I love books. This love of reading was fostered by my late father who used to take me each Saturday morning to wander through the aisles and load up on books. This was long before the days of the coffee-shop bookstore giants like Barnes and Noble. We would split-up and peruse the shelves before linking back up and comparing our treasures. So my love of books started early and continues to this day –much to the chagrin of my wife who has often said, “Do you really need another book?”. Of course the answer is “Yes” and it has nothing to do with need!

As we near the end of 2023, I thought I’d share three of my favorite books I read this year and why I found them so helpful for me. Perhaps they will be helpful for you as well!

Number 3: To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor, by Jeff Shaara

If I’m not reading theology, then I’m reading history or historical fiction. I’ve been a fan of Jeff’s for years. I’ve read many of his historical-fiction novels through the years, which usually deal with certain aspects or events in times of conflict and war. He’s written on World War II, the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, and the Korean War. While my wife and I were vacationing in Hawaii earlier this year, I came across To Wake the Giant. It seemed timely, since we were in Hawaii and would be visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial late in the week. As usual Jeff’s book drew me in and kept me turning pages until the end. He examines this event from both the American side and the Japanese side and offers insights regarding the pacific theater, Japan’s motivations, and the U.S’s false sense of security. It’s a great narrative that really puts you in the middle of the Sunday morning surprise attack at Pearl Harbor.

Number 2: Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage, by Gavin Ortlund

Gavin’s book was suggested to me by his dad, Dr. Ray Ortlund who has become a friend. I was lamenting to Ray about how much in-fighting there seems to be in Christian circles, and even in our own denomination. While there are things that truly matter, there are a lot of things people fight about that really are more preferences or opinion than critical parts of Christian orthodoxy. He suggested I check out Gavin’s book and I’m glad I did. It’s readable but not superficial. It lays out a basic framework for helping the reader discern if “Subject A” is a first-order issue that impacts the Gospel message itself or is it of a lesser, albeit important category. Or is it really not truly of much importance at all? Ortlund walks you through his own thinking and journey on many of these issues and offers a structure for examining questions and debated points that shows grace, helps set boundaries, and also can help the church live with greater unity in tumultuous times.

Number 1: Some Pastors and Teachers: Reflecting a Biblical Vision of What Every Minister is Called to Be, by Sinclair Ferguson

By far, this is the best theological reading I have done in years. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Ferguson has put together a collection of essays that cover history, theology, and practical ministerial leadership. He examines Owen, Clavin and Flavel before moving into essays on Justification, Sanctification, Biblical theology, Christian piety, and preaching. Many theological books suffer from poor readability –good information but tedious. Sinclair Ferguson writes with a winsomness that pulls you into the theological discussion. He has a wonderful way of inviting the reader back to the theological basics and demonstrating their importance and centrality to the church today. I recommend this to every Christian leader, whether they are ordained or not.