The Reformation and the printing press enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship in the 15th and 16th centuries. In more ways than one, Christians in the Reformed tradition are a people of the book. Whether it is writing them or reading them, Presbyterians love the printed text.
For those wondering what to read in the year ahead, here (in no particular order) are some forthcoming titles that have caught my attention. Most are written by, or about subjects that will interest, Reformed evangelicals. A few of these titles are not specifically about the Christian faith, but they interest me because of their historical or cultural insights.
The Search for a Rational Faith by Daniel Williams. Science and faith have had an uneasy relationship in America, both in and outside the academy. In this new volume, Daniel Williams looks back on American history and “explains why Christian faith has continued to remain a viable intellectual option in the United States even for educated people who accept modern science.”
What is Critical Theory? by Bradley Green. Critical theory has come under scrutiny in recent years and has been frequently cited by some evangelicals as a malevolent influence in the culture. Bradley Green offers “a thoughtful analysis of the core principles and implications of critical theory, as well as the published works of its key philosophers and their views concerning biblical themes.”
The Culture of God’s Word by Harold Senkbeil and Lucas Woodford. God’s Word both destroys and creates. It is a sword that cuts down and a seed that grows. These Lutheran ministers set out to show why the primacy of God’s Word is the only answer to the chaos of ministering in a post-Christian society.
The Desecration of Man by Carl Trueman. Every available metric indicates we are not happy with who we are. Carl Trueman believes the reason for this is “that modern man’s crisis of meaning stems from a rejection of a simple fact—that he was made in the image of God.”
To Live Well by Alan Noble. Modern man is like a teeball player standing over the plate with a multitude of voices coming at him from parents, coaches, and teammates, all telling him what to do. It can be difficult to navigate the chaos and cacophony. Noble sets out to help readers cut through the noise and give them tools to discover what right living looks like.
Inside the Box by David Epstein. We have access to more information, places, and experiences than ever before. What if fulfillment and achievement come from narrowing your options rather than continually expanding them? Epstein “tells absorbing stories of people and organizations that embraced constraints to transform themselves, and the world.”
Stand in Awe by Laura Story. The way we understand the Creator-creature relationship manifests itself not only in what we do on Sunday but in how we live the other six days of the week. Laura Story, who leads worship at Perimeter Church, points out the things that distract us from reverence and ways we can recapture it in our daily lives.
Understanding Trauma and Resilience by Evan Marbury. The word trauma has become more common in our vocabulary and conversations, both in and outside the church. Marbury is a PCA pastor and professional counselor who “invites readers on a compelling exploration of humanity’s incredible capacity to heal despite unimaginable wounds.”
Resisting Therapy Culture by Matthew Loftus. When everything is therapy-focused, nothing is therapy-focused. Though the church is a place where people should experience healing, Loftus reminds Christians that the church is not a therapist’s office, and “churches and their leaders should focus on what they are called to do: bringing people together to worship God.”
Faith in Space by Paul Gutjahr. This book is by an author whose writing is always worthy of consideration and about a subject that few address: extraterrestrial life. Gutjahr is known for leaving no stone unturned in his research. In this volume, he shows how leading Protestant pastors throughout history “have offered generations of Americans cosmically oriented religious thinking through the belief in alien life.”
Honorable Mention:
American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington by H.W. Brands. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, this new volume on America’s first president is timely. Brands is an accomplished historian and award-winning writer who makes historical characters and events come alive with his page-turning narrative.