Summer means vacations, lots of ice tea, time at the neighborhood pool and the chance to read more than usual. Here are a few of the books on my reading list for the next three months.
Disciples and the Bible, M Eugene Boring. This will be a great way to refresh my knowledge of our denomination while reviewing our methodology for interpreting the Bible. This book will help me prepare for a class I am teaching this fall here at the church, “Taking The Bible Seriously, Not Literally: A Course on How to Interpret the Bible.”
Banned Questions About the Bible, Christian Piatt, editor. Piatt has gathered some terrific preachers and thinkers to answer a collection of 50 questions about the Bible. The editor believes “that any faith worth claiming should stand up to rigorous examination and should also be open to change over time.” I agree!
You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving the Church and Rethinking Faith, David Kinnaman. The data and the research are in: young adults are leaving the Church in America in record numbers. I’m preaching a sermon series this fall titled, “Losing My Religion: Finding God.” I’m hopeful that this book will provide insights on this very important topic.
Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears, Pema Chodron. Chodrun, an American Buddhist nun, is one of my favorite writers.
The Beauty of The Word: The Challenge and Wonder of Preaching, James C. Howell. The most enjoyable aspect of my work as a pastor is the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ week in and week out. The most challenging aspect of my work as a pastor is the opportunity to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ week in and week out! I’ve read about twenty pages of this book and I am already blessed by the author’s work.
I’ve always loved Madeleine L’Engle’s writing but I realized this week that I’ve not yet read two of her novels, Many Waters and An Acceptable Time. These novels are directed at younger readers but the themes and theologies underlying the story will inspire readers of all ages.
Grace and peace to you,
