Some biblefresh books

Krish Kandiah has posted on biblefresh books - here.

I thought I would join in on this.

1. Eugene H Peterson 'Eat This Book' is the second volume in Peterson's rightly acclaimed series on spiritual theology.
This is a first class book on the bible and on bible reading, which goes along way into the biblefresh stream of bible experience.
Peterson has a very good section on Lectio Divina, an ancient way of reading Scripture that refuses to leave the words on the page but insists that they enter into our lives every day. It is worth the price of the book for these pages alone.

I've an earlier post on this book here.

2. Alister McGrath 'In The Beginning'.

This book is subtitled 'The story of the King James Bible' and so is perfect reading for 2011 - biblefresh year.

McGrath is an excellent historian and theologian and his handling of the story of this massively important translation of the bible is of the highest order. Beginning before the decision to translate McGrath comments on English as language, the reformation, the printing of bibles and takes the story beyond 1611 with a glance toward the influence of the KJV.
If you are looking for a Christmas present for someone to lead them into 2011- you read it here first.

3. N T Wright 'Scripture and the Authority of God'
As is to be expected, this is a very readable book from Bishop Wright. The authority of scripture has become a battle ground in many of our denominations, if not also in congregations. I'm sure that not everyone who reads this blog will find NTW's thoughts on the authority of scripture persuasive. What you can't do is ignore them. This is a book that will help you think, or rethink, your understanding of the nature and authority of scripture - and we all need to do that every now and then. It is better to have a thought out position than a hand me down 300 year old one.
You might also want to check out Bishop Wright's essay on this theme, available on line here. And other good essay here.

4. Dale Ralph Davis 'The Word Became Fresh'
One for the preachers and home group leaders. The OT is a major area of concern for many Christians and many who are called upon to teach the scriptures.
This is an excellent help into reading and teaching the OT, especially those narrative texts that often seem most difficult to fit into the gospel.

I've also posted on this book before - here.



I hope you find these book suggestions helpful. But remember, when it comes to the bible there is no substitute for the real thing. Depend upon the Spirit and read the text.