A Balanced Bibliography

Do you read? And, if you read, do you venture beyond devotional books and fiction? And do you ever—EVER—choose to read a book from a perspective with which you already know you disagree?

I often wish I had authority to set reading requirements. I truly believe (based on my own experience) that if Christians would read more on a regular basis, and if their reading would reach beyond devotional books and fiction and the sources that serve only to reinforce what they already know and/or believe—that we would see a much deeper sense of understanding and commitment to a gospel that addresses not only our individual salvation but also our individual and corporate calling to make the world more just for all God’s children. ALL of them!

 (NOTE: I did not suggest not reading devotional or inspirational material! I suggest only that our reading should represent a balance of sources and perspectives that push us beyond our emotional and spiritual and cerebral status quo.)

The following bibliography represents a cross-section of books, from devotional and inspirational to books that call for direct engagement of the world by Christians. The bias behind my list is a preference for balance, and finds its clearest voice in Jim Wallis’ writings. As a journalist, he calls for political balance between the liberal and conservative perspectives, and believes that each has something of value to offer.

As a Christian, Wallis again calls for a balance between the evangelical focus on individual salvation and the liberal application of the gospel in ministries of peace and justice. Each is true to the gospel; but neither is complete in itself.

Since I can’t require any reading, I’ll simply recommend the following, listed in alphabetical order by author:

Bandy, Thomas, Christian Chaos and Kicking Habits: Welcome Relief for Addicted Churches. Also Spirited Leadership: Empowering People to Do What Matters

Daniel, Lillian, When “Spiritual but Not Religious” Is Not Enough: Seeing God in Surprising Places, Even the Church

Lewis, C. S., The Chronicles of Narnia [The Series] and Mere Christianity

Lucado, Max, It’s Not About Me, Come Thirsty, Facing Your Giants, [and many others]

Palmer, Parker, Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit

Rohr, Richard, The Eight Core Principles

Swindoll, Charles, Laughter (1 & 2), Living the Proverbs: Insights for the Daily Grind, and The Grace Awakening: Believing in Grace is One Thing. Living it is Another. [Or anything else he has written!]

Wallis, Jim, On God’s Side (What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned Abut Serving the Common Good), and Conservatives, Liberals, and the Fight for America’s Future

Happy reading—which should lead to more perceptive living!

Together in the Walk,

Pastor Jim