Book Reviews

Here's a list of 25 books that Andrew Dragos would bring to his office should he ever serve in local ministry again. Maybe you'll get some tips or ideas for resources to add to your own reading list or ministry library.

Jacob Arminius may well be one of the most misunderstood figures in Protestant theology. Despite the widespread influence of Arminius’ theology in many churches and denominations, many of both his supporters and his opponents grossly misunderstand Arminius and his thought. Taylor Brown reviews the book, Reconsidering Arminius: Beyond the Reformed and Wesleyan Divide.

Guy Williams encourages us to read and enjoy The Road to Character. Anyone concerned about our spiritual and moral poverty, and the disappearing shared cultural vocabulary with which to address it will applaud Mr. Brooks’ rich, thoughtful work here. Then rejoice and proclaim Christ, whose death and resurrection make possible not only the reconciliation of our relationship with God.

This book is for anyone seeking inspiration or encouragement in the face of the challenges of modernity, to press on in faithfulness to the gospel which was once for all handed down to the saints. Andrew Dragos reviews Thomas Oden's book, A Change of Heart: A Personal and Theological Memoir.

With questions about gender identity, homosexual marriage, pornography, and sex trafficking needing answers, the church has either ignored the issue or responded with ideas that have left the average Christian confused. Joshua Toepper reviews a great resource for understanding human sexuality from a Christian lens.

How do we make sense of those thorny issues related to the Old Testament, such as the raw episodes of violence, sex, and suffering and evil? In this new book, Matthew Schlimm provides a new resource for wrestling with the issue, both for pastors and the church. Read more from Guy Williams' review today.

What should Christians believe about heaven, hell, and purgatory? Jerry Walls' recent work on the last things is a fascinating exploration into some of the deepest realms of Christian thought. Check out the review by Drew McIntyre today on the blog.

What is that good news which Christians cling to so tightly? In today's article, Cole Bodkin reviews Simply Good News by N. T. Wright, challenging what we think we know about Jesus and the gospel, and leading us into a deeper appreciation for God's salvific work. This is quintessential Wright, and a great launching point into his work.

Who is God, and what is he like? In his book The Experience of God, David Bentley Hart takes on the straw-man arguments of popular New Atheists and delivers a tour de force rebuttal of their impoverished ideologies. Learn more about Hart's work in this review by Andrew Dragos.

Anyone interested in gaining a more vivid, authentic picture of Jesus and his environment—only within which his words and deeds are properly understood—should read the work of Amy-Jill Levine. In today's post, Nathan Brasfield review her most recent work, Short Stories by Jesus.