Anyone who has heard my testimony knows that as a child, I was greatly interested in God and the whole concept of one person paying the penalty for another. I do not know if it is because I was teased when I was young, but I have always loved the idea of someone stronger and greater coming to the rescue of one that could not stand up for himself.
I have always been intrigued by stories where the underdog wins or the good guys win against disheartening odds. Needless to say, with these types of interests, I was ripe for the picking when it came to God calling me to salvation (yes, I know that is a very Calvinistic statement, but let's leave that to another post).
To this end, Providence seems to have constantly brought me in contact with works of literature that have a spiritual nature to them. From the time I was in primary school until now I have loved (mostly nonfictional) books about the attributes or activities of God. So I thought I would lay out here the books that I feel most shaped my theology. Also I hope this list may be helpful for people who may be looking for materials to deepen their walk. And please, if any of you would like to contribute to the list, share the love by leaving a comment.
I have attempted to put them in the order that I read them, if my memory does not fail me. My Book of Bible Stories
This book was given to me early in elementary school. At this time I had not gone to church much. So I knew, basically, nothing. I could not even quote John 3:16, I don't believe. But my a friend of mine gave me the book (and he wrote my name on the front page).
This friend, I discovered years later, was a Jehovah's Witness and the book was published by the Watchtower organization. However looking back my theology was not hurt any by this. The only thing that really stuck out was this: the book was illustrated and the drawing which depicted the crucifixion had Christ on a stake rather than a cross.
I have always been intrigued by stories where the underdog wins or the good guys win against disheartening odds. Needless to say, with these types of interests, I was ripe for the picking when it came to God calling me to salvation (yes, I know that is a very Calvinistic statement, but let's leave that to another post).
To this end, Providence seems to have constantly brought me in contact with works of literature that have a spiritual nature to them. From the time I was in primary school until now I have loved (mostly nonfictional) books about the attributes or activities of God. So I thought I would lay out here the books that I feel most shaped my theology. Also I hope this list may be helpful for people who may be looking for materials to deepen their walk. And please, if any of you would like to contribute to the list, share the love by leaving a comment.
I have attempted to put them in the order that I read them, if my memory does not fail me. My Book of Bible Stories
This book was given to me early in elementary school. At this time I had not gone to church much. So I knew, basically, nothing. I could not even quote John 3:16, I don't believe. But my a friend of mine gave me the book (and he wrote my name on the front page).
This friend, I discovered years later, was a Jehovah's Witness and the book was published by the Watchtower organization. However looking back my theology was not hurt any by this. The only thing that really stuck out was this: the book was illustrated and the drawing which depicted the crucifixion had Christ on a stake rather than a cross.
- Nonfiction and Fiction books that could impact the way you view God and your spiritual life.
- Must-read books for new Christian believers
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