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Reading list

Jared Diamond: GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL A SHORT HISTORY OF EVERYBODY FOR THE LAST 13,000 YEARS
Very interesting look at why some cultures came to have while others have not. Dispels many of the myths about why things are the way they are with hard scientific thinking.
: The Peoples' Bible
For those who want to be exposed to different cultural views on the Christian faith, a great new tool. The Peoples’ Bible highlights the role of cultures in shaping the Bible and the way people read the Bible today. Relying on the best insights of historical-critical, liberationist, postmodern, and postcolonial interpretation. This Bible is unique in its aim to engage culture then and now and includes the following unique features: • Introductory essays highlighting profound issues of culture, ethnicity, and identity • Feature boxes that reveal insights from African American, Asian American, Latino, and Native American perspectives (*****)
Edward Gilbreath: Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical's Inside View of White Christianity
Good stuff from a new friend (****)
Miroslav Volf: The End of Memory: Remembering Rightly in a Violent World
Challenging thinking about how we hold on to past injustice, and how we let go. (*****)
Miroslav Volf: Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation
Absolutely essential book on reconciliation. It's deep, so brace yourself. (*****)
James Jr Reston: Dogs of God: Columbus, the Inquisition, and the Defeat of the Moors
Fascinating look at what was going on when Columbus sailed the ocean blue. If you want to understand why generational repentance is necessary, read how Christians were thinking in the 15th century and then consider how much and how little has changed. (****)
Adam Hochschild: King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
A must for understanding the effect of colonial past on today's world. (****)
Wynton Marsalis: Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life
Some excellent parallels to what the church should be like in this. (*****)
Sarah Vowell: The Wordy Shipmates
Interesting angle on some of the first Europeans to settle in America. (****)
Benazir Bhutto: Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West
A look at reconciliation from a Muslim's perspective. Interesting again to see many of our themes come back. Makes a strong case that current strategies for curbing terrorism will only make it worse. Should we be surprised that Western policies -- in direct opposition to the Kingdom principles we have discussed -- don't work?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship
Good discipleship stuff. But not easy. For those who want to follow only. Buckle up. (*****)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Life Together
More good stuff on living together in the Body. (*****)
Joseph R. Myers: The Search to Belong: Rethinking Intimacy, Community, and Small Groups
Good thinking about small groups and what people are looking for today. (****)
Margaret George: Mary, Called Magdalene
Very interesting look at the life of a disciple. Includes some gems on walking with God and what being a follower of Christ is all about. (*****)
Pete Ward: Liquid Church
Interesting look at expanding our idea of church.
Leslie Newbigin: Gospel in a Pluralist Society
Another Dave Witt recommendation. If you don't like it, blame him. I'll give you his e-mail. (****)
James F. Engel & William Dyrness: Changing the Mind of Missions
Great for churches, missions boards and missions minded folks. Book that started me in earnest on current disciple-making focus. (****)
Dallas Willard: Renovation of the Heart
Most complete and clear book on spiritual formation I have read. Sometimes Willard can be a bit heady though for some folks. (*****)
Michael O. Emerson: Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America
Important book for anyone who wants to understand why the White and Black church worlds remain so divided. (****)
John Eldredge: Waking the Dead: The Glory of a Heart Fully Alive
Really hits the heart of where we are in our journey right now. One of the best books of bringing together the different aspects of what is needed to be and make disciples. (*****)
Melvyn Bragg: Credo
Very interesting historical fiction look at period of Celtic church. Makes you think about history and development of the faith and asks some good questions about how we express and live out faith in the culture around us. (****)
Taylor Branch: Parting the Waters
Excellent book on the Civil Rights movement that should be required reading for EVERY American. (*****)

January 10, 2011