Eric Clapton might resonate with you when he sings about wishing to change the world, but did you know that Jesus already has, and continues to?
We know, we know: it’s easy – and popular – to bash the Church and Christians, and some of it may even be deserved. But before you continue scrolling, consider: what do you actually know about the history of Christianity from its origin forward? Have you read any credible books on it, or do you find yourself just repeating popular catchphrases, memes, or talking points from your friends?
If you’re not sure how (or whether) our world benefited from Jesus’s influence, or if you view the Church, regardless of denomination, from a hurt, hostile, angry, bitter, or resentful place (much like some of us once did), grab one of these instead. Their tone is neither confrontational, nor combative, and they’re written at a popular-level for audiences of nearly every age:
📖 Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible by J. Warner Wallace – Drawing on his experience as a homicide detective, Wallace employs an innovative strategy to examine historical claims about Jesus that confirm his authenticity (without relying on New Testament manuscripts.)
📖 How Christianity Changed the World by Alvin J. Schmidt – this book reveals how Christianity inspired great achievements and became the moral basis of Western civilization. Expand your understanding of Christianity and how it became a driving force for everything from healthcare to higher education.
📖 Dominion by Tom Holland – Notable historian Tom Holland changed his mind about Christianity while writing this book. In it, Holland demonstrates our morals and ethics are not universal but are instead the fruits of a very distinctive civilization. From Babylon to the Beatles, Saint Michael to #MeToo, Dominion tells the story of how Christianity transformed the modern world.
📖 7 Truths That Changed the World by Kenneth Richard Samples – Chief among them being that God walked the earth, Samples addresses the volatile ideas that challenge the cultural and religious status quo. He offers a biblical, historical, and philosophical exploration of the resurrection, incarnation, creation ex nihilo, compatibility of faith and reason, justification by grace, and more.
📖 What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? by D. James Kennedy – Two groups would especially benefit from this book: 1) laypersons who work in education, science, charity, or public service will find in this work an encouragement to continue good works in the name of Christ; 2) those who value and long for justice in many arenas and wonder how Christianity or the Bible could possibly help
📚 Have you read any of these? What made you pick it up, and what did you appreciate about it?
Note: Covenant Presbyterian is not an affiliate of any of the linked book sellers and receives no funds from purchases made on any site.
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