Rev. James Estes’ Top 10 books to read
Strange New World - by Carl R. Trueman
This book offers a concise presentation and application of some of the most critical topics of our day.
The First Society - by Scott Hahn
In this book, Hahn makes the startling claim that our society’s ills and its cures are rooted in whether we reject or accept the divine graces made available through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
On the Holy Spirit - by St. Basil the Great
A classic expression of the church's faith in the Spirit and a lasting testimony to the author’s Christian erudition. In the words of St. Gregory the theologian, St. Basil’s treatise was, “written by a pen borrowed from the Spirit’s store.”
The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs - by Joel Salatin
From Christian libertarian farmer Joel Salatin, a call to readers to honor the animals and the land, and produce food based on spiritual principles. It's an important and thought-provoking explanation of how by simply appreciating the marvelous pigness of pigs, we are celebrating the Glory of God.
Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life - by Robert D. Lupton
The urban landscape is changing and urban ministries are at a crossroads. If the church is to be an effective agent of compassion and justice, we must change our mission strategies. In this compelling book, Lupton asks tough questions about service providing and community building to help us enhance our effectiveness.
The Interior Castle - by St. Teresa of Avila
Inspired by her vision of the soul as a diamond in the shape of a castle containing seven mansions, which she interpreted as the journey of faith through seven stages, ending with union with God.
Redeeming Heartache - by Dr. Dan B. Allender and Cathy Loerzel
Tragedy and pain inevitably touch our lives in some way. We long to feel whole, but often, the way we've learned to deal with our wounds pushes us away from the very restoration we need most. Renowned psychologist Dr. Dan Allender, and counselor and teacher Cathy Loerzel, present a life-changing process of true connection and healing with ourselves, God and others.
On Prayer - by Andrew Murray
Through Murray's writings, you will find out how your devotions can be transformed so that you can realize the fullness of God's love, peace and divine power operating in your daily walk. Lovingly explained, the principles presented here will permanently alter your prayer life.
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes - by Kenneth E. Bailey
Making use of early Syriac and Arabic Christian literature on the Gospels, Middle Eastern culture specialist Kenneth Bailey explores examines the life and ministry of Jesus with attention to the Lord's Prayer, the Beatitudes, Jesus' relationship to women and especially Jesus' parables. Bailey offers a deeper understanding of the person and significance of Jesus and lifts away the blurring modern Western interpretation to reveal a historically and culturally clear Jesus.
God at War and Satan and the Problem of Evil - by Gregory Boyd
In “God at War,” Boyd undertakes to reframe the central issues of Christian theodicy. By Boyd's estimate, theologians draw too heavily on Augustine's response to the problem of evil, attributing pain and suffering to the mysterious "good" purposes of God. Boyd argues that Satan has been in an age-long (but not eternal) battle against God, and that this conflict "is a major dimension of the ultimate canvas against which everything within the biblical narrative, from creation to the eschaton, is to be painted and therefore understood.” In “Satan and the Problem of Evil,” Boyd defends his scripturally grounded trinitarian warfare theodicy with rigorous philosophical reflection and insights from human experience and scientific discovery.
Simply Christian, Surprised by Hope and After You Believe - by N.T. Wright
These books were written together as a theological series. “Simply Christian” is intended to be apologetics. The second book, “Surprised by Hope” extends the argument of the first book with an extensive exploration of Christian hope as not only great when dying, but critical when living. The final movement in the series is, “After You Believe,” further extending the conversation of living with the Gospel by unpacking the virtue ethic of the New Testament, which both affirms and perfects on the contemporary virtue teaching of the time. Wright is a renowned biblical scholar and Anglican bishop that writes in an accessible way for all to understand solid biblical teachings.