2024 Firebrand Summer Reading List
For many this is a season of the year with a little extra time for reading, whether on a vacation or simply sitting outside on a warm summer evening with a good book. We thought it would be fun to ask our Firebrand Editorial Board to suggest reading recommendations that would be edifying for Christians this summer. Below you will find recommendations from our team of scholars and pastors in a wide-ranging selection of theology, history, fiction, and more…
The Origins of Totalitarianism Paperback by Hannah Arendt
Recommended by Dr. Peter J. Bellini: “In a day of rampant antisemitism and deep political polarization, it would be prudent to review a poignant prophetic classic, especially when the mindless terror of 20th century extremism has been so easily forgotten by the elders of society and its history rarely taught to the younger generations.”
Father Brown Mysteries by G.K. Chesterton
Recommended by Dr. Tammie Grimm: “Whether or not you’ve watched any of the 120+ episodes of Father Brown produced by the BBC over the past decade, there is still much to be discovered and enjoyed reading through the moral and religious questions Chesterton weaves into his original 53 short stories. The shade of the summer’s sun umbrella is the perfect spot to become acquainted with the umbrella wielding parish priest who is far more discerning and compassionate than those who pre-judge his outward appearance for ‘moon-calf simplicity.’”
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman
Recommended by Rev. Dr. Matt Reynolds: “This short classic should be read by every Christian wanting to understand Jesus’ simple and intentional plan for evangelism and making disciples. Standing the test of time and having sold millions of copies, this book pushes back against the latest fads and attractional gimmicks to highlight how God uses everyday people to proclaim and embody the gospel one life at a time.”
Romans: A Theological and Pastoral Commentary by Michael J. Gorman
Recommended by Dr. Joel B. Green: “Here's a masterclass on Paul's letter from a master guide and Wesleyan, Michael Gorman; I read it through in one afternoon, but this highly readable work will repay a more leisurely pace, too.”
Grotesque in the Garden by Hud Hudson
Recommended by Dr. Jason Vickers: “This short work illuminates the consequences of angelic and human failure to keep the two greatest commandments. Especially recommended for anyone interested in the problem of evil or divine hiddenness.”
Re-Enchanting the Text: Discovering the Bible as Sacred, Dangerous, and Mysterious by Cheryl Bridges Johns
Recommended by Dr. Rachel L. Coleman and Dr. Suzanne Nicholson:
“This book invites us to encounter Scripture as the ‘undomesticated’ terrain in which God encounters us through the Spirit. The Bible can be a ‘thin place,’ where the veil between the visible and the invisible fades, where the Spirit connects us to God in (trans)formative ways that engage not just our minds but also our imaginations.” - Dr. Coleman
“If you want to think deeply about the nature of Scripture and how our own views of Scripture have been shaped by secular culture, read this book. This work will force you to analyze your own assumptions about the nature of Scripture and challenge you to experience the real presence of God in its pages—if we are willing to re-enchant the text.” - Dr. Nicholson
Deep Wounds, Deep Healing by Charles H. Kraft
Recommended by Rev. Dr. Evan Rohrs-Dodge: “For anyone interested in the theology and practice of inner healing, this is a standard bearer. Be equipped to minister to those seeking freedom and restoration in Christ.”
Religionless Christianity: God's Answer to Evil by Eric Metaxas
Recommended by Dr. Kenneth J. Collins: “This new book from Eric Metaxas makes the case that the configuration of Christ and culture, broadly understood, that is currently playing out in North America is similar to the configuration which played out in 1930’s Germany as the German Christians were co opted by the National Socialists.”
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Recommended by Dr. Jonathan Powers: “This is an important read for Christians today as the play highlights the dangers of collective social conformity and the moral complexities of standing up for one's beliefs. Set during the Salem witch trials, the play serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of compromising values and the importance of integrity and faith in the face of societal pressure. Although not necessarily a religious book, the play underscores for the Church the necessity of maintaining ethical standards, defending religious freedom, and encouraging the courage to uphold one’s convictions against prevailing cultural currents.”
God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music by Leah Payne
Recommended by Dr. Dale Coulter: “This is a nice overview of the history of contemporary Christian music.”
Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture by Aaron M. Renn
Recommended by Dr. David F. Watson: “This book provides strategies for Western Christians to deal with problems they may face living in a world that takes a negative, even hostile, stance toward traditional Christians and Christianity.”
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero
Recommended by Rev. Dr. Drew McIntyre: “Pete Scazzero was a highly successful pastor up until his professional and personal life hit crisis. He then began what would become Emotionally Healthy Spirituality when he realized that the inner life, and what the Bible calls ‘the heart,’ had been left out of most visions of discipleship.”
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer by Tyler Staton
Recommended by Dr. Tammie Grimm: “The title certainly captures the imagination, but the real genius of the book is being able to live up to its subtitle. This little gem of a text manages to explore what it means to pray through relatable stories and testimonials even as it provides insights to prayer practices that can help any Christian disciple grow deeper in this essential means of grace.”
Jingjiao: The Earliest Christian Church in China by Glen L. Thompson
Recommended by Dr. Jerome Van Kuiken: “This book tells the forgotten story of Christianity in China from the 7th to the 14th centuries. There are lessons here about the contextualization of the gospel, church-state relations, and the spiritual heritage of today’s Chinese church.”