I have agonized over what should be included on a list entitled “5 Books Every Christian Should Read”. I have thousands of books in my own library, and a couple of dozen of them were serious contenders. The longer the list, however, the more daunting it would be for someone starting out (either in the faith, or in a serious commitment to reading).
So I determined to keep it to five. Well … almost, as you’ll see at the bottom of the list.
The obvious disclaimer is that this is a list of books every Christian should read in addition to the Bible. Careful Bible reading should be a vital part of every day of our lives.
One more word before I get to the list. I have absolutely no doubt that as soon as I publish this post I will start to second guess myself about what I have not included. But rather than tamper with the list, which I really do believe is all essential stuff, I think the comments area would be a great place to add other recommendations and discuss them together. I invite you to add the books that you think should be included.
Here’s my list …
Table of Contents
5 Books Every Christian Should Read (at least once)
Here they are …
1. “All of Grace” by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
What a wonderful short treatment of the gospel. This book has been used to lead an untold number of people to faith in Christ. But it’s also an encouraging book for established Christians. It will bring you back again and again to the joy of the gospel, and the basics of knowing Jesus.
2. “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis
This book will not only help you personally understand what is different about Christianity than any other religion in the world, it will also equip you for sharing the faith with others.
3. “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer
Packer is one of the most well-known and popular theologians of the last century. He has written many very scholarly books for pastors and seminarians, but he wrote this book for all Christians. It’s become a classic because he has managed to make a core of theology very plain and readable by all. But it won’t only bring you to understanding … it will bring you to worship.
4. “Pilgrims Progress” by John Bunyan
More Christians know about this book than have actually read it through. That’s sad, because it’s such a rich preparation for the journey of the Christian life. It’s an allegory; a fictional story used to teach real world truths.
5. “Basic Christianity” by John Stott
In the preface, Stott contends that many modern people have not rejected the real Jesus Christ, the One presented on the pages of the Bible, but they have rejected the contemporary church and the muddled message it has presented about Him. This book brings us back to the Founder Himself, why He came, and how Christians ought to follow Him.
I just can’t help myself …
When you’ve read those, I highly recommend “The Christian in Complete Armour” by William Gurnall. Gurnall was a 17th Century Puritan, so if you pick up the original tome you’ll probably be discouraged by the antiquated language, unless you’re used to reading books from that period. Fortunately for us all, however, Banner of Truth books released a 3 volume paperback edition with updated language. They have done a remarkable job of retaining the author’s work while making it very accessible to today’s reader. I highly recommend this updated version.
Well there we have it: my 5 books every Christian should read.
Leave your comments, favorable or otherwise, about the list, and give us your suggestions about what books have really impacted you.
I feel for you in making this list. Impossible to keep it at five. I agree with every one of your recommendations. My one very small contribution to this discussion would be the addition of Tozer and Bonhoeffer. Tozer’s “Pursuit of God” and Bonhoeffer’s “Cost of Discipleship”. Tozer’s ability to write is amazing and inspirational. And Bonhoeffer? What a man he was. I think he knew he was going to die, so his writing contains an urgency and legitimacy obvious even to the casual reader, I think. Of course, it’s hard to read Bonhoeffer casually. Good day! Enjoy your site.