The Pursuit of God** A. W. Tozer
This is my all-time favorite from the list. In Tozer’s own words “This book is a modest attempt to aid God’s hungry children to find Him.” I have read this little book nearly twenty times and still look forward to yet another review. Tozer ends every chapter with a prayer, each one a jewel of its own.
(1) The Ragamuffin Gospel & (2) All is Grace Brennan Manning (Read both books in listed order)
Some may find this author controversial. Manning was a defrocked, alcoholic priest who left the church for marriage, only to eventually divorce. The Ragamuffin Gospel won Manning considerable fame and acclaim. All Is Grace is his deathbed autobiographical “confession”. To really understand Manning both books are required. These two books together make a profound statement about love, grace and what is really means to be human and Christian.
The Screwtape Letters C. S. Lewis
This is just a fun little book every Christian should read. It’s an easy read, but Lewis said it gave him brain cramps to write. Letter #31 is especially memorable. This book makes an excellent bible study, and Focus on the Family has a beautiful audio dramatization of these “Letters”.
How Should We Then Live Francis A. Schaeffer
A historical perspective of Christianity from ancient Rome to modern times. This book will help modern Christians more clearly understand the challenges confronting the western church. The book is full of helpful art and photographs. Francis Schaeffer has a YouTube channel with a very well done 10-part series on this book (Thanks for the tip Lillywolf)!
The Subversion of Christianity Jacques Ellul
This one may take a little work to get through. Ellul suggests the Church has been hijacked from the time of Constantine but yet survives. The faith and sacrifice of faithful individual Christians propel God’s church despite the best efforts of organized Christianity. Ellul was a French philosopher so the English translation can be a challenge; but it is well worth the work.
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment Jeremiah Burroughs
A classic of Puritan literature that has stood the test of time. It is written in an older English style with rather long and rambling sentences, but altogether not too difficult to read. The reward more than makes up for the effort.
The Life of God in the Soul of Man** Henry Scougal
Another Puritan classic. An absolutely beautiful and profound little book. Scougal died very young, but left behind a masterpiece. Like other Puritan classics it may take a little work to get through the rambling sentences. With Burroughs, Scougal sparked my interest in Puritanism.