These are some of the books I have read during the past six months. More details are available from www.google.com or www.amazon.com . (Colored titles are hyperlinks.)
A Spirit for the Rest of Us: What Jesus Said About the Holy Spirit and How it Applies to Your Life, by Tim Woodroof. A gifted writer makes it clear that the Holy Spirit in us is God's divine Presence and power for following Christ. (I am honored to have an endorsement on the back cover of this book!
Exit Stage Right: Conversations about the Drama of Finishing Strong & Dying Well, by Darrel Gilbertson & Lynn Anderson. Two "S-Aging" (wisdom with age) Christian ministers and neighbors, Lutheran and Churches of Christ respectively, talk about their mortality and inevitable deaths. Encouraging, practical and profound. Gilbertson had a terminal diagnosis before he wrote this book; Anderson was diagnosed with lung cancer only months after its publication.
The Truth You Know You Know: Jesus Verified in Our Global Culture, by N. Kenneth Rideout. Veteran missionary to Asia never argues about, nor tries to prove, the existence of God or the authority of the Bible. Instead, he regularly leads non-Christians to embrace the gospel by conversationally drawing on universal truths that God has implanted in all people. Fascinating and provocative in the best sense.
Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church, by Michael Horton. A leading Reformed theologian critiques the individualistic, self-help message now substituting for the gospel in many churches throughout the USA, without regard to denomination. Foreword by Methodist Bishop Will Willimon.
God Work: Confessions of a Stand-Up Theologian, by Randy Harris, Bible professor at Abilene Christian University. Serious theology wrapped in humor for serious Christ-followers. This is important content, easily read. Never miss an opportunity to hear (or read) Randy Harris.
The Gospel According to the Scriptures, by Andrew Pritchard. Skillfully sets forth what I consider to be the biblical truth concerning human mortality, conditional immortality and the final destruction of the wicked. Challenges "easy-believism" and promotes holiness, but I wonder if it might overstate the importance of Sabbath rest for Gentiles.
Living by the Power of Faith, by Ernie Heavin. The author wrote to tell his children, grandchildren, congregation and friends, "This is why I live like I do." Conversational in tone, combines exposition, devotional, sermon but mostly practical application. Evangelical Arminian in perspective but not polemical. God-focused, Christ-centered and aimed at producing faithful disciples.
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, by Timothy Keller. One of New York's most effective preachers unfolds the Father's incredible grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. Both sons in Jesus' story need, and receive, what they don't deserve.
Beyond Creation Science: New Covenant Creation from Genesis to Revelation, by Timothy P. Martin & Jeffrey L. Vaughn. Two thoroughgoing preterists (people who believe that Jesus' final coming, judgment and the resurrection all happened in A.D. 70) attempt an over-arching explanation of the whole Bible from their perspective.
History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, by Karen Armstrong. An unbeliever's humanistic history of the three great monotheistic religions.
An American Life, by Jimmy Gentry. The masterful story-teller of Franklin, Tennessee remembers the Depression, World War II and since.
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream, by Barack Obama. The President of the United States explains the values that motivate his actions and shape his policies. (Published before the Presidential campaign.)
Band of Brothers, by Stephen Ambrose. The history of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, from basic training to D-Day.
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. This was the 2005 Pulitzer Prize Winner and it is easy to see why! The fictional Reverend John Ames journals generational stories for a son still too young to understand.
Hallelujah! the Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories With Recipes by Maya Angelou. Delightful stories by a much-honored contemporary poet and essayist.
His Excellency: George Washington, by Joseph J. Ellis. A fascinating, even-handed study of the life and service of the first President of the USA.
To America: Personal Reflections of an Historian, by Stephen E. Ambrose. In his final book, a master historian acknowledges the faults of the great people about whom he writes, but he focuses on their positive achievements.
The Warren Buffett Way: Investment Strategies of the World's Greatest Investor, by Robert G. Hagstrom. Proof that there still is no substitute for old-fashioned common sense and hard work to get the job done.