Hello darlings! I promised in my A Call To Live Boldly post that I would provide a list of good Christian books and authors. So here it is! (Yes, there are quite a few C.S. Lewis books, but honestly, he has remained one of the most reliable Christian authors in the present age.) Remember as you read these though that every book has its own flaw, it’s not scripture, and if you are ever unsure of something that an author states, don’t take their word for it, go and search the Bible for supporting evidence.
HAPPINESS
Desiring God by John Piper
I read this book in school once and it genuinely changed the way I viewed things. It’s really great for understanding the importance of joy and happiness in the Christian life, and knowing Who the ultimate source of that joy is. Piper discusses many different ways of fighting for joy. He promises that Christian Hedonism is possible, and actually how God intends for His children to live.
The Joyful Christian by C.S. Lewis
I’m not actually sure if I have read this book or not just because I have read so many of Lewis’ books, but I can confidently say that any C.S. Lewis book will be trustworthy. This book is a composition of different thoughts and writings by Lewis.
LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS
The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
This short book may look to be a simple and fast read, but trust me, you want to take your time when reading this. Lewis describes four different types of love found in the Christian life, and how each pertains to God. He describes human affection, friendship, erotic love, and charity. It’s a wonderful reference book for anyone who has questions on this type of topic and isn’t sure what to read.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
This is a great book I read in school (I know, I read a lot in school.) Packer is a really great author and this book goes very in-depth about our relationship with God. He talks about understanding our Creator, the bond that cannot be broken between us and God, and much more. It’s packed with really good information and I just recommend any Christian to read this at some point in their walk.
CHRISTIAN LIVING
How Should We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer
Another great book I first read in school. This is an incredible book on Western ethics and culture as well as the history of Christian living. Schaeffer provides insight into how our way of living has developed over the years and how we as Christians are called to live. He uses strong arguments from scripture on morality, ethics, and the basic meaning of the Christian life.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Yes, another Lewis book, and yes, there will be more. This is just such an incredibly detailed book on what it means to be a Christian. Lewis also covers various topics Christians might ask about. It is definitely not an easy read since it is so packed with information that you need to focus on and take your time with.
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
This is a wonderful book that is geared mostly toward young adults, but there is nothing that would prevent someone a little more learned in life from reading it! I really appreciate Piper’s personal experiences he shares in this book, and the encouragement he provides. It’s really great for anyone who is searching for guidance in life. Piper gives arguments for why we should all make the most of our time on earth.
CHRISTIAN BIOGRAPHY
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
This is… a tough read. But it’s such an important book for any Christian to read as it is Corrie Ten Boom’s life experiences from World War II. It’s not a light read either. There are places that will make you really ponder the purpose of suffering, but there is clear hope and evidence that struggles and suffering are faith-building.
Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
I’ll be completely honest, this book is so emotional that I haven’t yet finished it. Like The Hiding Place, this book does not sugarcoat things at all. It’s a personal account of what Richard Wurmbrand experienced as he was literally tortured for Christ. Being a Christian and ministering to Communist territory was nothing to joke about or take lightly. As tough as it is to read, it’s well worth it to read the personal experiences of Voice of the Martyrs’ founder Richard Wurmbrand. If you feel that it has been placed on your heart to support (in any way) Christians who are suffering around the world today, or interested in learning more about the Wurmbrand’s mission, please visit The Voice of the Martyrs website here.
Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo
This is a wonderful biography about St. Augustine’s conversion to Christianity. He puts into perspective the sometimes drastic changes that God makes in the lives of His children. Though he is now well known in the Catholic church, Augustine’s story is highly inspirational.
CHRISTIAN FICTION
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
I LOVE this book. It’s basically a fictional story about heaven and hell, about life after death. Though it is not necessarily true, Lewis paints the picture of a man who never thought much about where he would spend eternity and how he must come to grips with reality. Overall I found this a really enlightening read.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
No matter your age, you must read these books. Though Lewis wrote them for children, they are packed with allegory and heartfelt emotion concerning Christianity. Perhaps the staple of many Christians’ lives, the stories of the magical land of Narnia have made a gigantic impact on the lives of everyone in my family. Every time I read these books, I find something else that I have never noticed before. I’m sure he never would have imagined how popular these books would become, nor how special they would be. He takes his readers through the beautiful creation by song to the even more beautiful reality of heaven.
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyon
This is the quintessential book for everyone to read. John Bunyon wrote this inspired by his own conversion and puts it into a great work of fiction. It takes the reader through the journey of becoming a Christian, and the struggles thereof. It’s a really great story to understand the depths of a walk by faith and in the Spirit.
Well, this is all I have today my darlings! I know this is a relatively short list, but as I’m not a huge reader and especially not a fast reader, this is most of what I have read. If you have any questions about Christian books or authors, please don’t hesitate to comment below! I make it a priority to get back to you all!
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31
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