25 Transformative Books

In my most recent post, I noted the new book by Renovare, “25 Books Every Christian Should Read” and asked people what book they have read that has been the most transformative in their Christian journey.

I have learned several things from this exercise. First, people have a hard time narrowing down to one book. I got an email from one voracious reader who said he simply could not choose. Likewise, I received emails from many with the names of multiple books.

Second, and most obviously, the list from Renovare and the list I have received are dramatically different. Five books do appear on both lists (Athanasius’ Incarnation, Rule of St Benedict, Pilgrim’s Progress, Return of the Prodigal Son, and Mere Christianity). As is probably expected, the books I received are much more modern than historical. The only book that got multiple mentions is “The Shack”. The only author mentioned multiple times is Henri Nouwen.

Third, and perhaps most interesting, are the number of novels and books of philosophy and psychology. Many of these authors would not necessarily be described as “Christian” and yet their work has been transformative in Christian thought.

Fourth, almost half the books on this list begin with the word "The". If you want to write a book that transforms Christians' lives, begin with a definite article.

Without further delay, below is the list I have received (in alphabetical order). Since I did not ask people if I could publish their names, I won’t. Roughly half of the inputs received came from clergy, from a wide range of denominations

1. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards

2. Abraham's Curse by Bruce Chilton

3. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya

4. Father Melancholy's Daughter by Gail Godwin

5. Gracias by Henri Nouwen

6. Jesus of the Disinherited by Howard Thurman

7. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

8. Oasis of Wisdom: The Worlds of the Desert Fathers and Mothers
by David G. R. Keller

9. On the Incarnation by St Athansius

10. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

11. Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen

12. Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution by Ken Wilber

13. Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christians by Thomas G. Long

14. The Death and Resurrection of the Beloved Son by Jon Levenson

15. The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith

16. The Good Book by Rev. Peter Gomes

17. The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser

18. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

19. The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes

20. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning

21. The Rule of St. Benedict by St Benedict

22. The Shack by William P. Young (mentioned three times)

23. The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen

24. When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd

25. Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault

If you did not submit a book, feel free to make a constructive comment in the comment box below.