Martin's insightful booklist

This is a summary of recent books read by Martin Davie, compiling his evaluations and the commendations of others.

In this Edition

One for the Other: Engaging with Nonviolent Atonement Theology by Andrew Campbell. A book that deserves to be widely read by ministers, theological students and lay Christians who are capable of engaging with a work of serious academic theology. Campbell shows very clearly that a traditional cross-centred view of the atonement leads Christians to value the worth of the oppressed, condemn their oppression and take appropriate action against it.

The Glory of the Ascension: Celebrating a Doctrine for the Life of the Church by W Ross Hastings. This describes clearly and comprehensively how the doctrine of the ascension reveals the glory of the person and work of Christ and therefore needs to be celebrated rather than neglected in the life of the Church. Thoroughly recommended to any Christian who wants to understand better the nature and significance of the ascension. Although it is an academic study it is thoroughly readable and deserves a wide readership.

What is Wrong with the World?: The Surprising, Hopeful Answer to the Question We Cannot Avoid by Timothy Keller. A clear, comprehensive and challenging study of the nature of sin and how we can be saved from it through the grace of God. It is a book that Christians need to read in order to realise what sin really is and their need to turn to God for healing from it. And it is a book that Christians can confidently give to enquirers who want to know what the Christian faith teaches about sin and why it matters.

The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger by Lee Strobel.

An excellent introduction to the key issues surrounding the birth of Jesus. It draws on reliable scholarship but mediates the results of this scholarship in a very readable fashion. It can be strongly recommended for Christians who want to understand this part of their faith better and for enquirers who want to know what Christians believe about the nature and significance of the birth of Jesus.

The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes Us Worse by Miroslac Volf. An enormously important and timely book. Volf shows that the whole idea of dividing the world into superiors and inferiors is a harmful falsehood and that the Christian faith shows us a better way. This a heavy-weight academic book and not everyone will be up to reading it, but those who are should do so and should then share its vital message with others.

To read the full reviews click here.

Martin Davie is a Latimer Trust Research Fellow. He teaches at Wycliffe Hall and is the author of various books, some of them can be found here. He writes regularly on his blog Reflections of an Anglican Theologian.

Views expressed in blogs published by the Latimer Trust are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Latimer Trust.