Pathetic

[ReformedDave]

Here's the current best seller list of "Christian" books this month. Look how many are about 'me, me, me'! Very few are even remotely about God.

Top 50



March 2007
Ranking Title Author/Publisher
1 Moments Together for Couples Dennis & Barbara Rainey, Regal (Gospel Light), c
2 Get Out of That Pit Beth Moore, Integrity (Nelson), c
3 The Five Love Languages Gary Chapman, Northfield (Moody), p
4 Facing Your Giants Max Lucado, W Publishing (Nelson), c
5 The Seven Pillars of Health Don Colbert, Charisma (Strang), c
6 God's Promises for Your Every Need: 25th anniversary ed. J. Countryman (Nelson), p
7 Ever After Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, p
8 90 Minutes in Heaven Don Piper with Cecil Murphey, Revell (Baker), p
9 Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods Rick Warren, Zondervan, p
10 Captivating John & Stasi Eldredge, Nelson Books (Nelson), c
11 Wild at Heart John Eldredge, Nelson Books (Nelson), p
12 Praying God's Word Day By Day Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c
13 White Chocolate Moments Lori Wick, Harvest House, p
14 Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Joanna Weaver, WaterBrook, p
15 God's Answers for Your Life: 25th anniversary ed. J. Countryman (Nelson), p
16 Having a Mary Spirit Joanna Weaver, WaterBrook, p
17 The Way of the Wild Heart John Eldredge, Nelson Books (Nelson), c
18 The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren, Zondervan, c
19 My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers, Barbour, p
20 Kingdom Principles Myles Munroe, Destiny Image, c
21 Love and Respect Emerson Eggerichs, Integrity (Nelson), p
22 For Women Only Shaunti Feldhahn, Multnomah (WaterBrook), c
23 Family Karen Kingsbury, Tyndale, p
24 Jerusalem Countdown, revised John Hagee, Frontline (Strang), p
25 The Confident Woman Joyce Meyer, FaithWords (Hachette), c
26 199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking With God Andrew Murray, Barbour, p
27 The Bible Promise Book: New Life Version Barbour, p
28 Half Price Living Ellie Kay, Moody, p
29 Battlefield of the Mind Joyce Meyer, FaithWords (Hachette), p
30 Prayer Philip Yancey, Zondervan, c
31 More Devotions for Dieters Dan Dick, Barbour, p
32 The Hope Chest Wanda Brunstetter, Barbour, p
33 What Every Christian Ought to Know Adrian Rogers, B&H Publishing Group, c
34 My Utmost for His Highest (updated) Oswald Chambers & Jim Reimann, ed.; Discovery House (Barbour), p
35 Jack Bauer's Having a Bad Day Tim Wesemann, Life Journey (Cook), p
36 Heaven Randy Alcorn, Tyndale, c
37 Love and Respect Emerson Eggerichs, Integrity (Nelson), c
38 Every Young Woman's Battle Shannon Ethridge & Stephen Arterburn, WaterBrook, p
39 David Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c
40 Voices of the Faithful Beth Moore, Integrity (Nelson), c
41 Prayers for Emotional Wholeness Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, c
42 Lies Women Believe Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Moody, p
43 Jerusalem Countdown John Hagee, Frontline (Strang), p
44 Blue Like Jazz Donald Miller, Nelson Books (Nelson), p
45 For Men Only Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn, Multnomah (WaterBrook), c
46 Plain and Fancy Wanda Brunstetter, Barbour, p
47 Before I Wake Dee Henderson, Tyndale, p
48 Safe in the Shepherd's Arms Max Lucado, J. Countryman (Nelson), c
49 Woman to Woman Joyce Meyer, FaithWords (Hachette), c
50 The Power of a Praying Wife Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, p

[LaVonne]

I am currently reading Captivatingand must say that it is very much about God! My husband has read some others on this list by John Eldredge and they are books that challenge man...my husband has done much Bible study through these books.

[ReformedDave]

I am currently reading Captivatingand must say that it is very much about God! My husband has read some others on this list by John Eldredge and they are books that challenge man...my husband has done much Bible study through these books.

Here's a synopsis- From Publishers Weekly
"John Eldredge became the Robert Bly of evangelicalism with his blockbuster Wild at Heart. Now he teams up with his wife, Stasi, to encourage women to connect with their deepest desires. To facilitate this, the Eldredges reveal in the first chapter what every woman's three core desires are: to be romanced, to play a role in her own adventures and to display beauty. (This formula will be familiar to Eldredge's fans, as Wild at Heart offered a similar tripartite model of men's desires.) The rest of the book is an extended reflection on these three impulses. Drawing heavily on popular films to prove their points, the Eldredges warn that most women tend to become either controlling or needy. Godly women, in contrast, should see God as the ultimate lover, and look to Eve (and not, say, J. Lo) as their model. Also, women should form close, intimate friendships with one another, à la Ruth and Naomi or the ladies in Fried Green Tomatoes. These are all unoriginal themes, which evangelical women's writers have been recycling for years. Christian readers who embrace a robust egalitarianism will not find the Eldredges' perspective congenial. Regardless, the book is likely to fly off the shelves, purchased by all those women who gave Wild at Heart to their husbands, brothers and dads." (Apr. 14)


Doesn't sound like a study about God.

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Who authored this list?

[ReformedDave]

Who authored this list?

Sorry 'bout not posting it.

Christian Booksellers Association-

www.cbaonline.org

[Thumper]

This should be the theme song for the North American church world.

Uh huh, thats right
We talk about your work, how your boss is a jerk,
We talk about your church and your head when it hurts.
We talk about the troubles youve been havin wit your brother
bout your daddy and your mother and your crazy ex-lover.
We talk about your friends and the places that youve been,
We talk about your skin and the dimples on your chin.
The polish on your toes and the run in your hose,
And God knows were gonna talk about your clothes.
You know talkin about you makes me smile, but every once in a while,

I wanna talk about me, I wanna talk about i
Wanna talk about number 1 oh my, me, my,
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see.
I like talkin about you, you, you, you usually, but occasionally
I wanna talk about me! (me, me, me,) I wanna talk about me-e-e. (me, me, me)

We talk about your dreams and we talk about your schemes,
Your high school team and your moisturizer cream.
We talk about your nana up in muntzi, indiana,
We talk about your grandma down in alabama.
We talk about your guys of every shape and size,
The ones that you despize and the ones you idolize.
We talk about your heart, bout your brains and your smarts,
And your medical charts and when you start.
You know talkin about you makes me grin, but every now and then,

I wanna talk about me, I wanna talk about i,
Wanna talk about number 1 oh my, me, my.
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see.
I like talkin about you, you, you, you usually, but occasionally
I wanna talk about me! (me, me, me,) I wanna talk about me-e-e (me, me, me)

(I wanna talk about me) mmmm me, me, me, me, me
(I wanna talk about me) mmmm me, me, me, me, me

You, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you, you,
I wanna talk about me!

I wanna talk about me, I wanna talk about i,
Wanna talk about number 1 oh my, me, my.
What I think, what I like, what I know, what I want, what I see,
Oh I like talkin about you, you, you, you usually, but occasionally,
I wanna talk about me! (me, me, me) I wanna talk about me-e-e
I wanna talk about me! (me, me, me) no me-e-e! (me, me, me)

[LaVonne]

Here's a synopsis- From Publishers Weekly
"John Eldredge became the Robert Bly of evangelicalism with his blockbuster Wild at Heart. Now he teams up with his wife, Stasi, to encourage women to connect with their deepest desires. To facilitate this, the Eldredges reveal in the first chapter what every woman's three core desires are: to be romanced, to play a role in her own adventures and to display beauty. (This formula will be familiar to Eldredge's fans, as Wild at Heart offered a similar tripartite model of men's desires.) The rest of the book is an extended reflection on these three impulses. Drawing heavily on popular films to prove their points, the Eldredges warn that most women tend to become either controlling or needy. Godly women, in contrast, should see God as the ultimate lover, and look to Eve (and not, say, J. Lo) as their model. Also, women should form close, intimate friendships with one another, à la Ruth and Naomi or the ladies in Fried Green Tomatoes. These are all unoriginal themes, which evangelical women's writers have been recycling for years. Christian readers who embrace a robust egalitarianism will not find the Eldredges' perspective congenial. Regardless, the book is likely to fly off the shelves, purchased by all those women who gave Wild at Heart to their husbands, brothers and dads." (Apr. 14)


Doesn't sound like a study about God.

What if it draws us closer to God or helps us to have a deeper relationship with God?

You know, sometimes as Christians we can get in a rut and we need fresh perspectives.

[Steve Epley]

This should be the theme song for the North American church world.

Yep.

[crakjak]

Here's the current best seller list of "Christian" books this month. Look how many are about 'me, me, me'! Very few are even remotely about God.


Prayer by Phillip Yancy is a very interesting and good read.

[SDG]

I know the titles might be misleading ... but to say that all these books are egocentric ... is a stretch ... a montage.

Some may be egocentric ... perhaps... it would requiring reading them alll.

but to say there are many books on this list that are not God focused may be unfair also....

Yes there are some peddlers cashing in on the self-help craze ...

but I also see a movement that is seeking a more intimate and deeper relationship with God ... a central theme in many of the books listed.

[Ronzo]

Here's the current best seller list of "Christian" books this month. Look how many are about 'me, me, me'! Very few are even remotely about God.
With all due respect, Dave...

Have you ever heard the expression "You can't judge a book by its cover"?


Same is true of a book's title.


Have you read them all? Not the reviews... the actual books.

[Brett Prince]

Dave, I love you, and often think just like you. On this one, though, I have to say that the titles are designed to sell books--but often the content is extremely God-centered.

[Praxeas]

Here's the current best seller list of "Christian" books this month. Look how many are about 'me, me, me'! Very few are even remotely about God.

Top 50



March 2007
Ranking Title Author/Publisher
1 Moments Together for Couples Dennis & Barbara Rainey, Regal (Gospel Light), c
2 Get Out of That Pit Beth Moore, Integrity (Nelson), c
3 The Five Love Languages Gary Chapman, Northfield (Moody), p
4 Facing Your Giants Max Lucado, W Publishing (Nelson), c
5 The Seven Pillars of Health Don Colbert, Charisma (Strang), c
6 God's Promises for Your Every Need: 25th anniversary ed. J. Countryman (Nelson), p
7 Ever After Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, p
8 90 Minutes in Heaven Don Piper with Cecil Murphey, Revell (Baker), p
9 Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods Rick Warren, Zondervan, p
10 Captivating John & Stasi Eldredge, Nelson Books (Nelson), c
11 Wild at Heart John Eldredge, Nelson Books (Nelson), p
12 Praying God's Word Day By Day Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c
13 White Chocolate Moments Lori Wick, Harvest House, p
14 Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Joanna Weaver, WaterBrook, p
15 God's Answers for Your Life: 25th anniversary ed. J. Countryman (Nelson), p
16 Having a Mary Spirit Joanna Weaver, WaterBrook, p
17 The Way of the Wild Heart John Eldredge, Nelson Books (Nelson), c
18 The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren, Zondervan, c
19 My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers, Barbour, p
20 Kingdom Principles Myles Munroe, Destiny Image, c
21 Love and Respect Emerson Eggerichs, Integrity (Nelson), p
22 For Women Only Shaunti Feldhahn, Multnomah (WaterBrook), c
23 Family Karen Kingsbury, Tyndale, p
24 Jerusalem Countdown, revised John Hagee, Frontline (Strang), p
25 The Confident Woman Joyce Meyer, FaithWords (Hachette), c
26 199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking With God Andrew Murray, Barbour, p
27 The Bible Promise Book: New Life Version Barbour, p
28 Half Price Living Ellie Kay, Moody, p
29 Battlefield of the Mind Joyce Meyer, FaithWords (Hachette), p
30 Prayer Philip Yancey, Zondervan, c
31 More Devotions for Dieters Dan Dick, Barbour, p
32 The Hope Chest Wanda Brunstetter, Barbour, p
33 What Every Christian Ought to Know Adrian Rogers, B&H Publishing Group, c
34 My Utmost for His Highest (updated) Oswald Chambers & Jim Reimann, ed.; Discovery House (Barbour), p
35 Jack Bauer's Having a Bad Day Tim Wesemann, Life Journey (Cook), p
36 Heaven Randy Alcorn, Tyndale, c
37 Love and Respect Emerson Eggerichs, Integrity (Nelson), c
38 Every Young Woman's Battle Shannon Ethridge & Stephen Arterburn, WaterBrook, p
39 David Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c
40 Voices of the Faithful Beth Moore, Integrity (Nelson), c
41 Prayers for Emotional Wholeness Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, c
42 Lies Women Believe Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Moody, p
43 Jerusalem Countdown John Hagee, Frontline (Strang), p
44 Blue Like Jazz Donald Miller, Nelson Books (Nelson), p
45 For Men Only Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn, Multnomah (WaterBrook), c
46 Plain and Fancy Wanda Brunstetter, Barbour, p
47 Before I Wake Dee Henderson, Tyndale, p
48 Safe in the Shepherd's Arms Max Lucado, J. Countryman (Nelson), c
49 Woman to Woman Joyce Meyer, FaithWords (Hachette), c
50 The Power of a Praying Wife Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, p
I've started a thread to this point and made some comments regarding the Covenant Parters with Hutchinson in this vein of thought. This is the problem with American christianity. It follows too closely with the world. Jesus defined the world as "Marrying and given in Marriage" and then John I think said "lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh and pride of life"....Our world is hedonistic, Materialistic, and ego centric. The church is not meant to be clostered monks but by no means are we supposed to be so self centered and materialistic that this becomes the main theme in many churchs...what YOU can get out of it.

The gospel message used to be how YOU have sinned and are worthy of judgement, but not it's about what YOU can get OUT of God...a feel good message.

Yet sexual immorality is running rampant through out our schools....and it's not just the kids either. It's the teachers too. Drug abuse, Broken marriages, Homosexuality. The church is afraid to appear "judgemental" now. Instead we are being trained to tell them how to "Live your best life now!"

It's all about us, not about Him

[Ronzo]

Dave, I love you, and often think just like you. On this one, though, I have to say that the titles are designed to sell books--but often the content is extremely God-centered.
Ditto.

[Felicity]

19 My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers

Dave ........

Have you never read Oswald Chambers?! Believe me .... it is deep rich stuff.

[Praxeas]

What if it draws us closer to God or helps us to have a deeper relationship with God?

You know, sometimes as Christians we can get in a rut and we need fresh perspectives.
I think the issue is is this: What is the quality of that relationship? Not quantity, but quality. Anyone can have a relationship. An abusive husband and his wife have a relationship.

Is our relationship with God ,God centered or us centered? Is it about serving Him or is it about how to get more out of this relationship (Him serving us)

Is our closeness with God done on His terms or is it just us THINKING we are drawing closer to God. What are the motives.

See there is a right way and a wrong way to do anything, including serving God.

Now Im not saying this is true of the book you are reading because I have not read it

[Praxeas]

I know the titles might be misleading ... but to say that all these books are egocentric ... is a stretch ... a montage.

Some may be egocentric ... perhaps... it would requiring reading them alll.

but to say there are many books on this list that are not God focused may be unfair also....

Yes there are some peddlers cashing in on the self-help craze ...

but I also see a movement that is seeking a more intimate and deeper relationship with God ... a central theme in many of the books listed.
He didn't say they were all like that.

[ReformedDave]

I've started a thread to this point and made some comments regarding the Covenant Parters with Hutchinson in this vein of thought. This is the problem with American christianity. It follows too closely with the world. Jesus defined the world as "Marrying and given in Marriage" and then John I think said "lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh and pride of life"....Our world is hedonistic, Materialistic, and ego centric. The church is not meant to be clostered monks but by no means are we supposed to be so self centered and materialistic that this becomes the main theme in many churchs...what YOU can get out of it.

The gospel message used to be how YOU have sinned and are worthy of judgement, but not it's about what YOU can get OUT of God...a feel good message.

Yet sexual immorality is running rampant through out our schools....and it's not just the kids either. It's the teachers too. Drug abuse, Broken marriages, Homosexuality. The church is afraid to appear "judgemental" now. Instead we are being trained to tell them how to "Live your best life now!"

It's all about us, not about Him

You've said 100% correctly.

[ReformedDave]

Dave ........

Have you never read Oswald Chambers?! Believe me .... it is deep rich stuff.

I've read everything Chambers wrote. I know the man's writings fairly well and for devotional stuff it's not bad...Just too esoteric and subjective for my taste.

The vast majority of books on this list are sheer infamil!

[ReformedDave]

Dave, I love you, and often think just like you. On this one, though, I have to say that the titles are designed to sell books--but often the content is extremely God-centered.

I'm familiar with many of these authors and believe me it "all 'bout me" and an inch deep and a mile wide. About 5 years ago I started to read books written about God by men of God(and no not just systematic theologies). When you do it gets very lonely as you realize what you've been missing and very few understand where you are coming from.

[MissBrattified]

I've read everything Chambers wrote. I know the man's writings fairly well and for devotional stuff it's not bad...Just too esoteric and subjective for my taste.

The vast majority of books on this list are sheer infamil!

I see a lot of excellent reading material on that list! But....what titles would you recommend instead?

[ReformedDave]

With all due respect, Dave...

Have you ever heard the expression "You can't judge a book by its cover"?


Same is true of a book's title.


Have you read them all? Not the reviews... the actual books.

As I said before I'm familiar with many of the authors. Praxeas hit a home run with his comment.

[ReformedDave]

I see a lot of excellent reading material on that list! But....what titles would you recommend instead?

Try reading something by someone who has been dead for at least 200 years. For a start, try "Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs. One of the 5 greatest books I've EVER read.

www.graceandtruthbooks.com/listdetails.asp?ID=583

[ReformedDave]

by C. S. Lewis- On Reading Old Books

There is a strange idea abroad that in every subject the ancient books should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with the modern books. Thus I have found as a tutor in English Literature that if the average student wants to find out something about Platonism, the very last thing he thinks of doing is to take a translation of Plato off the library shelf and read the Symposium. He would rather read some dreary modern book ten times as long, all about "isms" and influences and only once in twelve pages telling him what Plato actually said. The error is rather an amiable one, for it springs from humility. The student is half afraid to meet one of the great philosophers face to face. He feels himself inadequate and thinks he will not understand him. But if he only knew, the great man, just because of his greatness, is much more intelligible than his modern commentator. The simplest student will be able to understand, if not all, yet a very great deal of what Plato said; but hardly anyone can understand some modern books on Platonism. It has always therefore been one of my main endeavours as a teacher to persuade the young that firsthand knowledge is not only more worth acquiring than secondhand knowledge, but is usually much easier and more delightful to acquire.
This mistaken preference for the modern books and this shyness of the old ones is nowhere more rampant than in theology. Wherever you find a little study circle of Christian laity you can be almost certain that they are studying not St. Luke or St. Paul or St. Augustine or Thomas Aquinas or Hooker or Butler, but M. Berdyaev or M. Maritain or M. Niebuhr or Miss Sayers or even myself.
Now this seems to me topsy-turvy. Naturally, since I myself am a writer, I do not wish the ordinary reader to read no modern books. But if he must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old. And I would give him this advice precisely because he is an amateur and therefore much less protected than the expert against the dangers of an exclusive contemporary diet. A new book is still on its trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it. It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages, and all its hidden implications (often unsuspected by the author himself) have to be brought to light. Often it cannot be fully understood without the knowledge of a good many other modern books. If you join at eleven o'clock a conversation which began at eight you will often not see the real bearing of what is said. Remarks which seem to you very ordinary will produce laughter or irritation and you will not see why—the reason, of course, being that the earlier stages of the conversation have given them a special point. In the same way sentences in a modern book which look quite ordinary may be directed at some other book; in this way you may be led to accept what you would have indignantly rejected if you knew its real significance. The only safety is to have a standard of plain, central Christianity ("mere Christianity" as Baxter called it) which puts the controversies of the moment in their proper perspective. Such a standard can be acquired only from the old books. It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones.
Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes. We all, therefore, need the books that will correct the characteristic mistakes of our own period. And that means the old books. All contemporary writers share to some extent the contemporary outlook—even those, like myself, who seem most opposed to it. Nothing strikes me more when I read the controversies of past ages than the fact that both sides were usually assuming without question a good deal which we should now absolutely deny. They thought that they were as completely opposed as two sides could be, but in fact they were all the time secretly united—united with each other and against earlier and later ages—by a great mass of common assumptions. We may be sure that the characteristic blindness of the twentieth century—the blindness about which posterity will ask, "But how could they have thought that?"—lies where we have never suspected it, and concerns something about which there is untroubled agreement between Hitler and President Roosevelt or between Mr. H. G. Wells and Karl Barth. None of us can fully escape this blindness, but we shall certainly increase it, and weaken our guard against it, if we read only modern books. Where they are true they will give us truths which we half knew already. Where they are false they will aggravate the error with which we are already dangerously ill. The only palliative is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books. Not, of course, that there is any magic about the past. People were no cleverer then than they are now; they made as many mistakes as we. But not the same mistakes. They will not flatter us in the errors we are already committing; and their own errors, being now open and palpable, will not endanger us. Two heads are better than one, not because either is infallible, but because they are unlikely to go wrong in the same direction. To be sure, the books of the future would be just as good a corrective as the books of the past, but unfortunately we cannot get at them.
I myself was first led into reading the Christian classics, almost accidentally, as a result of my English studies. Some, such as Hooker, Herbert, Traherne, Taylor and Bunyan, I read because they are themselves great English writers; others, such as Boethius, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and Dante, because they were "influences." George Macdonald I had found for myself at the age of sixteen and never wavered in my allegiance, though I tried for a long time to ignore his Christianity. They are, you will note, a mixed bag, representative of many Churches, climates and ages. And that brings me to yet another reason for reading them. The divisions of Christendom are undeniable and are by some of these writers most fiercely expressed. But if any man is tempted to think—as one might be tempted who read only con- temporaries—that "Christianity" is a word of so many meanings that it means nothing at all, he can learn beyond all doubt, by stepping out of his own century, that this is not so. Measured against the ages "mere Christianity" turns out to be no insipid interdenominational transparency, but something positive, self-consistent, and inexhaustible. I know it, indeed, to my cost. In the days when I still hated Christianity, I learned to recognise, like some all too familiar smell, that almost unvarying something which met me, now in Puritan Bunyan, now in Anglican Hooker, now in Thomist Dante. It was there (honeyed and floral) in Francois de Sales; it was there (grave and homely) in Spenser and Walton; it was there (grim but manful) in Pascal and Johnson; there again, with a mild, frightening, Paradisial flavour, in Vaughan and Boehme and Traherne. In the urban sobriety of the eighteenth century one was not safe—Law and Butler were two lions in the path. The supposed "Paganism" of the Elizabethans could not keep it out; it lay in wait where a man might have supposed himself safest, in the very centre of The Faerie Queene and the Arcadia. It was, of course, varied; and yet—after all—so unmistakably the same; recognisable, not to be evaded, the odour which is death to us until we allow it to become life:

an air that kills
From yon far country blows.

We are all rightly distressed, and ashamed also, at the divisions of Christendom. But those who have always lived within the Christian fold may be too easily dispirited by them. They are bad, but such people do not know what it looks like from without. Seen from there, what is left intact despite all the divisions, still appears (as it truly is) an immensely formidable unity. I know, for I saw it; and well our enemies know it. That unity any of us can find by going out of his own age. It is not enough, but it is more than you had thought till then. Once you are well soaked in it, if you then venture to speak, you will have an amusing experience. You will be thought a Papist when you are actually reproducing Bunyan, a Pantheist when you are quoting Aquinas, and so forth. For you have now got on to the great level viaduct which crosses the ages and which looks so high from the valleys, so low from the mountains, so narrow compared with the swamps, and so broad compared with the sheep-tracks.

[LaVonne]

I think the issue is is this: What is the quality of that relationship? Not quantity, but quality. Anyone can have a relationship. An abusive husband and his wife have a relationship.

Is our relationship with God ,God centered or us centered? Is it about serving Him or is it about how to get more out of this relationship (Him serving us)

Is our closeness with God done on His terms or is it just us THINKING we are drawing closer to God. What are the motives.

See there is a right way and a wrong way to do anything, including serving God.

Now Im not saying this is true of the book you are reading because I have not read it

What I'm reading right now is (in the current chapter I'm in) dealing with how women will either be controlling or despondant in many areas in their life...we do this instead of trusting God either out of fear or vulnerability (there are many other reasons as well). I'm only on page 58 and I really don't want to take the time to recap everything.

My point is, if a book draws us closer to Jesus...or rather the thoughts do, what's wrong with that? No one person has all the answers and not everything you read in a book is going to be totally right. (Except the Bible) I think some of you guys are making an issue out of nothing.

[ReformedDave]

What I'm reading right now is (in the current chapter I'm in) dealing with how women will either be controlling or despondant in many areas in their life...we do this instead of trusting God either out of fear or vulnerability (there are many other reasons as well). I'm only on page 58 and I really don't want to take the time to recap everything.

My point is, if a book draws us closer to Jesus...or rather the thoughts do, what's wrong with that? No one person has all the answers and not everything you read in a book is going to be totally right. (Except the Bible) I think some of you guys are making an issue out of nothing.

When you've eaten Ruth Chris' steak it's hard to go back to Hamburger Helper!

The vast majority of Christian literature is not worthy of the time it takes to read it. If you ever take the time and effort to read something truly worthwhile you will know what I mean. Until then......

As Praxeas pointed out the vast majority of popular books are a reflection of society and it's humanistic at the core.

[LaVonne]

When you've eaten Ruth Chris' steak it's hard to go back to Hamburger Helper!

The vast majority of Christian literature is not worthy of the time it takes to read it. If you ever take the time and effort to read something truly worthwhile you will know what I mean. Until then......

As Praxeas pointed out the vast majority of popular books are a reflection of society and it's humanistic at the core.

I will then ask the question that Miss. Brattified asked...what would you recommend? Please be specific as your initial list is very specific.

[MissBrattified]

When you've eaten Ruth Chris' steak it's hard to go back to Hamburger Helper!

The vast majority of Christian literature is not worthy of the time it takes to read it. If you ever take the time and effort to read something truly worthwhile you will know what I mean. Until then......

As Praxeas pointed out the vast majority of popular books are a reflection of society and it's humanistic at the core.

I agree in a rather generic fashion...however, I don't think that material has to be particularly deep to be productive. In fact, some of the simplest literature is often the easiest to for Christians to read and then apply.

Examples would be Pilgrim's Progress, In His Steps, and others. Simple books, with really great application. C.S. Lewis is classic and always recommended, IMO. However, on the list you provided, I see several books (and authors) that I would recommend to others, among them:

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest (classic read, excellent)
Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages (easily understood theories, easy to apply to marriage)
Max Lucado, Facing Your Giants
Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
Emerson Eggerichs, Love and Respect (excellent explanation of the husband/wife relationship and how it needs to be kept in balance)
Philip Yancey, Prayer
Stormie Omartian, The Power of a Praying Wife

I can recommend these because I've read them. I believe any reading that prompts me to live a life more wholly devoted to God, that points me in His direction, and that practically addresses family, marital and life issues from a biblical perspective is worth my time, and as a busy woman, I don't have a lot of time to spare.

Several of the books on that list are quite old, too...they aren't new authors or new titles.

I don't think you can adequately judge a book by its title, its author(necessarily), or even by its synopsis. Unless you've actually read the majority of the books on that list, I don't feel your assessment is valid. :dunno

[SDG]

Brother Dave ... there are various genres ... whether they be in books, music, etc ...that can inspire us about God ... some like devotionals ... some like inspirational .... some like personal testimonies ... bluegrass .... rap ...

some of it has elements of humanism ...

but if we follow Paul's advice we can cull a lot from what we encounter.

1 Thessalonians 5:

21
Test everything; retain what is good.
22
Refrain from every kind of evil.

[Praxeas]

I'm familiar with many of these authors and believe me it "all 'bout me" and an inch deep and a mile wide. About 5 years ago I started to read books written about God by men of God(and no not just systematic theologies). When you do it gets very lonely as you realize what you've been missing and very few understand where you are coming from.
Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

[Praxeas]

What I'm reading right now is (in the current chapter I'm in) dealing with how women will either be controlling or despondant in many areas in their life...we do this instead of trusting God either out of fear or vulnerability (there are many other reasons as well). I'm only on page 58 and I really don't want to take the time to recap everything.

My point is, if a book draws us closer to Jesus...or rather the thoughts do, what's wrong with that? No one person has all the answers and not everything you read in a book is going to be totally right. (Except the Bible) I think some of you guys are making an issue out of nothing.
Please re-reading what I posted. I don't think you got it.

[ReformedDave]

I will then ask the question that Miss. Brattified asked...what would you recommend? Please be specific as your initial list is very specific.

How many do you want me to name? 3 of the greatest books I've ever read are "Altogether Lovely" by Jonathan Edwards, "Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs, and "Grace" by Christopher Love.

If you want a longer list I can supply it.

[ReformedDave]

I agree in a rather generic fashion...however, I don't think that material has to be particularly deep to be productive. In fact, some of the simplest literature is often the easiest to for Christians to read and then apply.

Examples would be Pilgrim's Progress, In His Steps, and others. Simple books, with really great application. C.S. Lewis is classic and always recommended, IMO. However, on the list you provided, I see several books (and authors) that I would recommend to others, among them:

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest (classic read, excellent)
Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages (easily understood theories, easy to apply to marriage)
Max Lucado, Facing Your Giants
Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
Emerson Eggerichs, Love and Respect (excellent explanation of the husband/wife relationship and how it needs to be kept in balance)
Philip Yancey, Prayer
Stormie Omartian, The Power of a Praying Wife

I can recommend these because I've read them. I believe any reading that prompts me to live a life more wholly devoted to God, that points me in His direction, and that practically addresses family, marital and life issues from a biblical perspective is worth my time, and as a busy woman, I don't have a lot of time to spare.

Several of the books on that list are quite old, too...they aren't new authors or new titles.

I don't think you can adequately judge a book by its title, its author(necessarily), or even by its synopsis. Unless you've actually read the majority of the books on that list, I don't feel your assessment is valid. :dunno

For the most part the books you've named are books that are about the reader and his/her response. Try reading a book about God.

[SDG]

For the most part the books you've named are books that are about the reader and his/her response. Try reading a book about God.

66 books times the power of the Holy Ghost.

[ReformedDave]

66 books times the power of the Holy Ghost.

No problem with that.

[MissBrattified]

For the most part the books you've named are books that are about the reader and his/her response. Try reading a book about God.

I guess I'm just not very deep, because I don't even understand the difference you're trying to clue me in on. I see very little difference between God and God's Word, and any expounding on either one is of interest to me. :dunno

I consider books about living a godly life to be ultimately about God, since they address how I can please God.

I'm not disagreeing with your overall point that many so-called Christian books capitalize on the humanistic, selfish craze, but I don't think you've correctly categorized the books on the list, since "humanistic" and "lacking depth" aren't quite the same thing.

Reading a book about what someone else thinks about God and Who He is isn't any more beneficial than reading a book about someone else's opinion of how I should live for God. Ultimately getting to know God on a personal and deep level will happen on my knees, not between the pages of a book. The choices I make in living for God are mine. Other folks' opinions are only valid so long as the resonate with the convictions I already hold, and reinforce the relationship I already have. New things usually come directly from Him, or from someone He has placed in my life as an authority figure.

Books don't affect me that strongly. I take the positive and discard the negative, and I don't place a lot of trust in any one author, but rather read distantly and critically, applying the things that I feel reflect God's Word.

I guess that's why I'm not in a great upheaval about books that aren't deep enough. Many authors are just writing their own sincere takes on God and how to serve Him, and truth be told, if I were to write my own best opinion on those subjects, they would probably fall short, be abysmally shallow, and leave many people thinking that I'm not very deep. (Which I'm not.) I like simplicity, and don't have a lot of use for things that take a lot of my time and thought processes, since I'm already pretty busy. If I can read a snippet of something that will set my feet in the right direction for the day, that's a good thing.

Reading material is just as subjective as music...what is deep to one person is shallow to another, because what touches me may not touch you, what resonates deep within me, may not even cause a ripple on the surface of your heart. I have picked up books that others recommended and found them sorely lacking; I have picked up obscure books by equally obscure authors and found something inside that truly helped me in my walk with God.

Furthermore, I'm not sure that anyone can really teach another person Who God is. I think we all have to find that out for ourselves, although surely it is intriguing to read what others think on the matter. It's much easier to teach day to day practicalities, but things of a spiritual nature usually need to be experienced.

This reminds me of the recent musical snobbery I have seen in some churches, where music has to be "about" God, and if it is about Christians or Christian experiences or thanking God for what He has done for us, it is somehow less profound and meaningful. I totally disagree. Thanking God for what He has already done is just as important as praising Him for what He is capable of doing in the future. Praising Him for guiding my life is just as important as telling Him that I need Him to guide me.

Knowing Who God is doesn't mean a thing, if you don't take that knowledge and in turn serve Him because of Who He is. Learning about how to serve God in a way that pleases Him is just as important, and in some ways, the same thing as knowing Who He is.

[crakjak]

I'm familiar with many of these authors and believe me it "all 'bout me" and an inch deep and a mile wide. About 5 years ago I started to read books written about God by men of God(and no not just systematic theologies). When you do it gets very lonely as you realize what you've been missing and very few understand where you are coming from.

You're getting a bit esoteric, are you Bro. Dave. Most folks can't understand those books.

[stmatthew]

Try reading something by someone who has been dead for at least 200 years. For a start, try "Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs. One of the 5 greatest books I've EVER read.

www.graceandtruthbooks.com/listdetails.asp?ID=583

I had to stop here and Amen you.

There are very few (notice I did not say none) books by living authors that have really a lot of depth within them.

Except for a few of the UPCI titles, I would say 9/10ths of the books I own are by men that are dead. I have often said that it is ashamed that I have to read dead mens words to find any real substance.

[SDG]

I had to stop here and Amen you.

There are very few (notice I did not say none) books by living authors that have really a lot of depth within them.

Except for a few of the UPCI titles, I would say 9/10ths of the books I own are by men that are dead. I have often said that it is ashamed that I have to read dead mens words to find any real substance.

Ah .. the good old days ... when men were men and women were men.

[stmatthew]

How many do you want me to name? 3 of the greatest books I've ever read are "Altogether Lovely" by Jonathan Edwards, "Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs, and "Grace" by Christopher Love.

If you want a longer list I can supply it.

Give me your big list.

[stmatthew]

Ah .. the good old days ... when men were men and women were men.

Does everything have to be a sarcastic joke to you dude.

[Praxeas]

I think for the most part,the problem is that a lot of Christians don't see the bigger picture. They don't see the trend in churches today that are self centered and not God centered

1Tim 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=61&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29788a)] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.[b (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=61&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29788b)]
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=61&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29790c)] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

[TRIPLE E]

I think for the most part,the problem is that a lot of Christians don't see the bigger picture.

I have to say that I agree with you my friend!

[tv1a]

What's wrong with reading someone's response to God. Are not the books you are enthralled with someone else's response to their God?

I'm not certain I understand your criteria for "suitable" christian literature. I understand you are super spiritual and not many of today's authors are relevant to you, but that doesn't mean there aren't nuggets of truth in those pages...

For the most part the books you've named are books that are about the reader and his/her response. Try reading a book about God.

[josh]

Try reading something by someone who has been dead for at least 200 years. For a start, try "Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs. One of the 5 greatest books I've EVER read.

www.graceandtruthbooks.com/listdetails.asp?ID=583

Dave, I so agree with your assessment and this first statement here.

I never read today's popular Christian writing. You have to wade through so much fluff to find anything good.

But, then, we are living in the microwave generation....

[ReformedDave]

I guess I'm just not very deep, because I don't even understand the difference you're trying to clue me in on. I see very little difference between God and God's Word, and any expounding on either one is of interest to me. :dunno

I consider books about living a godly life to be ultimately about God, since they address how I can please God.

I'm not disagreeing with your overall point that many so-called Christian books capitalize on the humanistic, selfish craze, but I don't think you've correctly categorized the books on the list, since "humanistic" and "lacking depth" aren't quite the same thing.

Reading a book about what someone else thinks about God and Who He is isn't any more beneficial than reading a book about someone else's opinion of how I should live for God. Ultimately getting to know God on a personal and deep level will happen on my knees, not between the pages of a book. The choices I make in living for God are mine. Other folks' opinions are only valid so long as the resonate with the convictions I already hold, and reinforce the relationship I already have. New things usually come directly from Him, or from someone He has placed in my life as an authority figure.

Books don't affect me that strongly. I take the positive and discard the negative, and I don't place a lot of trust in any one author, but rather read distantly and critically, applying the things that I feel reflect God's Word.

I guess that's why I'm not in a great upheaval about books that aren't deep enough. Many authors are just writing their own sincere takes on God and how to serve Him, and truth be told, if I were to write my own best opinion on those subjects, they would probably fall short, be abysmally shallow, and leave many people thinking that I'm not very deep. (Which I'm not.) I like simplicity, and don't have a lot of use for things that take a lot of my time and thought processes, since I'm already pretty busy. If I can read a snippet of something that will set my feet in the right direction for the day, that's a good thing.

Reading material is just as subjective as music...what is deep to one person is shallow to another, because what touches me may not touch you, what resonates deep within me, may not even cause a ripple on the surface of your heart. I have picked up books that others recommended and found them sorely lacking; I have picked up obscure books by equally obscure authors and found something inside that truly helped me in my walk with God.

Furthermore, I'm not sure that anyone can really teach another person Who God is. I think we all have to find that out for ourselves, although surely it is intriguing to read what others think on the matter. It's much easier to teach day to day practicalities, but things of a spiritual nature usually need to be experienced.

This reminds me of the recent musical snobbery I have seen in some churches, where music has to be "about" God, and if it is about Christians or Christian experiences or thanking God for what He has done for us, it is somehow less profound and meaningful. I totally disagree. Thanking God for what He has already done is just as important as praising Him for what He is capable of doing in the future. Praising Him for guiding my life is just as important as telling Him that I need Him to guide me.

Knowing Who God is doesn't mean a thing, if you don't take that knowledge and in turn serve Him because of Who He is. Learning about how to serve God in a way that pleases Him is just as important, and in some ways, the same thing as knowing Who He is.

The thing I think that most of today's Christian lit. consists of is discussing what Christianity can do for you and not what you can do for God. As I said before, it's all about Him and His glory. We know so little about Him, his attributes, and his passions (For his own glory). The majority of what is written today is about what we can get and not about what we can give Him and what He deserves. We lost our awe. Huge difference in emphasis.

[ReformedDave]

What's wrong with reading someone's response to God. Are not the books you are enthralled with someone else's response to their God?

I'm not certain I understand your criteria for "suitable" christian literature. I understand you are super spiritual and not many of today's authors are relevant to you, but that doesn't mean there aren't nuggets of truth in those pages...

Super spiritual? Guess you don't know me but it's just the opposite. It is true not many of today's authors are relevant to me or to Scripture. I'm tired of having to dig for nuggets and throw the rest away. With the men I read you throw away very little.

[Scott Hutchinson]

Where is Zondervan's essential Bible companion on the list?
I want a copy of The annals of the Roman Empire by TACTICUS.

[ReformedDave]

Give me your big list.

Wow! As I own 3-4000 books where do I start!

Let me give you some authors and categories and maybe answer any questions.

Most anything by the English, Scottish, American and Dutch puritans. Tough reading until one gets used to them. The greatest collection of non-inspired writing in existence.

Writers like J. Gresham Machen, John Murray, Abraham Kuyper, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers, St. Augustine, John Calvin, Frances Turretin, Jonathan Edwards B. B. Warfield, Cornelius Van Til, Martyn Lloyd Jones, John Gerstner, C. H. Spurgeon, Francis Schaeffer, R. J. Rushdoony, and Greg Bahnsen . These are just a few and it doesn't mean I agree with everything they wrote.

Of todays writers; John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, John Piper, David Wells, John Frame, J. I. Packer come to mind.

My top ten(actually eleven) books of all time are;
"Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs
"Grace" by Christopher Love
"Altogether Lovely" by Jonathan Edwards
"Institutes of Christian Religion" by John Calvin
"The Christian's Reasonable Service" by Wilhelmus a' Brakel
"Desiring God" by John Piper
"The Almost Christian Discovered" by Matthew Mead
"Holiness" by R. C. Sproul
"Ashamed By the Gospel" and "Reckless Faith" by John MacArthur
"Heaven Opened" by Richard Alleine

Out of the 10 only 3 authors are alive.

[ReformedDave]

but I also see a movement that is seeking a more intimate and deeper relationship with God ... a central theme in many of the books listed.

Try subjective and mystical.......

[Felicity]

There's a heavy spirit of deception at work in the world.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I'll be honest I'd rather read things by VAN TILL than alot of modern boks.

[ReformedDave]

I'll be honest I'd rather read things by VAN TILL than alot of modern boks.

Very well could be the most "innovative and original" thinker since the Reformation. He completely changed apologetics.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I've have a CD of dominion theology works , of course I love reading Gentry and Chilton gets this though I got it from a universalist if you can believe it.

[Praxeas]

I've have a CD of dominion theology works , of course I love reading Gentry and Chilton gets this though I got it from a universalist if you can believe it.
Chilton? The bible on cars? :dunno

[ReformedDave]

Chilton? The bible on cars? :dunno

Funny guy!

[seguidordejesus]

Dave,

I just checked out some of those books in your top "10"...they're kind of expensive on ebay, at least compared to "normal" books! I see some of them have been republished recently (in the 90's)...do you know of somewhere else to get a good used copy?

[crakjak]

I think for the most part,the problem is that a lot of Christians don't see the bigger picture. They don't see the trend in churches today that are self centered and not God centered

1Tim 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=61&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29788a)] of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.[b (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=61&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29788b)]
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=61&chapter=6&version=50#fen-NKJV-29790c)] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Is not this is what we do, ei; godhead etc., etc.?

[crakjak]

Wow! As I own 3-4000 books where do I start!

Let me give you some authors and categories and maybe answer any questions.

Most anything by the English, Scottish, American and Dutch puritans. Tough reading until one gets used to them. The greatest collection of non-inspired writing in existence.

Writers like J. Gresham Machen, John Murray, Abraham Kuyper, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers, St. Augustine, John Calvin, Frances Turretin, Jonathan Edwards B. B. Warfield, Cornelius Van Til, Martyn Lloyd Jones, John Gerstner, C. H. Spurgeon, Francis Schaeffer, R. J. Rushdoony, and Greg Bahnsen . These are just a few and it doesn't mean I agree with everything they wrote.

Of todays writers; John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, John Piper, David Wells, John Frame, J. I. Packer come to mind.

My top ten(actually eleven) books of all time are;
"Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs
"Grace" by Christopher Love
"Altogether Lovely" by Jonathan Edwards
"Institutes of Christian Religion" by John Calvin
"The Christian's Reasonable Service" by Wilhelmus a' Brakel
"Desiring God" by John Piper
"The Almost Christian Discovered" by Matthew Mead
"Holiness" by R. C. Sproul
"Ashamed By the Gospel" and "Reckless Faith" by John MacArthur
"Heaven Opened" by Richard Alleine

Out of the 10 only 3 authors are alive.

Great to see you have Universal Reconcilation represented in your recommendations.:highfive

[Praxeas]

Is not this is what we do, ei; godhead etc., etc.?

Dunno....Paul argued scriptures to the Jews.....

[crakjak]

Dunno....Paul argued scriptures to the Jews.....

We're in good company then....!:ty

[Felicity]

I think once you've been accustomed to reading quality literature such as has been referenced here you can never be satisfied with less and certainly not with the quality of material being placed in the Christian Marketplace bookshelves today.

After all books are written from knowledge, history, experience, personal experience and a walk with God that may or may not have much depth.

I still like Oswald Chambers though. ;) :) He blew me away when I discovered him at 20 years of age. Not too esoteric and I like spiritual depth. The man certainly could think and his thoughts, understanding and perception went deeper than I had ever encountered up to the point I read him for the first time.

[crakjak]

I think once you've been accustomed to reading quality literature such as has been referenced here you can never be satisfied with less and certainly not with the quality of material being placed in the Christian Marketplace bookshelves today.

After all books are written from knowledge, history, experience, personal experience and a walk with God that may or may not have much depth.

I still like Oswald Chambers though. ;) :) He blew me away when I discovered him at 20 years of age. Not too esoteric and I like spiritual depth. The man certainly could think and his thoughts, understanding and perception went deeper than I had ever encountered up to the point I read him for the first time.

Reading and comprehending is a progressive thing, Bro. Dave stated he has 3-4000 books, I assure you he did not begin with the books that are so important to him today. I have experienced a similar progression in my own reading but I have a long way to go since I only have 1000-1500 books, most are by live men, some are quite shallow, some very alive and worthy. I had not thought of it, but I am collecting more and more dead men's writings. Some of their writings are great, some dead as they are.

You and I had a discussion about Oswald on the other forum, I also like his writings. What about George Mueller? He's a dead one that is worth reading.
What of Dr. Paul Brandt, "The Gift of Pain" a powerful read, and not what you might think. Yeah, he's dead.:killinme

[ReformedDave]

Great to see you have Universal Reconcilation represented in your recommendations.:highfive

Really? Whom would that be?

[ReformedDave]

I think once you've been accustomed to reading quality literature such as has been referenced here you can never be satisfied with less and certainly not with the quality of material being placed in the Christian Marketplace bookshelves today.

After all books are written from knowledge, history, experience, personal experience and a walk with God that may or may not have much depth.

I still like Oswald Chambers though. ;) :) He blew me away when I discovered him at 20 years of age. Not too esoteric and I like spiritual depth. The man certainly could think and his thoughts, understanding and perception went deeper than I had ever encountered up to the point I read him for the first time.

Not my intention to rain on OC. His works have blessed me as has his biography.

[ReformedDave]

Dave,

I just checked out some of those books in your top "10"...they're kind of expensive on ebay, at least compared to "normal" books! I see some of them have been republished recently (in the 90's)...do you know of somewhere else to get a good used copy?

There are several other sites that I buy books from that are cheaper than some of the publishers but yes they are an investment. Try half.com, even Amazon's used book section. Or just buy one at full price.

[ReformedDave]

Reading and comprehending is a progressive thing, Bro. Dave stated he has 3-4000 books, I assure you he did not begin with the books that are so important to him today. I have experienced a similar progression in my own reading but I have a long way to go since I only have 1000-1500 books, most are by live men, some are quite shallow, some very alive and worthy. I had not thought of it, but I am collecting more and more dead men's writings. Some of their writings are great, some dead as they are.


Exactly correct!

[Felicity]

Not my intention to rain on OC. His works have blessed me as has his biography.I haven't read his bio. Need to get that!

[ReformedDave]

I haven't read his bio. Need to get that!

"Abandoned to God" is the title.....I think.

[Felicity]

I've been reading Finney's autobiography. That's pretty stirring!

[MissBrattified]

Wow! As I own 3-4000 books where do I start!

Let me give you some authors and categories and maybe answer any questions.

Most anything by the English, Scottish, American and Dutch puritans. Tough reading until one gets used to them. The greatest collection of non-inspired writing in existence.

Writers like J. Gresham Machen, John Murray, Abraham Kuyper, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy Sayers, St. Augustine, John Calvin, Frances Turretin, Jonathan Edwards B. B. Warfield, Cornelius Van Til, Martyn Lloyd Jones, John Gerstner, C. H. Spurgeon, Francis Schaeffer, R. J. Rushdoony, and Greg Bahnsen . These are just a few and it doesn't mean I agree with everything they wrote.

Of todays writers; John MacArthur, R. C. Sproul, John Piper, David Wells, John Frame, J. I. Packer come to mind.

My top ten(actually eleven) books of all time are;
"Gospel Worship" by Jeremiah Burroughs
"Grace" by Christopher Love
"Altogether Lovely" by Jonathan Edwards
"Institutes of Christian Religion" by John Calvin
"The Christian's Reasonable Service" by Wilhelmus a' Brakel
"Desiring God" by John Piper
"The Almost Christian Discovered" by Matthew Mead
"Holiness" by R. C. Sproul
"Ashamed By the Gospel" and "Reckless Faith" by John MacArthur
"Heaven Opened" by Richard Alleine

Out of the 10 only 3 authors are alive.

Thanks for the recommendations! :ty

[Felicity]

I picked up a John Piper book to skim through at lunch one day and brought it home to read but for some reason I just couldn't get into it. Maybe it was just that particular book.

I love reading MacArthur! It goes without saying I don't agree with everything he writes but I like his writing style. He's "meaty" without getting boggy or over my head or difficult to understand.

I think I read "Holiness" by Sproul a few years back and I've read a little of Christopher Love.

[crakjak]

Really? Whom would that be?

Jonathan Edwards and John Calvin......J/K.:heeheehee :heeheehee Actually it was your post by C.S. Lewis that mentioned George MacDonald and then you mentioned G.K. Chesterfield. Both of these author writings reflect their belief in the reconciliation of all men.