Christ Centered Reads

CCRs read 16

Love Not the World by Watchman Nee | Read in 2024

In the category of Christ Centered Reads because it is a Christian book. It could have been in the category of Antithetical Acumen Reads as well. However, the grace given to other books such as "Benefit of the Doubt" was extended to this book as well. Love Not the World was in some ways less problematic but more wrong. It did not take the typical progressive tactics taken today. Granted it is an older book. It did have several good points. There were just a lot of things that were extra-biblical that seemed like things that pharisees would do or say. The point Nee is trying to make about separating the world from the Kingdom is sometimes lost in the point he is trying to make in the Christians lack of influence in the world. Especially after "Sacredness of Secular Work" in EER, we are to work and do good work for the Kingdom of God while on earth through the Earth. Read with caution.

The Question of God by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr. | Read in 2024

It is great to see a compare and contrast between two giants of their time. Even today many regard both in high esteem. Many things felt like moot points given what we know about Freud and Lewis. However, some chapters information was astounding. If someone doesn't know much about one or the other, or both this would be a great read to understand where they differ. It was also truly startling to really see the depravity of Freud's analysis. In many ways his work has led to many of the downfalls we see today. This book further confirms this which is also seen in the 1916 Project by Seth Gruber also featured by Sideway Reads in the SSR category. See that for more information. In conclusion Freud was all but a dangerous and lost man and Lewis was a man saved by grace, given wisdom from above.

50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe | Read in 2024

Wow! There may be many that are familiar if you have spent any time in Christian circles. However, there may be some less familiar as well. It is a great look at many men and women of the faith that have done great things. This book offers a quick biography of each of the 50 so the reader will know some of the start and accomplishments of the person. Many books and resources are given for further research on each person which is helpful as well. One thing that was evident that made each person a giant of the faith was their willingness to evangelize to anyone and everyone at anytime. This is something that has lost its way it seems in modern times.

Letter to the American Church by Eric Metaxas | Read in 2024

Reading this close to the 1916 Project will make a lot of sense. It will also make you want to read a biography on Bonhoeffer, which is also upcoming. The parallels between America right now and Germany in the 1930s-1940s is staggering. This book is a great call to action for all churches, specifically in America, but also in the world. As they fight against injustice, political and spiritual powers. There is so much going on, and the church should not be silent. If you are a Christian or affiliated with a church at all this book is a must read!

The Abolition of Man By C.S. Lewis | Read in 2024

Lewis will be on this list a lot. He is one of the best authors of all time not to even say one of the best Christian authors of all time. This book has become a great read for so many Christians and non-Christians because of its views on morality and values. In typical Lewis fashion the warnings and real life implications are what makes this book so understandable, relatable, and timeless. One of the great philosophical books everyone should read, even if that isn't what you are interested in. If you are interested in philosophy this is a great starting point that isn't pretentious or overbearing.

The Great Divorce By C.S. Lewis | Read in 2024

Lewis has a great ability to be imaginative, while also being so realistic. One can imagine everything he writes in their mind while understanding the message he is trying to convey. The Great Divorce deals with people conceptions, or misconceptions about Heaven and hell. He does this through a mans dream. It is not a long read and very thought provoking, like most of Lewis' work. This book comes recommended to those on the fence or unsure of their fate.

Benefit of the Doubt by Gregory Boyd | Read in 2024

Do not recommend. This book is at the very least confusing. At the very most this book is misleading. Sure Boyd has some good points, especially when he compares his marriage covenant to our covenant with God. There are good things in this book. However, there are also somewhat blatantly wrong things and very confusing things in this book too. It was almost put into the AAR category to avoid more confusion. Ultimately it was put here with the warning that it is not recommended. If someone is strong in their faith and wants to see what confusing people may be saying out there then this may be a good read to try to see what God speaks to you and reveals. Truth can be found sometimes in seeing the lies and confusion. Sometimes God reveals His truth when you are faced with something that is not right. Not a suggestion, just His grace in action.

The Lotus and the Cross by Ravi Zacharias | Read in 2024

This book stirred up more controversy when it was chosen and posted on Facebook by SidewayReads than when it came out. Largely in part to the authors lifestyle that came out in recent years. If you could not read books by people who sinned then no book would ever be read. Also Zacharias is dead so he is no longer personally gaining anything including monetarily by anyone reading this or any of his books. That being said it was a good look at the contrasts of Christianity and Buddhism. Many like to equate those religions. However, Buddhism is not even really a religion. Some even say that Jesus was a Buddha. This book helps dispel some of those arguments. If you are on the fence or hold some of those views this is a good book to add to the discussion.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis | Read in 2024

Wow! This book is fantastic. It does start a little slow and repetitive. However, it is clear Lewis is trying to build a case and a narrative that he can work with in the second half. If you stick with it, you will not be disappointed. There are many quotable lines in here, along with much insight into the bridge from atheism to Christianity. Every person should read this whether they are a Christian or not.

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis | Read in 2024

A harrowing read into what the mind of satan and his demonic powers might be like. Obviously fictional, it reads like it could've been a part of the Bible or some other true story. It really is a great masterpiece of literature. As you read you will begin to see these things in your life and begin to react differently to them. There is a lot that can be gleaned from this book. A must read!

Making Sense of God by Timothy Keller | Read in 2024

This book was read after Beyond Good and Evil as a kind of counter balance. This book is a must read for any Christian wanting to be involved in apologetics more. It takes many common atheist views and talking points and gives reasonable answers to make sense of God. Most atheist questions are rooted much deeper than what they are asking. Keller does a great job of not just showing the ridiculousness of much of the questions but showing the heart of them and how God answers them. He gives several stats that are fantastic to have on Christianity in the world. He also gives great stories to show how society has changed what things mean to try to trip up Christians, yet we should stand steadfast in the truth and not be blinded by society.

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer | Read in 2024

Another great little book I think every Christian should read. While some may seem simple or obvious it is very foundational and great to be reminded of. It is full of great lines and quotes that are easy to remember and great to think about. It takes me back to when I was a new young Christian and hungry for God, hungry for revival. This book will stir things up in you that you forgot you had.

The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller | Read in 2023

An interesting book looking at the story of the prodigal son in the Bible. It looks at how God is portrayed. It also delves into each character and who that could be for us. While the story may seem narrow it is broad in its discussion. Another book that I think Christians everywhere should read to really understand God and who we are.

Narrow Gate Narrow Way by Paul Washer | Read in 2023

Wow. A great indictment of the church and Christians today. This book is really short and very easy to read but also very hard to read because of the conviction you will feel. It doesn't condemn but brings things to light to show the narrow gate and the narrow way which we are to be living as a church and as Christians. A must read for every Christian and church goer.

Radical by David Platt | Read in 2023

Platt has a lot of great information in this book. It is definitely a great way of looking at things. I definitely think we should be radical for Jesus and not fall into traps set by American society or culture. However, I also think that the poverty gospel, as I call it, is a good way to live. I do not believe it is biblical in any way and it does not lead to holiness or godliness. I think we are called to be good stewards, to be content, and to be good workers. I don't think anyone who does these things will be living in poverty unless there is obvious disaster beset them. However, this could lead to someone being well off or even rich which is not a sin. In this case we are to continue to do our good work and stewardship while also increasing our giving. This book is worth an interesting read. I don't think everything in it is necessarily correct but not sinful either. It is in a weird gray area.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel | Read in 2023

This is one of the books that made me want to get into reading. It is also one of the first books I read in this journey. It has so many great arguments that I think every Christian should know about and even study. I love learning about the things that atheists think and the truths that help them come to Christ. Atheists that actually inquire because they want to know more and learn are fantastic to talk to. I think everyone should read this book as an introduction into apologetics.