“Some books explain Christianity, but others make you feel it. The best ones do both.”
If this is the criteria I would definitely add Dante’s Divine Comedy. Dante doesn’t just tell you doctrines. He shows them in lived encounters. You walk with him. You feel the weight of sin in Hell, the cleansing in Purgatory, and the joy in Paradise.
Paradise Lost and Screwtape Letters are good reminders of the other side. A reminder that evil is real, enjoys a subtle presentation, and is designed to destroy God and goodness with a vengeance.
Good list. I have read all but The Brothers Karamazov. I would add On the Incarnation by Athanasius. He gets at the heart of the reason and need for the incarnation.
“Some books explain Christianity, but others make you feel it. The best ones do both.”
If this is the criteria I would definitely add Dante’s Divine Comedy. Dante doesn’t just tell you doctrines. He shows them in lived encounters. You walk with him. You feel the weight of sin in Hell, the cleansing in Purgatory, and the joy in Paradise.
The Divine Comedy is powerful. It takes patience and close attention to read it, but Dante shows the Christian life.
"God: An Anatomy" by Francesca Stavrakkopoulou
Gained a like for the C.S. Lewis mention.
Paradise Lost and Screwtape Letters are good reminders of the other side. A reminder that evil is real, enjoys a subtle presentation, and is designed to destroy God and goodness with a vengeance.
Good list. I have read all but The Brothers Karamazov. I would add On the Incarnation by Athanasius. He gets at the heart of the reason and need for the incarnation.
What? No Kierkegaard? Start with "Fear and Trembling" and then read "The Sickness Unto Death".
The Bible is worth the read.
pilgrim's progress- john bunyan
Francis Schaeffer
Yes! Read the original, the Holy Bible. I'm always amazed at how many people say they truly believe in God, but have yet to read His Word.
I've not read all the other books on this list, only a few, but will add them to my list now!
Thank you!
I feel like the Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis deserve a spot here. There are gems of insight in every chapter, it is actually a bit unsettling.
I'll have to add Imitation. The only one not read.
1 Ephesians
2 Ephesians
3 Ephesians
4 Ephesians
5 Ephesians
6 Ephesians
7 Ephesians
I would add Ascent of Mount Carmel/The Dark Night by St. John of the Cross and Conferences by John Cassian to this list.
Might I also suggest The Great Gain of Godliness by Thomas Watson. Excellent read.
It’s a beefy read but I’d add saying of the Holy Desert Fathers to this list.