On Bullshit by Harry G Frankfurt

Takeaway: Bullshit, like Truth is hard to define. But still worth thinking about. Purchase Links: hardcover, kindle edition, Audible.com audiobook (Audiobook is cheapest right now) This is a serious book.  Primarily philosophy and linguistics.  I bought it because I both have problems with exagerating my certainty about things and people that always seem to be … Read more

The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle

Takeaway: Many stories can be told about the changes that have been going on in Christianity. Purchase Links: Hardcover, Kindle Edition, Audible.com Audiobook I have admired the work that Phyllis Tickle has done with fixed hour prayer and other spiritual disciplines for a while.  So when I saw another book of hers was free on … Read more

Imaginary Jesus by Matt Mikalatos

Imaginary JesusTakeaway:  Imaginary Jesus is a fun romp through some real spiritual issues that could not be done another way with quite the same effect.

I think I received Imaginary Jesus in a Catalyst mailing.  But I am not sure.  Someone might have given it to me.  Regardless I have had it for at least three or four months.  I had a plane ride and I wanted something a light.  So I figured I would pick this one up.  I had no idea I would enjoy it so much.

The basic story line is that Matt Mikalatos (yes the author made himself a character in a fiction book, no it is not supposed to be autobiographical) is having coffee with his friend Jesus when Peter walks past.  Peter sees Matt’s bible and heads over.  When Jesus sees Peter, Jesus takes off running down the street, Peter takes off after him.  Peter explains to Matt that the Jesus sitting with Matt was not the real Jesus, but an Imaginary Jesus.  This starts Matt down the road to find the real Jesus.  He has to find and realize why each of his Imaginary Jesuses are not real before he can find the real one.

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Flame of Love: A Theology of the Holy Spirit by Clark H. Pinnock

Cover of
Cover via Amazon

Takeaway: If you liked Francis Chan‘s Forgotten God, but wanted more depth, this is your book. Best theology book I have read in a long while.

Christian Century asked eight diverse theologians for their list of the most important theology books of the past 25 years. It was an interesting list. There were a ton of books on it that I had not read. So I added a bunch to my Amazon Wish List and a friend bought me several of them as a gift.

My first book from this list was Flame of Love. I have read Pinnock’s book on preaching in seminary but I have not read any of his theology books before. Based on this, I will likely be reading more.

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The Holiness of God by RC Sproul

Takeaway: Immanently readable (or listenable) book about a relatively neglected topic. Purchase Links: Hardback, Paperback, Kindle Edition, Audible.com Audiobook, christianaudio.com audiobook I have to admit that I really did not know who RC Sproul was when I picked up this book.  Honestly, I still have not looked into him more than just a brief wikipedia entry.  I … Read more

Cryoburn: A Miles Vorkosigan Adventure by Lois McMaster Bujold

Takeaway: A dozen or so books into the series and it is still enjoyable and fresh. Purchase Links: Hardback, Audible.com Audiobook, Free ebook (most ereader formats available) I am a science fiction fan.  One of the features of science fiction that I like are the detailed settings (worlds, universes, dimensions, etc).  Because these settings are … Read more