Complete New Book List
December, 2017
Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique, edited by J. P. Moreland, Stephen C. Meyer, Christopher Shaw, Ann K. Gauger, and Wayne Grudem. A comprehensive critique with nearly 1,000 pages and 31 articles. Argues that theistic evolution fails as a theory—scientifically, philosophically, and biblically.
Counseling Under the Cross: How Martin Luther Applied the Gospel to Daily Life, by Bob Kellemen. Luther not only reformed theology, he also reformed pastoral counseling. This book equips us to apply the gospel richly and relevantly to suffering and sin so that we find our hope and help in Christ alone. The author uses vignettes, true life stories and direct quotes from Luther.
In Search of Ancient Roots: The Christian Past and the Evangelical Identity Crisis, by Kenneth J. Stewart. Many younger evangelicals in search of historical roots are turning to Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy, seeing them as the best expressions of early Christianity. However, the author of this book says that is erroneous, and that evangelical movements have deep roots extending into pre-Reformation Christianity. He says our Reformation forebears knew their ancient pedigree and stood on sturdy ground.
Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment, by Gregg R. Allison. Summarizes and assesses Catholic doctrine from the perspective of both Scripture and evangelical theology.
Martin Luther: A Spiritual Biography, by Herman Selderhuis. Captures Luther in his original context, and follows him on his spiritual journey, as it reveals the complex character who forever changed the history of the church. This book was the top-rated Christian non-fiction book for 2017 in Tony Reinke’s list at Desiring God.
Retrieving Eternal Generation, edited by Fred Sanders and Scott R. Swain. Reclaiming the biblical, historical relation of the Son to the Father, presented by some of today’s best theologians, including D.A. Carson, Lee Irons, Lewis Ayres, Michael Allen, Matt Emerson, Fred Sanders, and Scott Swain. Honorable mention in Tony Reinke’s list of top Christian non-fiction books of 2017.
Four Views on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design, edited by J. B. Stump. Contributors are Ken Ham (Young Earth Creationism), Hugh Ross (Old Earth or Progressive Creationism), Deborah Haarsma (Evolutionary Creation), and Stephen C. Meyer (Intelligent Design).
Rebel in the Ranks: Martin Luther, the Reformation, and the Conflicts That Continue to Shape Our World, by Brad S. Gregory. Much of the Reformation’s influence remains indirect and unintended. For example, the Reformers were not heralds of modern individual freedom and autonomy, nor did they envision modern democratic states or advocate consumer capitalism. They did not support modern religious toleration or champion the modern separation of church and state. And yet we cannot understand any of these ideas, institutions, or practices without a proper reckoning of the Reformation and its enormous effects. Recommended by Mark Noll.
Roman But Not Catholic: What Remains At Stake 500 Years after the Reformation, by Kenneth J. Collins and Jerry L. Walls. This book says Rome should not insist on being the exclusive center of the catholic (universal) church, and Rome falsely charges Orthodox and Protestant churches as deficient. The authors remind us that what continues to divide us 500 years after the Reformation are not mere minor disagreements but deep differences over the nature of the church and the meaning of catholicity. They also insist that evangelical Protestantism has a strong claim to be the truest expression today of the faith once delivered to the saints (ex: see chapter on Justification Roman Style).
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Third Edition, by Daniel J. Treier and Walter Elwell. A classic since 1984, this is a 2017 revised and updated edition. Includes a section on the Trinity by Fred Sanders.
Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World: Updated and Expanded Edition, by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell. The original edition which has been a rich resource for 40 years has now been completely revised and updated.
COMMENTARIES: Matthew, by Rodney Reeves (Story of God Bible Commentary); Exalting Jesus in Hebrews, by Dr. Albert Mohler (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary); Exodus, by T. Desmond Alexander (Apollos OT Commentary).
BOOKS ON CD: The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance: Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters, by Sinclair Ferguson. The print book, which has been highly praised by CBC members, is now on CD.
ADULT DVDs: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus Video Study: A Former Muslim Shares the Evidence That Led Him from Islam to Christianity. Building on the powerful story and arguments he shared in Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, author Nabeel Qureshi takes viewers deeper into apologetics and evangelism among Muslims with this complete video lecture course. In eight sessions of about 30 minutes each he explores Muslim culture, the most common Muslim objections to Christianity, and the core doctrines upon which Islam stands or falls.
ADULT FICTION: In This Moment, by Karen Kingsbury (The Baxter Family).