I saw a funny meme the other day: “It’s almost 2022. . .but I’m not finished processing 2020 yet!” Fact check: True. And yet, time moves on. I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that reading (books) keeps me fresh, focused, and sane in our fast-moving times.
There’s something about sitting down with a cup of coffee and a book that resists the tyranny of the urgent. An opportunity to step outside of my repeated and predictable patterns. A chance to reflect instead of react.
So here are a few of my favorite books that I read in 2021. Admittedly, my list reflects my (potentially unique) context and commitments: I’m a Christian, a pastor, a new(ish) husband, and a long-time nerd. But I still think almost everyone reading this will enjoy at least one book on my top 5 list or my 10 runner ups. Let me know if you’re interesting in reading one of these!
1. Michael Reeves, Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith
A book that delivered on its title. I’ve often read books defining, defending, or debating the Christian God, but this one made me delight in Him. Reeves effectively makes the case that we will never understand the statement: “God is love” without understanding the three-person nature of God. Recommended for Christians or those interested in Christianity.
2. S.C. Gwynne, Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History
This fascinating and disturbing story about the rise and fall of the Comanche Indians really complicates any kind of overly simplistic narratives about the past in our country. The powerful Comanches are both horrifying and humanized (Same thing for the Texas Rangers who fought them). Recommended for anyone who likes history!
3. Eugene L. Lowry, The Homiletical Plot, Expanded Edition
Pastor John Mark Comer says that Lowry’s book is the only book on preaching that he recommends to people. I might not go that far, but I’m close. Lowry’s book argues that all preaching should follow a “plotline,” using ambiguity, tension, and conflict to keep people listening and to bring resolution to all that with the gospel. A must-read for all preachers or communicators!
4. John Mark Comer, Live No Lies, Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace
I like how John Mark’s books are both aesthetically beautiful but theologically and experientially deep. This book is no different and is one of his best ones yet (although that Ruthless Elimination of Hurry was gold, wasn’t it?). His main point is that our primary conflict is that of truth vs falsehood. Whether it be the world, our sinful nature (flesh), or the devil, the primary enemy to our flourishing and life with God is falsehood. Spiritual warfare doesn’t look like a scene from The Exorcist, it looks like being a person who repeatedly counters lies with the truth of God.
5. Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Suffers
How does Jesus feel about you? I confess that it’s not a question I’ve really thought about much. I know God loves me, in my brain. But does he like me? Does he roll his eyes at me and get annoyed with me? Is he just really good at putting up with me? Gentle and Lowly is an excellent book about the heart of Christ, how he is actually drawn to sinners and suffers, with joy, not away from us in disgust.
Runner ups:
Jon Tyson, Beautiful Resistance: The Joy of Conviction in a Culture of Compromise
Matthew Walker, Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Peter J. Williams, Can We Trust the Gospels?
Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
James L Haley, Captive Paradise: A History of Hawaii
Andrew Wilson, God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World
Phyllis Tickle, The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime
Crawford Gribb, Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest
Carole MacRobert Steele, A Pictorial History of Highway 99 The Scenic Route: Redding, California to Portland, Oregon
Patrick Lencioni, Death By Meeting: A Leadership Fable
