I am taking a short break from seminary this semester, so I have some extra time to read what I want to read. While this is liberating, I know that classes start up again next month so I have to I be even more intentional about what I read this month.
Honestly, I always try to be strategic about what I read. I want to read books that make me think in new ways or give me insight into culture or help me understand why I believe what I believe or even why I don't believe what I don't believe.
So, I am highly anticipating the arrival of five new books from Amazon. Here’s what was in my cart and why…
Pop Goes the Church: Should the Church Engage Pop Culture? - Tim Stevens
I have followed Tim’s blog for a few months now and appreciate his perspective on ministry. In this book he explores how the church can remain relevant while communicating the unchanging integrity of God’s truth. He makes the case for leveraging pop culture to reach out to people in the language of their lives. I’m sure I won’t agree with everything in this book, but I am looking forward to examining Tim’s theological reasons for what they do at Granger Community Church.
Intelligent Design: William A. Dembski and Michael Ruse in Dialogue – Robert B. Stewart
Last year I read The Resurrection of Jesus: John Dominic Crossan and N.T. Wright in Dialogue also edited by Robert B. Stewart and was very impressed. Each of the contributors presents his or her position in light of the other's, providing readers with a fair and balanced case for both sides and allowing readers to decide for themselves. In this book Stewart brings together two of the leading intellectuals on the subject of intelligent design followed by noted scientists, philosophers and theologians to explore the many facets of this debate.
Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices - Brian McLaren
Finding our Way Again is the first in a series of eight books that will be called The Ancient Practices Series. The books, written by eight expert authors, will tackle the practical application of spiritual disciplines. Brian McLaren kicks off the series by explaining the seven spiritual practices – Constant Prayer, Sabbath, Fasting, Sacred Meal, Sacred Journey, The Liturgical Year, and Tithing - from ancient days to now. McLaren says that we must recover our faith as a way of life, not simply as a system of beliefs.
The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church – Shane Hipps
Shane Hipps recently spoke at the Q conference in New York. This book analyzes the impact of technology and media on the church and invites us to engage these new cultural realities while staying connected to our spiritual heritage. It explores questions such as: Is media/technology value-neutral? How has technology changed the way we think about Scripture, community, and worship? What cultural opportunities has the church missed? How should the church position itself to take advantage of coming cultural trends?
Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony – Richard Bauckham
I heard Tim Keller refer to this book at a recent Veritas Forum. This book argues that the four Gospels are closely based on eyewitness testimony of those who knew Jesus. The author challenges the prevailing assumption that the accounts of Jesus circulated as "anonymous community traditions," asserting instead that they were transmitted in the name of the original eyewitnesses.