One thing I learned early on in my Christian life was the importance of reading. I confess that it was not until I was in seminary (and maybe a bit afterwards) that I really took that task seriously. It is true; readers are leaders or leaders are readers. If we do not read, we reveal something very presumptuous about ourselves. For example: we either do not take life that seriously or we believe we are self-sufficient. Of course reading is not intended to take the place of discourse and dialogue but it gives us the opportunity to learn from others.

 I almost glossed over this book in the stack of books that collect in my office. I am so glad I did not. From the twenty people writing briefs in this volume, some of whom I know personally, I was reminded of how God has used certain books to influence much of their thoughts and writings. For example: I have read and recommended Joni Eareckson Tada’s books. She has spoken in our conferences, but it was altogether different to read how much she was influenced in the midst of her human tragedy by certain books— Calvin’s Institutes, Berkhof’s Systematic Theology, Boettner’s Reformed Doctrine of Predestination. No wonder God turned her tragedy into a fruitful and life changing ministry.

And, who of among us have not benefited greatly from the writings and ministry of J. I. Packer? He tells of being given an early edition of Calvin’s Institutes and how life shaping it was for him to saturate his mind and heart in those Institutes. He writes of receiving his copy from his family as a 1949 Christmas present.

Packer writes of Calvin’s Institutes, “The most urgent reason why all should read the Institutes, however, is to be found in the times in which we live. In a world which is shaking in its very foundations and which lacks any ultimate authority, nothing is so calculated to strengthen and stabilize one’s soul as this magnificent exposition and outworking of the glorious doctrine of the Sovereignty of God.”

I mentioned in the review of A Year with C.S. Lewis Chuck Colson’s testimony of how Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis was so instrumental in his conversion. He also places Lewis’s Abolition of Man as another key book in his life, along with Augustine’s Confessions and City of God.

D. James Kennedy writes about the influence of many books in his life, ranging from The Greatest Story Ever Told, to Calvin’s Institutes and Augustine’s Confessions. He writes this about his conversion experience, after having read Oursler’s The Greatest Story Ever Told, “When I completed the book, it seemed as if the Cross of Christ had been erected right in my apartment and now I knew—for the first time—I knew why Christ was suffering there. I slipped out of my chair onto my knees and asked Christ to come into my heart and forgive me and cleanse me of my sins.”

In this volume you will read the testimonies of people such as: Michael Card, Donald G. Bloesch, Kenneth N. Taylor, Dallas Willard, John R. W. Stott, Edith Schaeffer and other well-known Christians.

This would be a good book, not only to read to learn about these people and be reminded of the importance and influence of good books, but also to use to challenge your children and others whom you disciple to be readers of good Christian books.

Back to Equip Page