Wally Johnson's Top 10 books to read
With a life-long love affair for books and theology, it is very hard to pare my favorites down to 10 books, but here it goes (in no particular order):
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs
This is a book I re-read with regularity as it speaks to my sin of greed and lack of contentment. I feel this read from a guy long dead is still so relevant and necessary.
Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning
A beautiful book which reminds us of a simple truth that we are loved by God as His dear children. We are loved by Him now, not on the basis of what we do or how we perform. We are loved just because. He wrote many books, but another gem is “The Furious Longing of God.”
Desiring God by John Piper
This book opened my eyes and heart to the joy of finding pleasure in God. This resonates with C.S. Lewis and his contention that we are far too easily satisfied in this quest.
Following Jesus by Henri Nouwen (any book by Nouwen)
Nouwen always calls me to a quieter and simpler quest of following Jesus. Any book by Nouwen is worth the read.
On Faith by Antonin Scalia
A book well worth the read by a man with a brilliant mind.
The Civil War as a Theological Discourse by Mark Noll
This book masterfully sets forth the complicity of the Church in the issue of slavery and racism. He rightly contends that both sides in the Civil War used Scripture to justify their positions. I think this book has a lot to say to us about our use of God’s Word in the modern Church.
The Cross and the Lynching Tree by Cone
This is a powerful work that we need to sit with and let it resonate in our souls.
The Confessions by Augustine
The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyon
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
I recommend any book by C.S. Lewis