Christianity Today is out with what it considers “The Top 50 Books That Have Shaped Evangelicals: Landmark titles that changed the way we think, talk, witness, worship, and live.”
These are books that have shaped evangelicalism as we see it today—not an evangelicalism we wish and hope for. Books that have been published since World War II—not every book in the history of Christianity. Books that over the last 50 years have altered the way American evangelicals pray, gather, talk, and reach out—not books that merely entertained.We asked dozens of evangelical leaders for their suggestions, and they sent in their nominations. Then we vigorously debated as a staff as we ranked the 50 books. (We’re still debating.)
Coming in at number one: Prayer: Conversing with God by Rosaland Rinker; number two, Understanding Church Growth by Donald MaGavran; and number three, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
Surprisingly—or perhaps not—mega-selling The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren came in at forty-two and the Left Behind franchise by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye came in at thirty-six.
So, what do you believe should be the number one book?
Here are the top ten books that have influenced my life.
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October 8, 2006 at 00:37
Top Ten, with quick and dirty summaries:
10) Who You Are When No One’s Looking: A simple, short and sweet examination of what Christian character looks like. Author: Bill Hybels.
9)It’s Not About Me: The lifechanging truth that the world does not revolve around my life, but that I was created to bring God glory. Author: Max Lucado.
7) The Irresistible Revolution: A hands-on guide to social justice and the impact everyday Christians can have on their world. Author: Shane Claiborne.
6) The Purpose-Driven Life: Cliched, perhaps, since it’s on so many top ten lists, but going through the 40-day study is incredible. Author: Rick Warren.
5) Nice Girls Don’t Change The World: I loved this little volume, part Bible study, part memoir, of one woman’s struggle to define who she is. Author: Lynne Hybels.
4) Traveling Mercies: The often hilarious, irreverent and just as often potty-mouthed writings of a fellow on the Christian journey. Author: Anne Lamott.
3) God’s Politics: A revolutionary application of scriptural principles and just plain common sense for how we as Christians, with all our varying positions, can work together for justice and advancing God’s agenda for good. Author: Jim Wallis.
2) Celebration of Discipline: A classic text on prayer, study of Scripture, and how the disciplines practiced by the church for hundreds of years are still relevant and necessary. Can be difficult to read sometimes, but richly rewarding.
Author: Richard Foster.
1) Ruthless Trust: This is the book that revolutionized my faith journey, and brought the importance of unconditionally trusting God home. It’s full of story, wisdom, and the call to abandon fear, and embrace His life in us. Author: Brennan Manning.
As of this writing, that list is my top ten, and the books that I’d want to be stuck on a desert island with.
October 8, 2006 at 12:49
I won’t contribute to the what-should-or-shouldn’t-be-on-the-list debate (but I’m looking forward to what others will say).
My initial reaction to the list was to a) thank God for the books on the list which I have read, b)feel guilty for the many I have meant to read but have not, and c) react with surprise to some of which I had never heard…
October 10, 2006 at 17:01
I find it surprising that “Jesus Among Other Gods” by Ravi Zacharias did not make the list. It is an excellent and challenging book.
I’m partial to putting Mere Christianity at the top of the list, but I might be biased.
October 11, 2006 at 19:50
What about the Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer?