Books I’ve Been Reading as of Late

I tend to read a variety of books, mostly religious non-fiction. Like entrées at a smorgasbord, each book brings something of delight. I like to delve into a book with an open mind as much as possible. I sort as I go. Almost always I find a statement that makes me pause and consider its meaning and possible ramifications. For me, I find hidden nuggets in the way an author portrays their philosophy on life or the spiritual. These are the bits of wisdom that stay with me.

Here is what I’ve been reading over the past month or two. I’m sharing these with you for no other reason than the idea hit me front and center as something you might like to know.  A couple of these books may make their way into one of the book reviews featured on this blog. The links to Amazon are associate links.

The Joyful Christian by C. S. Lewis

This book is a compilation of 127 short readings taken from other C.S. Lewis books. I read an entry when I am in the mood for another one, usually late at night. Many of his books are familiar to me, and I recognize their text, but I like rehashing their content in my mind. I enjoy their wit, insight, and diversity.  The Joyful Christian

You Are What You Love by James K. A. Smith

This is a self-examination book on looking at what you do and why you do it. The author likens our routines and pleasures to liturgies we perform on a frequent basis. His emphasis is on worship of God. The reader is taken to task about their own practices and loves in a thoughtful way. This is an interesting read that will make you think. You Are What You Love

God’s Work in Satan’s Playground by Dick Buck

I’m reading a chapter per day through this book. It is written by veteran missionary Dick Buck. My sister spent one summer with the Bucks in the ’70s, which is how I came to know of them. Dick and Mavis are of retirement age, and have “retired” but still live and serve in Bahia, Brazil. This is the story of their life’s work. Dick Buck’s sense of humor is evident on each page, and his care and service speak volumes. He was a journalist before he became a missionary. I had a visit with the two of them in 2017, and their energy and enthusiasm for their work and life is remarkable. God’s Work in Satan’s Playground

The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel

This is a short book that can be read in one sitting. Strobel explores the reasoning and proofs to support the resurrection of Christ. He meets some of the debaters, who, with biblical apologetics, defend and explain how, with certainty, Jesus’ death and resurrection can be substantiated by historical, biblical, and intellectual, evidence and rational. It is an informative read, written to explore Strobel’s own questions and skeptical thinking prior to his conversion. I was challenged by its content and eager to know more about apologists he mentioned like William Lee Craig and Gary Habermas.

As an aside, I intend to listen to some of their debates, like Bill Craig’s debate with Christopher Hitchens, the avowed atheist and author of God is not Great, a book that challenged my thinking as I contemplated defense of my faith. You might want to read that one; it will shake you up. He’s convincing in his arguments and has little respect for Christian belief and makes it all sound rather silly and ridiculous. That is why believing people are helped by books that defend the faith like The Case for Easter.

Churches That Abuse by Ronald M. Enroth

Churches that abuse come in every stripe and color. This book has been around awhile but it applies to most cults and congregations that are led by a minister/spiritual leader who uses power and control to manipulate and isolate his/her members from family, outsiders, and those outside their ranks. Abuse comes in many forms such as mind control, relational controls, financial control, sexual, physical, mental and emotional control. These leaders assume a god-like supremacy over their followers, unsuspecting followers who are willing or forced into compliance. The book’s true stories are sobering and heartbreaking. The book sounds a warning, to be wary, to be careful before you join; if you aren’t careful you could be misled (many professionals are taken in), it may be a cult, and it may well destroy your family unit, your faith in humanity, and your belief in a loving God. Churches That Abuse

Be Still and Listen by Amos Smith

Amos Smith contacted me to review his new book,, a book released a couple of days ago. I thoroughly enjoyed, absorbed, this book. It speaks to the need for a quiet joining with God in the quiet of meditation and contemplation. This book seeks to wrap the reader in the warm embrace of a loving God. The book’s purpose and message resounds deeply with me.  It is not written from an evangelical perspective, I wouldn’t want to mislead you, but its core message is universal, for all true believers in God. Religious people will be challenged to do something about their spiritual lethargy when it comes to interactive time spent with God. Be Still and Listen

A Light in the Window by Jan Karon

This is the second book in Jan Karon’s Mitford series, a group of fictional tales that act like an antidote to big-city living. Here we follow an Episcopal priest in a series of events in this “little town with the big heart.” My Book Lunch ladies are reading the first two books in this series. Philosophy comes in as it is interwoven throughout the story arc. This is fun reading.  A Light in the Window.

10 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe

I’ve always enjoyed Warren Wiersbe. I heard him speak when I was in college. He is joyful.  This book is a summary of ten of the greats: M. Henry, J. Edwards, J.H. Newman, J.B. Lightfoot, J. H. Taylor, C. H. Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, A. Carmichael, O. Chambers,and  A. W. Tozer. This little book is like a resource book. Warren tells what he appreciates about their ministry, what they added to the Christian conversation, then he gives a list of further reading one can access. He also mentions where he differs from them, but in a factual, kind way. Wiersbe also has a book of 50 Christians every Christian should know. 10 Christians Every Christian Should Know

Of all these books, only one did I purchase, as amazing as that sounds. I had the distinct privilege of selecting what I wanted from my former pastor’s personal library when he retired. What an opportunity! He gave me first crack at it. I was modest in my choices knowing this was an offer he had extended to one other as well. I had to think of where I would shelve them, too. Thank you, Pastor Pete. Two of these books came to me via that route. One book is on loan to me from my present pastor. We’re going to discuss it at a later date. Life is interesting.

So there you have it, what I do in my spare time.  Summer is a great time to read. Grab an iced tea, pull out the patio lounge chair, and dig in. Happy reading.

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The book dinner list will be posted next week.