This is a summary of recent books read by Martin Davie, compiling his evaluations and the commendations of others. In this edition:
The History of Christianity in Britain and Ireland: From the First Century to the Twenty-First by Gerald Bray
A one-volume history of Christianity in the British Isles from an orthodox Christian perspective. Well structured, comprehensive. Detailed and scholarly, suitable for the serious student. Highly recommended.
Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity by Alisa Childers
Clear and persuasive account of progressive views of Christianity and why it lacks intellectual credibility. Popular apologetics at its best. Helpful for those who might fall (or have fallen) for claims of progressive Christianity – or those seeking to help them. Highly recommended.
How to destroy Western Civilization and other ideas from cultural abyss by Peter Kreeft
Book of 18 essays addressing the challenges facing Western Civilisation from a Christian perspective eg ‘Traditionalism and Progressivism’, ‘Pity vs. Pacifism’. Evangelicals will disagree with some of what this Roman Catholic writer says, but he is well worth reading because he expresses the basic core of orthodox faith and morals so clearly, concisely, trenchantly and relevantly.
Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College by Michael Kruger
Addresses the challenges facing Christian young people going away to university and being confronted with challenges to the Bible and the Christian faith for the first time. Written as a series of letters from the author to his 18-year-old daughter. Easy to read, but also substantial and scholarly. Very helpful resource, not only for prospective students.
Liberty for All: Defending Everyone’s Religious Freedom in a Pluralistic Age by Andrew Walker
Clear, thorough and scholarly defence of the principle of freedom of religion from a Christian standpoint. Argues that religious freedom is good for all, regardless of belief. Strongly recommended in order to understand and support the importance of freedom of religion for all.
The Gravedigger File (1983)
Similar style to C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, this book consists of imaginary leaked memoranda from the Cold War spy era, analysing what has gone wrong with the Western Church. The memos reveal the Devil’s long-term strategy for subverting the Church – to get the Church to the point where she is almost totally inseparable from her surrounding culture.
Renaissance (2014)
Guinness considers positively how faithful Christians can meet the challenge of Christian renaissance in our day. For example, Guinness looks at the global tasks that face the Western church, the truths that Christians must remember, lessons from Church history. Each chapter has a prayer and discussion questions.
Impossible People (2017)
Guinness looks further at what it means to live as faithful Christians in the modern world. He argues that we need to be like medieval saint Peter Damian who was willing to be ‘faithful to Jesus alone and above all’ and explores what that looks like for Christians – for example, the challenges facing Western Christians, the reality of spiritual warfare, engagement with atheists. Prayer and discussion questions after each chapter.
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