Saturday, December 11, 2010

Books Not Reviewed This Year

The end of the year approaches. Thursday's post about the Book Review Index brings to mind all the books that I didn't have the time to review this year. And since it is two week's till Christmas, perhaps this list of books that were read but not reviewed will spark some ideas for gifts or for your own wish list. So here are the books that weren't reviewed, with a sentence or two on each...

Apologetics
• How Do You Know You're Not Wrong by Paul Copan
• That's Just Your Interpretation by Paul Copan
• True for You But Not for Me by Paul Copan
• When God Goes to Starbucks by Paul Copan
Really, anything by Copan is worth getting. These were all great.
Evidence for God: 50 Arguments for Faith from the Bible, History, Philosophy, and Science edited by William Dembski & Michael Licona - What a great book just jam-packed with wonderful essays.
The God Conversation by J.P. Moreland & Tim Muehlhoff - Moreland breaks the difficult stuff down and uses stories and illustrations to communicate it better.
The Universe Next Door by James Sire - The classic by Sire. Required reading for all.
When Skeptics Ask: A Handbook on Christian Evidences by Norman Geisler & Ronald Brooks - Lots of good answers. Your typical go-to book.
Not God's Type: A Rational Academic Finds a Radical Faith by Holly Ordway - A wonderful read. Quick, but refreshing.
The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask by Mark Mittelberg - Tackles common questions in a way that is accessible to the layman.
Reasons for Faith: Making a Case for the Christian Faith by Norman Geisler & Chad Meister - A good general apologetics book with some real good nuggets on the relational side of things.
Handbook of Christian Apologetics by Kreeft & Tacelli - One of the best all-in-one summa's among apologetics resources.
The Infidel Delusion by Triablogue - The Triablogue guys hit a home run with this one... and free!

Philosophy
Time & Eternity by William Lane Craig - Fascinating, but a real brain-bender in certain parts.

Theology
5 Minute Theologian by Rick Cornish - Offers brief pages on 100 theological issues.
Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem - A great beginner guide to theology from Grudem.
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem - Probably one of the best systematic theology's out there. Readable, clear, and even devotional. If you can only get one, get this one. But then get some more.
Christian History Made Easy by Timothy Paul Jones - Great primer on church history.

Biography
Decision Points by George Bush - Bush's own apologetic for his presidency. Revealing, interesting.
Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef - Islamic Jihadist turned Christian. Wow.
A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley by Kenneth J. Collins - Wesley's life is amazing, and this is a very good biography of Wesley.

Fiction
Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy - Yes. It's been years since reading Clancy. This one brings it all back for me! Super page-turner; gotta love Clancy.

Communication
Thank You For Arguing by Jay Heinrichs - So prideful and arrogant in tone. Still stuff to be learned. 
The Art of Deception: An Introduction to Critical Thinking by Capaldi & Smit - Tries to teach critical thinking in an interesting way, but fails in execution. Again, though, still things to glean.
The Elements of Persuasion by Robert Dickman - An okay book on rhetoric/communication.
Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins by Annette Simmons - Teaches you the importance of using stories in  your talks.
What Every Body is Saying by Joe Navarro - Sort of gimmicky, but still an interesting look at body language from an interrogator's perspective
In the Line of Fire: How to Handle Tough Questions... When it Counts by Jerry Weissman - Gives some great tips on how to answer when the pressure is on. Great tips and nuggets throughout.

Family & Christian Life
Bringing Up Girls by James Dobson - Hey, I've got girls. Good book - will return to periodically!
Disciplines of a Godly Man by Kent Hughes - A broad spectrum of areas for Christian men to work on.
Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Leman - Mixed feelings, took away some very good points.
A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller - Very moving and challenging in the first half. Second half fades a bit - but the first few chapters are powerful. 

What books should Apologetics 315 look at next year? Add your recommendations below...

10 comments :

Russell said...

I've been listening to the Peter Kreeft podcast (not sure if it's actually a podcast) and have been very impressed by his lectures. I see he has quite a selection of books. Does anyone have any suggestions of where to start?

I am currently reading "Josephus: The Essential Works" by Paul Maier, and while I haven't finished it yet, I have really enjoyed it so far.

Brian said...

Russell,

As for Kreeft, I suppose it depends on what topic you are interested in. I think his general apologetics book is good.

Monday I will post an interview with Paul Maier. Stay tuned!

Russell said...

Awesome! I emailed him recently and asked if there was a way of getting a copy of his earlier debate with Dan Barker. He said that he didn't think it was recorded, but mentioned that they might be having another.

Looking forward to the interview!

Brian said...

Yes, that debate is not to be found - no historical records - but I got his eye-witness testimony. : ) He said something new might be in the works.

Faithful Thinkers said...

Hey Brian!
A few books that I have read that I think you might really like are:
"The Word of God and the Mind of Man"- Ronald Nash
"Making God in the Image of Man?"- Norman Geisler
"Thrilled to Death"- Archibald Hart
"Love and Respect"- Emmerson Eggerichs
"The Cell's Design"- Fazale Rana
"Who Was Adam?"- Hugh Ross and Fazale Rana
"Origins of Life"- Hugh Ross and Fazale Rana

Later Bro!

emmzee said...

I started reading Richard Swinburne's "Was Jesus God?" this week. (Why not "Is Jesus God?" Maybe I'll find out by the time I finish it.)

I have never read anything by Swinburne before, though I have listened to at least one of his lectures. (He seems to write exactly like he speaks, or vice-versa.) I don't agree with everything he says but nevertheless, it's been quite interesting. (In chapter 2 he attempts to prove that God is triune via natural theology.)

Unknown said...

I'm beginning to think I'll never finish all the apologetics books I've bought or downloaded. Thanks for the reviews, I'm currently reading your recommendation "Who Made God?" Vastly interesting!

Nick Potts said...

I was curious to know if there were going to be any reviews of these books to come?

Brian said...

Nick,

I had not planned on reviewing these. But if you have any requests I would consider it.

Anonymous said...

Brian,

Could you please review JP Holding's book, "Defending the Resurrection"?

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