemporary life. Good for those who live in a social context where Christian faith is almost unthinkable.  If you have a tendency toward prudishness you might not like this book.  (240 pages)  

3.     John C. Lennox, Gunning for God: Why the New Atheists are Missing the Target (Lion, 2011).  

An Oxford professor (he has 3 PHD’s!) who answers a series of objections to the Christian faith. The material was crafted in debates and so has the sometimes feisty tone of someone a public disputation. Special attention given to faith and science, though he also deals with question of moral beliefs and the resurrection of Jesus. (248 pages)  
NOTE:  okay I didn’t actually read this one, but I’ve read other books by him and heard him lecture several times and I find him brilliant.  

4.     Tim Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (Dutton, 2008).  

First half deals with common objections to Christianity. The middle seeks to make a positive case for the rationality of belief. Finally there’s a basic treatment of the main Christian beliefs. (336 pages)

5.     N.T.Wright, Simply Good News, (Harper One, 2015).    

Okay, I added this one myself.   N.T. Wright is simply so brilliant.   He’s a brilliant Bible scholar respected immensely by both the “left” and the “right” and is able to take his enormous understanding of the Bible and communicate in simple and profound words and illustrations that make the Bible make sense for ordinary people like me.  

6.     John Stott, Basic Christianity (Inter-Varsity, 2012)  

Begins with the evidence for Christ being the resurrected Son of God and then proceeds with a more thorough treatment of what and how to believe. Assumes belief in God and general trust in the Bible. Not the first book for most inquirers but clear and practical. (192 pages)

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