Best Books

In response to CT's top 50 books of the last 50 years, Justin T. has collected some reflections by other pastors and scholars as to what evangelical books they think have been most influential and what books ought to have been most influential over the last 50 years. I found Sam Storms' two-part list to be the most interesting. Had he put Stott's The Cross of Christ on the list, I'd be in close to full agreement with him. Here's Storms' list:The Top Fifteen Most Influential Books of the Last 50 Years(although most of them shouldn’t have been)(1) The Late, Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey. The influence ofLindsey’s book on mainstream evangelicals and charismatics isincalculable. Sadly, many who read it simply assumed there is no othercredible way of understanding biblical eschatology.(2) Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. This is a no-brainer. Lewishas been read widely both within and outside of evangelical circles.(3) The Left Behind series, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. We mustinclude all the books in this unfortunate series of novels. Would thatpeople might read them as fiction rather than non-fiction!(4) Dare to Discipline (perhaps all books) by James Dobson. Thepervasive influence of Dobson on the family, parenting, and theengagement of Christians in the social and moral debates of the lastthirty years would be hard to exaggerate.(5) The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I still haven’t read it(and don’t plan to; although I probably should). It has to be included,though, as it is the best-selling hardback of all time!(6) Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. Foster’srestoration of the disciplines to their rightful place as normalChristian living has shaped how many pursue their life in God.(7) God of the Possible by Gregory Boyd. How tragic that a book thatdenigrates the greatness and sovereignty of our majestic God couldexert such widespread influence on how countless laypeople now think ofhim.(8) Inside Out by Larry Crabb. Like Dobson, Crabb’s many booksshould probably be included under this one heading. Larry broughtbiblical and theological integrity to the insights of psychology in away that changed many (myself included). I could have easily listedLarry’s book(s) below in the list of those that should have beeninfluential. It’s important to know, of course, that Larry’s thinkingabout the role of psychology has changed in the past decade as he nowrecognizes the primacy of the church (and less so the professionalcounselor) in the healing and restoration of the human heart.(9) Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge. I’m thankful for what is goodand profitable in this book and for the beneficial effects it haswrought in the lives of countless men. But I’m not convinced thatEldredge’s view of masculinity is sufficiently biblical or that itfairly encompasses those who differ with him on critical points (see myreview of his book at www.SamStorms.com).(10) This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti. Although intentionallyfictional in nature, this page-turner shaped how many evangelicals andeven more charismatics think about spiritual warfare.(11) A New Kind of Christian (Jossey-Bass) by Brian McLaren. It’shard to deny the influence of this book (as regrettable as thatinfluence may be). If I were to make a list ten years from now I wonderif McLaren would appear on it. It all depends on whether the“conversation” is a permanent star in the universe of faith or merely apassing meteorite.(12) They Speak with Other Tongues by John Sherrill. This wasperhaps the most widely read and influential book in the early years ofthe charismatic renewal.(13) The Ryrie Study Bible by Charles Ryrie. This study bibleprobably did as much to promote dispensationalism as did its morefamous predecessor (The Scofield Reference Bible).(14) The Final Quest by Rick Joyner. Few non-charismatics will haveread this book (and that’s o.k.), but its impact on the Pentecostal,charismatic, and third-wave world has been incalculable.(15) The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson. I listed Wilkinson’sbook last, given that its influence was due less to its content andmore to the way that its commercial success revolutionized theChristian publishing industry.[Close, but no cigar, would be Disappointment with God by PhilipYancey and Power Evangelism by John Wimber and Kevin Springer.]The Top Fifteen Books of the Last 50 Years(that should have been most influential but sadly, in many cases, were not)(1) Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (MultnomahPress), by John Piper. This is the most important and life-changingbook I’ve read in the past thirty-five years. The gospel of ChristianHedonism warrants a global hearing.(2) Knowing God (IVP) by J. I. Packer. I’ve heard Packer say no oneis more surprised by the influence of this book than Packer himself.Virtually everyone I know has read it and testifies to its gloriousportrait of the grandeur of God.(3) Systematic Theology, by Wayne Grudem (Zondervan). Grudem’stheology is must reading. Not just for scholars, this wonderful book isbeing used in Sunday School classes, small groups, and bible studies ofevery sort.(4) The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God(Multnomah Press), by John Piper. Runs a close second to Desiring Godin the Piper corpus of writings.(5) The Presence of the Future (Zondervan), by George Ladd. Thisexcellent treatment of the kingdom of God marked the end ofdispensationalism in my theology.(6) Jesus and the Victory of God, by N. T. Wright (Fortress Press).I don’t agree with everything Wright writes, especially his doctrine ofjustification. But this is a marvelous and ground-breaking achievementin dealing with the ministry of Jesus, the kingdom of God, and theproper understanding of the relationship between Israel and the Church.(7) The Holiness of God (Tyndale), by R. C. Sproul. This excellentbook restored in many of us a reverence for the transcendent othernessof God and how it impacts our daily relationship with him.(8) God’s Lesser Glory: The Diminished God of Open Theism (Crossway)by Bruce Ware. Would that all might read this superb refutation of OpenTheism. Bruce has done a marvelous job of demonstrating both biblicallyand theologically the exhaustive divine foreknowledge of God.(9) The Doctrine of God: A Theology of Lordship, by John Frame(Presbyterian & Reformed Publishers). Although this should exertmind-shaping influence on the Christian world, few are inclined toapply the necessary mental energy required to profit from thiswonderful book.(10) Surprised by the Power of the Spirit (Zondervan), by JackDeere. Although not all will agree with this selection, I remainconvinced that Deere’s careful and biblical refutation of cessationismis the best available on the subject. Highly recommended.(11) Let the Nations be Glad! by John Piper (Baker Books). The best book on missions I’ve ever read.(12) Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, edited by John Piperand Wayne Grudem (Crossway). This was one of the first, and certainlythe most influential, of books explaining and defending biblicalcomplementarianism.(13) The Gospel According to Jesus (Zondervan), by John MacArthur. Aground-breaking defense of the Lordship of Christ and a thorough-goingrefutation of antinomianism.(14) Civility: Manners, Morals, and the Etiquette of Democracy(Basic Books), and Integrity (Basic Books) by Stephen Carter. These aregreat books, especially Civility. In a day of selfish disregard for therights and dignity of others, Carter brings both a rebuke and arefreshing word of instruction.(15) Jonathan Edwards: A Life, by George Marsden (Yale University Press). I had to include something about Edwards!