Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling James Sire (IVP) A wonderful call to the life of the mind, nicely written by one of our best Christian thinkers. A book to enjoy and savor.
Reason Within the Bounds of Religion Nicholas Woltersdorf (Eerdmans) A brief, important essay on the relationship of presupposition, reason and faith. Very good.
Philosophy and the Christian Faith Colin Brown (IVP) A helpful study of the key thinkers in the history of philosophy from a clear Christian viewpoint.
The Myth of Religious Neutrality: An Essay on the Hidden Role of Religious Belief in Theories Roy Clouser (University of Notre Dame) A serious work which is absolutely essential for Christian philosophers, or any serious scholars.
Truth is Stranger Than It Used to Be Brian Walsh & Richard Middleton (IVP) The best Biblically-informed discussion of postmodernism available. Rather scholarly, although not overly academic. Insists that the deconstruction of Enlightenment faith in progress and Reason is a helpful shift and that the understanding of the suffering of God in the Biblical meta-narrative is the only adequate response to the profound concerns of post-modern philosophy. Even if one does not fully agree with the authors’ approach, this is a book which must be read. Essential.
Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against the Challenge of Postmodernism Douglas Groothuis (IVP) Less appreciative of postmodernity than than the Walsh & Middleton book (above) it is a hefty and impressive discussion against relativism. Has garnered truly rave reviews from serious thinkers.
The Fall of Interpretation: Philosophical Foundations for a Creational Hermeneutic James K.A. Smith (IVP) Smith seriously surveys various traditions about hermeneutics and concludes that the assumption in some traditions, that subjective bias is necessarily bad and part of the human fallen condition, is unBiblical. Subjectivity in hermeneutics is a creational given to be affirmed. A brilliant, foundational work for advanced students in either philosophy or Biblical studies.
Knowing Other-Wise: Philosophy at the Threshold of Spirituality edited by James Olthius (Fordham University Press) Recent discussions in the various circles of postmodernism and feminism have insisted that ontology and epistemology without ethics is deadly, and that standard Western rationalism is reductionistic. What might a way of “knowing” that is more than rational and which is attentive to the “other” look like? How might Christians work from our deepest traditions to respond to these concerns? Strong Christians reflect in very scholarly ways about some of the key issues in contemporary philosophy, exploring the contributions made by the likes of Derrida, Rorty, Levinas. To be read with discernment by advanced students.

A Covenant to Keep: Meditations on the Biblical Theme of Justice James Skillen (Center for Public Justice) Grand Biblical reflections with thoughtful questions and a few case studies. Certainly the starting point for anyone concerned about citizenship, social justice of political action.
A Public Faith: Bringing Personal Faith to Public Issues Charles Drew (NavPress) A balanced and reasonable book, inviting Christian to reflect in nonpartisan ways about civic duties.
Thine Is The Kingdom: A Biblical Perspective on the Nature of Government and Politics Today Paul Marshal (Regent College) The definitive introductory study of a Biblical view of the state and a Christian view of politics. This is a must for anyone interested in the field.
The Soul of Politics Jim Wallis (Harcourt, Brace) Not exactly on the development of a Christian view of government, this is a plea for faith-inspired activism that rejects both the secular left and the religious right, and attempts to offers a truly third way of civic activism, public justice and social compassion.
Christians & Politics Beyond the Culture Wars: An Agenda for Engagement Edited by David Gushee (Baker Book House) A broad collection of excellent articles and studies, including Biblical basics, overviews of the role of government and pieces on specific political topics. Very, very useful.
Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War edited by Glen Stassen (Pilgrim Press) With the Biblical command to be peacemakers guiding them, a group of leading Christian scholars researched the very best ideas for encouraging international peace and justice. A rich and practical guide to thinking concretely about this aspect of Christian political work.
Political Order and the Plural Structure of Society edited by James Skillen & Rockne McCarthy (Emory University) This is very scholarly but so extraordinary that it must be mentioned. A serious collection of primary source readings from three “traditions” which move readers towards a profoundly religious understanding of society, pluralism and state craft. Very, very important.

With Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture William Romanowski (Brazos) The best book on the subject. The author’s easy-to-read style is crisp, his approach Biblical, his knowledge immense. Essential. (Due late Feb. 2001)
At the Crossroads Charlie Peacock (Broadman) Although mostly about the contemporary Christian music industry, this wise effort does a nice job in commending an “in the world but not of it” engagement with the popular arts.
All God’s Children and Blue Suede Shoes: Christian and Popular Culture Ken Myers (Crossway) A very thoughtful and critical assessment of how Christians might (or might not) engage pop culture and mass media.
Pop-Culture Wars: Religion and The Role of Entertainment in American Life William D. Romanowski (IVP) A truly important work, this is a study of the history of entertainment and how the church has, unwisely, been opposed. Makes the case for seeing the popular arts in light of Christianly-conceived aesthetic norms and for doing open-minded media education, nurturing Christian engagement and discernment.
Reel Spirituality: Theology & Film in Dialogue Robert K. Johnston (Baker Book House) Although there are several more basic books on the topic, this is a serious and thoroughly Christian work on film studies. Very well done.

Understanding People: Deep Longing for Relationship Dr. Larry Crabb (Zondervan) A fine and very readable introduction to the brokenness caused by sin, particularly as it shows up in various relationships. A perfect starter for thinking Christianly about the make-up of the human person. A landmark book.
Psychology & Christianity: Four Views edited by Eric Johnson & Stanton Jones (IVP) A friendly and feisty debate between four different Christians who relate their faith and theories in somewhat different ways. Essential.
Modern Psycho-Therapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal Stanton Jones & Richard Butman (IVP) Every discipline should be so fortunate as to have a handbook as useful as this stellar, indispensable guide. Nearly every possible school of thought in the field is explained, its presuppositions evaluated from a Biblical worldview. Honest in its description, generous in its willingness to affirm insights consistent with a Christian view and helpfully critical when necessary, this book is a model of Christian research.
Resurrecting the Person: Friendship and the Care of People With Mental Health Problems John Swinton (Abingdon) A wonderful resource offering new ways to think about persons with mental illnesses and how churches and practitioners can be better equipped to work together. Serious and insightful.
Psychology Through the Eyes of Faith David Meyers (HarperCollins) As always, this series offers another excellent, introductory-level Christian textbook.
SoulSearching: Why Psychotherapy Must Promote Moral Responsibility William Doherty (Basic Books) While not overtly evangelical, this is a wonderfully done “rethink” of the field of psychotherapy rooted in profound moral values.
Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship Paul Vitz (Eerdmans) A ground breaking critique of a dangerous assumption in most contemporary culture and psychological approaches. Not simple to read, but very important.
Freud vs God: How Psychiatry Lost Its Soul & Christianity Lost Its Mind Dan Blazer (IVP) A fairly serious study written by a professor at Duke Medical School.
Limning the Psyche: Explorations in Christian Psychology edited by Robert Roberts & Mark Talbot (Eerdmans) A healthy collection of scholarly articles on various aspects of Christianly-conceived psychological theories and practices.

Breaking Down Walls Raleigh Washington & Glen Kehrein (Moody) The honesty, pain and hope of the story of these two men and their struggle to model a ministry of racial reconciliation makes this a perfect book with which to begin reading in this area.
More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel Spencer Perkins & Chris Rice (IVP) Similar to the above title, but just a touch more in depth, these two men worked hard through injustice, pain and distrust to model reconciliation. A substantial analysis of the complexities of racism in America makes this especially useful.
All God’s Children: A Biblical Critique of Racism Steve McKenzie (Westminster) This essential book walks readers through the Bible, section by section, exposing racism and showing God’s intention for racial and ethnic unity.
I Have a Dream: Writing and Speeches That Changes the World Martin Luther King (HarperCollins) There are other, larger collections, but this is the perfect intro to Dr. King’s remarkable words. Don’t miss it!
Dismantling Racism: The Continuing Challenge to White America Joseph Barndt (Augsburg) A hard-hitting and strategic plan to actually have an impact on the racism that surrounds us and is within us written by an experienced urban pastor.
If It Wasn’t for the Women Cheryl Townsend Gilkes (Orbis) An important academic treatise on the role of women in black church and community written by an well-respected black feminist Christian and ordained Baptist pastor.
One New People Manuel Ortiz (IVP) This great and practical book urges churches to not put aside ethnic differences, but to affirm and celebrate them. A good guide to ministries of racial diversity.

Being a Christian in Science Walter Hearn (IVP) A very basic intro to the topic. Thoughtful and well-done, but easy to read. Good for beginners.
The Soul of Science: Christian Faith and Natural Philosophy Nancy Pearcey & Charles Thaxton (Crossway) A fascinating study of the underlying worldviews–often overtly Christian!–that shaped the earliest of scientists, and why such a perspective is needed today.
Biology Through the Eyes of Faith Richard Wright (HarperCollins) A very well done and provocative read, which, like the others in this important series, can serve as a Christian text in the field. Great!
Darwin on Trial Phillip Johnson (IVP) The standard introduction to the recent “intelligent design” movement. A charming book, full of radical truth, wit and level-headed critique of the secular assumptions of the Darwinist worldview. Dedicated students in this field will follow all of his important books.
Signs of Intelligence: Understanding Intelligent Design Edited by William Dembski & James Kushim (Brazos Press) Fourteen essays by the main players in the intelligent design movement–Johnson, Behe, Pearcey, Johnson, et al. Written in very clear and accessible language, this is the best overview argument.
The Battle for Beginnings: Why Neither Side is Winning the “Creation & Evolution” Debate Del Ratzch (IVP) A thoughtful perspective which argues that a truly Christian framework for science will transcend this narrow debate. Wow!
Science & Christianity: Four Views edited by Richard Carlson (IVP) What a great book–four different Christians tell how they integrate their faith and their science, and each argues back with the other. Four very different perspectives help us think through all the key issues…
The Limits of Science Del Ratzch (IVP) Somewhat philosophical, but an essential read for thinking faithfully about what science is, how it works and what Christians in the field can do. The best book on a Christian philosophy of science.

No Disabled Souls: How to welcome people with disabilities into your life and church Jim Pierson (Standard) Absolutely the most basic book on the subject, it is chock-full of practical ideas and Biblical wisdom illustrated with inspiring stories.
God Plays Piano, Too: The Spiritual Lives of Disabled Children Brett Webb-Mitchell (Crossroad) Absolutely remarkable stories of care and wisdom. Will help anyone in the field gain an appreciation for the kids with whom they work!
Dancing With Disabilities: Opening the Church to All God’s Children Brett Webb-Mitchell (United Church Press) Although it is about disabilities in the local church, it is immensely helpful in thinking about the topic. Very nicely done.
Special Education: A Biblical Approach edited by Joe Sutton (Hidden Treasure) Frankly, not a great book, but the only one which actually looks at the process of schooling those with special needs and developing Christian special ed. programs Covers quite a lot of material and is a good place to start.

Christianity and Social Work: Readings on the Integration of Christian Faith and Social Work Practice edited by Beryl Hugen (NAACSW) Every field should have such a clear guidebook to serving Christ in the profession. Very thorough.
Family Violence: The Compassionate Church Responds Melissa Miller (Herald Press) Many social workers will have to work with issues of domestic violence or sexual abuse. Gratefully, there are many Christian books which address these topics; this is a great place to begin as it gives excellent information, includes helpfully creative Bible studies and integrates not only faith, but the role of the local church.
Addiction and Grace Gerald May (HarperCollins) Many social workers will work with those who are struggling with various sorts of addictions and dependencies. This profound and readable theological reflection is the best on the topic. A great read for professionals or anyone open for new insight in their own lives.
Reflections on Aging and Spiritual Growth edited by Andrew Weaver, et al (Abingdon) A fine collection of stories and testimonials of how deeply spiritual writers have seen aging as part of their faith journey. May give those who work with elders a good sense of how to approach spiritual formation issues.
Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders Mary Pipher (Riverhead) Although not an evangelical book, this is perhaps the best-written book on aging people in America. Pipher, of course, is known for her well-known work with teenage girls, and has now given us a brilliant and caring book on older folks. Will surely help Christian social workers develop an informed and insightful attitude.
Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development John Perkins (Baker) The standard first book to read on community development.
Restorers of Hope Amy Sherman (Crossway) A practical, clear-headed account of how church-based ministries can effectively assist the poor.
Toward a Just and Caring Society: Christian Responses to Poverty in America Edited by David Gushee (Baker) A brilliant collection of semi-scholarly article on various aspects of the work against poverty. Extraordinary and thorough.
Walking With the Poor: Principles and Practices of Transformational Development Bryant Myers (Orbis) A very important work, set largely in third-world settings, showing how those who are serving can be respectful allies of the poor in their own struggles for justice. Very in depth, this work is nearly a masterpiece.
Called to Serve: Creating and Nurturing the Effective Volunteer Board Max De Pree (Eerdmans) Many social workers have to navigate the organizational systems of various non-profit agencies. This book gives both inspiring and practical advice from a renowned corporate leader, including theologically-sound insight into working with volunteer-based organizations.