J.R. Briggs

10 Books Every Christian Should Read

April 20, 2009

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Recently I read a compelling post on Eugene Cho’s blog: My 10 absolutely essential books for Christians. I’ve been thinking a lot about it. While I normally am drawn to list authors who have left indelible marks on my life (C.S. Lewis, Eugene Peterson, Dallas Willard, Henri Nouwen, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Alan Hirsch, Phillip Yancey, Scot McKnight, etc) more than book titles, Eugene inspired me to take my own stab at it.

I have combed through my library – and my mind – and created my own list of books that I believe every Christian should read in their lifetime. (These ten titles – in fact all titles, fail to measure up to the centrality, the significance and the priority of reading, ruminating on and studing the Holy Scriptures). These books have been so significant in my own journey, not only have I read these books, I have re-read them several times over. I suggest you do the same.

Here’s my list in no particular order:

1. In the Name of Jesus (Henri Nouwen)

2. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Eugene Peterson)

3. The Divine Conspiracy (Dallas Willard)

4. The Cost of Discipleship (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

5. Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster)

6. The Practice of the Presence of God (Brother Lawrence)

7. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (Ronald Sider)

8. Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan)

9. Confessions (St Augustine)

10. Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (Dr. Suess)

What about you? What books you would add to this list – and why?

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