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.

Sociology Through the Eyes of Faith David Fraser & Tony Campolo (HarperCollins) An excellent introductory Christian textbook. An essential volume.
The Earth is God’s: A Theology of American Culture William Dyrness (Orbis) While not really sociology, this develops a Biblical-theological perspective on culture and society, making it very helpful for sociologists.
To Understand the World, to Save the World: The Interface of Missiology and the Social Sciences Charles Taber (Trinity Press International) This slim, serious book explores how sociology and anthropology can integrate with Christian missions in the modern world.
SoulTsunami: Sink or Swim in the New Millennium Culture Leonard Sweet (Zondervan) Not exactly a Christian view of the discipline of sociology, this is a postmodern hybrid book vividly reporting on social trends, evaluating the latest sociological insights and making the passionate case for evangelical involvement in the new, hot-wired world. Understanding the trends and transitions that this book describes is essential–and fun!– for anyone in the social sciences.
The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion Peter Berger (Anchor) A brilliant and seminal work by a Christian working on theories of knowledge and the sociology of religion. Very serious.

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Phil Yancey & Paul Brand (Zondervan) Although not designed to develop a Christian perspective for scholars in the field, these delightful meditations on the human body help us recall the wonder of God’s creation.
The Right Way to Win: How Athletes Can Place God First Mike Blaylock (Moody) A very simple and basic book, this is a good start towards seeing sports in a Christian way.
Christianity and Leisure: Issues in a Pluralistic Society edited by Paul Heintzman et al (Dordt College Press) An excellent gathering of Christian essays on topics such as rest, leisure, play and athletics. Few fields have books this good!
Physical Education, Sports and Wellness: Looking to God as We Look to Ourselves Edited by John Byl &Tom Visker (Dordt College Press) A remarkable collection of essays on a Biblical view of the body, the role of sports training, phys ed instruction and various reflections on sports and competition in Christian perspective.
Muscular Christianity: Evangelical Protestants and the Development of American Sports Tony Ladd & James Mathisen (Baker Books) A seriously written history of American sports and how Christians influenced–and were influenced by–the “muscular” notions of strength, winning, heroism and success. Important.

Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology Neil Postman (Vintage) This Jewish scholar has thought hard about the need to resist the idolatry of technology. Very insightful and very important.
Responsible Technology edited by Stephen V. Monsma (Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship) Now out of print, but stocked at Hearts & Minds, this brilliant book is the only one of its kind, offering an interdisciplinary, overtly Christian study of technology and engineering. A must.
The Civilized Engineer Samuel Florman (St. Martin’s) A gifted writer and a practicing engineer looks at everything from design to the training of engineers, from its history to the need for ethics. In a nutshell, this non-religious writer invites engineers to be better than they are. Clearly not adequate, but a great start!
The Introspective Engineer Samuel Florman (St. Martin’s) Although not overtly Christian, what an idea–that engineers should be thoughtful, reflective and spiritually-engaged with their technical work. Young Christian engineers could benefit from a discerning reading of any of Florman’s thoughtful books.
The Whale and the Reactor: A Search for Limits in an Age of High Technology Langdon Winner (University of Chicago) A serious read, this wisely asks us to search for limits. Although not overtly from a Christian perspective, many consider it a “must read.”
Visions of Technology Richard Rhodes (Simon & Schuster) A collection of primary source writings–a century’s worth of vital debate about machines, systems and the human world. A few people of faith are represented and the underlying beliefs about technology and engineering are evident. A handy reference tool.
Choices at the Heart of Technology: A Christian Perspective Ruth Conway (Trinity Press International) Conway is active in the movement in England which does technological education and promotes serious theological reflection on modern ethics.
Perspectives on Technology and Culture Egbert Schuurman (Dordt College Press) Although quite philosophical, this overview of the history of thought about technology is a brilliant bit, but a Christian professor of engineering in the Netherlands.

Theirs Is the Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America Robert Lupton (HarperCollins) A great little book whose Atlanta-based ministry Tony Campolo has called “one of the most inspiring in America.”
Urban Disciples: A Beginner’s Guide To Serving God in the City Jenell Williams Paris & Margot Owen Eyring (Judson) An excellent interactive workbook.
City of God, City of Satan Robert Linthicum (Zondervan) A Biblical theology of the urban ministry. A must-read Scriptural study.
Revolution and Renewal: How Churches are Saving Our Cities Tony Campolo (Westminster) With dramatic storytelling and fierce examples, this is the evidence that Christian social workers, faith-based agencies and local urban congregations are truly making a world of difference. Powerful.
Signs of Hope in the City: Ministries of Community Renewal edited by Robert Carle and Louis Decaro (Judson) A spectacular collection of case studies all set in New York City–in Asian-American, Latino and African American settings–including a true variety of ministries, programs and efforts.
A Heart for the City: Effective Ministries to the Urban Community edited by John Fuder (Moody) This is perhaps the most comprehensive collection of articles yet assembled on the topic, covering a vast array of topics, strategies and struggles.
Urban Ministry: The Kingdom, the City and the People of God Harvie Conn & Manuel Ortiz (IVP) What an excellent text–this explores a Kingdom vision for urban programs, the development of cities, the rise of social and institutional structures and how to be effective in sophisticated and faithful urban outreach.

A Mind for Missions: 10 Ways to Build Your World Vision Paul Borthwick (NavPress) The best and most basic book on the topic, packed with ideas, ways to begin to grow into a heart for missions and to learn more. Very readable and good.
God’s Global Mosaic: What We Can Learn from Christians Around the World Paul Gordon Chandler (IVP) An absolutely delightful–and challenging–book showing what Western Christians can learn from believers in other continents. A healthy reminder that there are Christians elsewhere and that we’ve got much to learn.
Changing the Mind of Missions: Where Have We Gone Wrong? James Engel & William Dyrness (IVP) A highly regarded book which raises serious questions and calls for innovative thinking. Has gathered rave reviews from the heads of many large, evangelical mission agencies, insisting that the diagnoses is accurate and the recommendations right. Important.
The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society Leslie Newbegin (Eerdmans) One of the most important world Christian leaders in the past generation has given us a classic on the truth claims of Christ and how to speak them meaningfully in a pluralistic world.
Perhaps a bit serious for those not used to good theology, but this truly is essential reading, not just for the mission field but for any thoughtful and caring Christian.
Transforming Mission David J. Bosch (Orbis) Perhaps the most talked about seriously academic book on missiology of the past 25 years. Exceptionally important.