The Will of the Many (& The Strength of the Few), Islington – This novel is built on the premise that society is comprised of people who cede their will to those above them, resulting in three competing classes of people who run the world. The central character is an unlikely hero who is trying to subvert a system he is caught up in. The concept of ceding our will to another power is a very powerful metaphor for not only classism and oppression but also who Christians cede their will to temptation and spiritual powers.
When Narcissism Comes to Church, DeGroat – Although this is a difficult book to read, it was helpful to better understand the power dynamics present in churches experiencing moral failure and leadership scandals, and how these impact congregations. It would be wise to read this book if you haven’t had these experiences in order to know a) spot narcissistic temptations b) care for those who have experienced genuine church hurt c) to carefully lead your staff and church away from such perils.
The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoyevsky – The famed Russian author’s deep psychological and spiritual character building is payoff enough. Rich theological insights abound like, “A man cannot commit so great a sin as would exhaust God’s boundless love.” Plus, the intricate plot is also rewarding. It’s hard to imagine such a rich novel being written today, given our persistent distractions in an online world. I’m still reading this one!
Baptized with Heavenly Power: The Holy Spirit and Teaching in the Life of Martin Lloyd Jones – I enjoyed learning more about MLJ’s life, how his medical profession influenced his style of preaching, and how the Spirit shaped his life and ministry. Addressing the temptation to impress in preaching, I appreciated his quip, “Don’t stun them, help them.” Lots of gems in this book, not only about preaching but also the Christian life.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Gibson – I have truly enjoyed Gibson’s beautifully bound, richly arranged liturgies for the church calendar. Although I wasn’t raised in churches that observe the church calendar, and don’t follow it strictly as an adult, these books provoke reflection on the awe-inspiring themes and realities of our Lord Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. A great gift.