The Space Between: A Christian Engagement with the Built Environment

Eric O. Jacobsen (Baker Academic)

What a splendid book, delightful, informed, passionate, helping people of faith care about urban planning, social space, buildings, and the “space between” them. The author is a thoughtful Presbyterian minister who developed an interest in new urbanism while pastoring in a small town (and wrote Sidewalks of the Kingdom: Christian Faith and New Urbanism while engaged in that community) which led him into this work as a vocation, where he developed this wonderful resource.

Till We Have Built Jerusalem: Architecture, Urbanism and the Sacred

Philip Bess

What a feisty and fascinating book, written by a conservative Roman Catholic cultural critic, social historian and graduate professor at the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame. Agree or not with his incisive critique, this is a provocative way to see how some people of faith have developed a theologically-informed vision of urban design and more.

Poetics of Space: The Classic Look at How We Experience Intimate Places

Gaston Bachelard

Although not from a uniquely Christian perspective, many have been grateful for this powerful rumination on the deeper meaning of space, buildings and more, written decades ago. Walking readers through various rooms of a home, this elegant but demanding book helps us appreciate not only homes, but houses and the phenomenology of dwelling. For a a similarly commendable, but more accessible (and consequently even more popular) work see the lovely Architecture of Happiness by Alain De Botton.

Why Place Matters: Geography, Identity, and Civil Life in Modern America

Edited by Wilfred M. McClay and Ted V. McAllister

A rather diverse collection of serious scholars that help us explore the significance of place, the erosion of civil life, and how buildings and urban policy can enhance thriving locales.

A Theology of the Built Environment: Justice, Empowerment, Redemption

T. J. Gorringe

Obviously published by one of the world’s most prestigious publishers, this is a heavy, serious, and exceptionally significant, morally-serious work. Some may think his theological input is not fully adequate, and the writing a bit dense, but, in any event, this is doubtlessly the premier major work on the subject, a must read for anyone serious about theologically-informed Christian reading in the field.

The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses

Juhani Pallasmaa

One of the great books of architectural philosophy in our time, this is wise and astute, serious and simply a must read. Written by one of Finland’s most distinguished architects, and a world-renowned professor. The latest (3rd) edition has a new preface by the author.

The Thinking Hand: Existential and Embodied Wisdom in Architecture

Juhani Pallasmaa

Again, Pallasmaa is one of our best architectural scholars, a vibrant and thoughtful advocate for a multi-dimensional, wholistic approach to thinking about the field. The very title of this important work invites us to deep reflection, no?

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

Danny Meyer

One of our favorite books on running a small business, it is obviously good for anyone in the hospitality industry, but it is also a great guide to principles and practices that can remind anyone in sales. Very nicely done, with some interesting personal memoir included, by a renowned Manhattan restauranteur.

Encounters at the Counter: What Congregations Can Learn About Hospitality from Business

Alan Johnson

This isn’t, at first glance, a book about developing a Christian view of business or sales. It tells the story of a mainline denominational pastor who left his ministry to work for a while in a beloved local bakery. The book offers principles for local churches about what they can learn from successful, caring, retailers, but in the telling of his tale, anyone in business can certainly be inspired to serve customers well, to form community in the marketplace, and to offer great hospitality and customer service to a wide range of clients, who become friends. A lovely story, with much good insight, fro churches or retailers.

All Business Is Show Business

Scott McKain

The author believes that that goal of any business should be “to profitably create experiences so compelling to the customer that their loyalty becomes assured.” The purpose of this book, he says, “is to show you how its done.” By drawing on how God has wired people for encounter, for experience, for story and belonging, he helps retailers create emotional connections between customers and employees and design experiences that can astound and thrill customers. With many stories from many contemporary businesses, McKain helps retailers differentiate their organizations by creating ultimate customer service experiences. Provocative, fun, helpful.

Taking Your Soul to Work: Overcoming the Nine Deadly Sins of the Workplace

R. Paul Stevens and Alvin Ung

Although this inspiring and challenging book was written for anyone in any career or workplace environment, it seems especially germane to those in sales, whose souls can be troubled by the daily experience of sales, worry about money, interacting with customers, and being tempted by any number of obvious frustrations. After a wonderful reminder of the seven deadly sins as evidences in the marketplace, this book invites us to take on the fruits of the Spirit in our work lives.

Cash Values: Money and the Erosion of Meaning in Today’s Society

Craig Gay

There are many books on finances and money in light of Biblical teaching, but few that are so profound, balanced, deeply rich and worthy of prolonged consideration. Gay is an incisive evangelical critic of many modern ways, and helps us think about market forces in illuminating and serious ways. Does “the cash nexus” have the potential to lead to pernicious influences? Obviously, we need help with this, and Gay is a wise guide.

Christian Teachers in Public Schools: 13 Essentials for the Classroom

Dalene Vickery Parker

This is a delightful and very practical guide for ordinary teachers wanting to allow their faith and Biblical values to guide them in their daily work in elementary schools.

The Craft of Christian Teaching: A Classroom Journey

John Van Dyk

Although this was most likely written firstly for those who teach in Reformed Christian schools, the wonderful manner in which the author weaves together foundational Christian perspectives and quite practical skills and practices makes this a “must read” for anyone wanting to integrate faith, educational theory, and healthy classroom leadership.

To Know as We Are Known: Education as a Spiritual Journey

Parker Palmer

A truly remarkable reflection on the meaning of education, what it means to know, to learn, and to teach, from the perspective of a contemplative educator who knows that learning is life-changing and best approached in community. This could have vast implications for how any teacher considers the calling into education.

Making A Difference: Christian Educators in Public Schools

Donovan Graham

This is a deeply Christian consideration about character formation in the public school classroom. Graham has taught in Christian schools and in public schools, and has offered this work to school teachers mentor students in wise and helpful ways.

Education for Human Flourishing: A Christian Perspective (Christian Worldview Integration)

Paul Spears & Steven R. Loomis

Yet another book in the important “Christian Worldview Integration Series” this may be the most robust consideration in recent years of the meaning of education from a Christian perspective. A strong overview of the history of educational theory, evaluated through the lens of Christian conviction.

Walking with God in the Classroom: Christian Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Harro Van Brummelen

This is unashamedly written to bring greater integration and a transforming vision into the discourse within the context of Christian schools, but it is so wise, so thoughtful, so inspiring, that we heartily recommend it to anyone teaching in any context. This respected author has thought a lifetime about integrating faith and learning and offers here a profoundly integrated , reformational perspective.

Educating All God’s Children: What Christians Can–and Should–Do to Improve Public Education for Low-Income Kids

Nicole Baker Fulgham

Few evangelical leaders have done so much to alert us to the needs of those in low-income schools as this vibrant author. Here, she invites church folks to care about public schools, to engage the needs of low-income children, and to enter the conversations in civic life advocating for justice for public education. Passionate, inspiring, practical.

Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace

Michael S. Beates

There are many good books on thinking theologically about handicapping conditions and special education, although many are designed for churches with special needs ministries. Still, anyone working in special education (or in public schools with various sorts of special educators) should think a bit about the nature of disabilities in God’s world. This is a solid, evangelical contribution to the broader Christian conversation about disabilities studies. Very important. Perhaps follow it up with the very nice Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability by Stephanie O. Hubach (Presbyterian & Reformed).

Popcultured: Thinking Christianly About Style, Media and Entertainment

Steve Turner

Turner is one of our finest Christian thinkers about popular culture, and although he has written other good books about faith and the arts and music, especially, here he offers a variety of chapters, on topics ranging from fashion to photography, from comedy to our fascination with celebrity. All of these fine chapters are helpful but the one called “The Language of Cloths” is a must-read.

Clothing (Compass: Christian Explorations of Daily Living)

Michele Saracino (Fortress)

This is a very small book, part of a series (“Compass”) developing mature, incisive, theologically-influenced views of daily living. (There are small ones, for instance, offering faith-based views of travel, eating, shopping, listening to music.) Here, the author draws on Reinhold Niebuhr’s insights about humankind’s tendencies to want to be perfect and godlike, even though we are mortal, and how that profound insight may effect our desires for adornment. She explores the psychology of dress as incarnational, connects a “spirituality of clothing” as part of a larger cultural conversation. This does not go far to develop a maturely conceived, normative view of fashion, but it is certainly a provocative, if brief, starting contribution.

Hijacking the Runway: How Celebrities Are Stealing the Spotlight from Fashion Designers

Teri Agins

This is a much discussed, best selling book — which Vogue declared a “watershed” and which the New York Times said “should be required reading for people who think they might like to be clothing designers.” Agins seems to (perhaps without realizing it) understand that God calls some to specialized callings, and that fashion designers are given talents and expertise that should not be bastardized by celebrities wanting to capitalize on their fame. In lively and witty writing she shows that celebrity “has inundated the world of fashion, realigning the forces that drive both the styles and the profits of the biggest names in luxury apparel.” Ms Agins is one of the most influential and well-respected reporters in the industry of fashion.

Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion

Elizabeth Cline

Partially a memoir of an industry insider, an expose of global injustices, and a call to think carefully about how we make our clothing, and how fashion develops in relation to sustainable and just economic systems, this is, nonetheless, a lively, fascinating, and passionate manifesto. Often discussed, fascinating, a valuable voice. Perhaps for more practical information on ethical fashion, see Ware No Evil: How to Change the World with Your Wardrobe by Greta Eagan (a graduate of the London College of Fashion and founder of fashiongreen, a sustainable fashion awareness project.)

The Fashioned Body: Fashion, Dress and Modern Social Theory

Joanne Entwistle

Considered a very important contribution within secular fashion studies, this book helps us frame conversations about fashion in light of competing view of the human body, the nature of clothing, the distinctions between fashion and dress, and the practices of the fashion industry. She draws upon many heavy social and cultural theorists, helping develop a serious and scholarly account of fashion in the postmodern era.

The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition

Don Norman

Although not from a faith- based viewpoint, this wise little book has become a classic among those wanting to think about why design matters. Follow up this marvelous reading experience with his engaging book Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things, which gives us a good reminder of how things work in God’s complex world.

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People (Voices That Matter)

Susan Weinschenk

Great design almost always has a human interface, to we can learn much about norms and principles from the best social psychologists. Here we can see what research offers about how people respond, and how these insights can be useful for those called into the design world. Is there a narrative or framework about design that tends to promote such religious values or healthy social outcomes? This book — which also invites us to think about locally available materials and environmental stewardship — helps us think passionately about things that matter.

Design Revolution: 100 Products That Empower People

Emily Pilloton

Can newly designed products really empower people? How does good design tap into human abilities, helping people flourish?

Graphic Design and Religion: A Call for Renewal

Daniel Kantor

This is a fantastic book for graphic designers, illustrators, visual artists, those who are interested in fonts and space and magazines and book covers, even hymnal designs. This does seem somewhat limited to the overtly religious press, it does bring fascinating theological insights (and study of different eras of religious iconography) into interaction with contemporary graphic design. It showcases branding logos from religion non- profits, denominational letterhead, good aesthetic design in church bulletins or banners, and documents how sacred art must move beyond only thinking about symbols in ancient paintings to the animation of design in religious journalism and print. Fascinating. The editor and curator is the founder and creative director of KantorGroup in Minneapolis MN and a composer of liturgical music.

The MBA Oath: Setting a Higher Standard for Business Leaders

Max Anderson & Peter Escher

What a great story, of some Harvard MBA grad students, who dreamed of making something like a “hypocrite oath” for MBAs, asking future financial advisors to promise not to knowingly hurt their clients. Some classmates and professors eagerly signed on, others protested. The document (and who would and wouldn’t sign it) went viral, the young idealists got on national TV and a movement began. Interestingly, one of the co-authors and leaders in this movement for ethical financial management, Max Anderson, serves at Redeemer Presbyterian through a variety of projects.  A great book, a great story, well argued with many case studies of how to realign the profession.

The Economy of Desire: Christianity and Capitalism in a Postmodern World (The Church and Postmodern Culture

Daniel M. Bell, Jr. 

Part of the esteemed “The Church and Postmodern Culture” series edited by James K.A. Smith, this volume asks foundational questions about how our economic systems incite desire, and whether that is helpful in our formation as consumers, as citizens, as Christians, as humans. Can there be a “virtuous capitalism” that participates in God’s redemptive work in the world? Can we understand economics in light of theology? What economic activities might nurture properly ordered desires and how can Christians restore a greater sense of human dignity and social justice as we engage in economic practices? Fascinating, potent, provocative.

The Crisis and the Kingdom: Economics, Scripture, and the Global Financial Crisis

E. Philip Davis

Davis is Senior Research Fellow at the UK National Institute of Economic and Social Research, an expert of pension funds, a seriously published author with the prestigious Oxford University Press (Debt, Financial Fragility, and Systematic Risk and, Institutional Investors, about professional portfolio managers) and an evangelical pastor at Penge Baptist Church in London. Here he offers brief but profound insights, reflecting on a Christian analysis of the global economy, the financial crisis, and the impact global economic issues have on our lives. Few Christian thinkers have offered helpful, mature economic analysis of the world of high financial trading nor are trained to understand the complexities of that often little understood culture. We can be glad that Davis is equipped to offer Biblical and financial analysis of the crisis of 2007- 2008, which continues to ripple into our economies and lives today. I am sure we need more and even better books from a reliably Christian worldview, but for now, this is a must-read.

Theology of Money

Philip Goodchild

Written in a dense, interdisciplinary, academic style, this rigorous project brings religion and theology to bear on the most basic questions about the nature of money and the ways in which our view of financial matters has shaped much of our worldview, and the arrangements of many aspects of our secularizing culture. What might we make of our collective faith and idols, and the implications of our views of money and credit. As British theologian Catherine Pickstock writes of it, “Well written and well researched, Theology of Money is a remarkable and very important book; there is nothing like it currently in print.” Another critic says it is “indispensable.”

A Treatise on Money (Sources in Early Modern Economics, Ethics, and Law)

Luis de Molina

Here is what the Acton Institute says of this book written by a Jesuit Christian in the mid 1500s: “A Treatise on Money is a selection from Luis de Molina’s larger work On Justice and Right. In these selections, he examines the various kinds of contracts and businessmen of his day and applies the scholastic method to analyze the nature of currency and exchange, offering a unique and indispensable look into the origins of modern monetary theory.” If you are interested in early modern Catholic ethics about banking, lending, usury, and such, try On Exchange and Usury written in the early sixteenth century by a Dominican theologian and philosopher, Thomas Cajetan, as he attempted to sort out which sort of banking practices were licit, illicit, or doubtful. Fascinating.

Religion and the Marketplace in the United States

Edited by Jan Stievermann, Philip Goff, and Detlef Junker

This up-to-the-moment new book offers exceptionally scholar reflection on the nature of markets, how religion influences (or is influenced by) the nature the marketplace, and how American culture has often be characterized by its consumerist and financial attitudes. (De Tocqueville and Chesterton both remarked on American’s financial leanings.) What is the relationship of religion in the marketplace, and, more, the marketplace as a religion? There are several remarkable chapters that are specific case studies, attempting to show how financial orientations have overshadowed other sides of life, a very valuable insight for all of us to ponder.

Eat With Joy: Redeeming God’s Gift of Food

Rachel Stone

A very fine primer on the theology of eating, a Christian view of food, and the joy of feasting, even in a world of famine. Balanced, inspiring, thoughtful, a must-read for anyone wanting to start thinking about this very human calling.

Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes

Shauna Niequist

This beloved Christian writer shares luminous reflections on food, the joy of eating, the ministry of hospitality, and — yes — includes recipes. Truly lovely writing, nice stories, tasty inspiration for nearly anyone as she reminds us of the goodness of life together, eating well, in families and with others.

Making Peace with the Land: God’s Call to Reconcile with Creation

Fred Bahnson & Norman Wirzba

Part of a very accessible book series about the theology, ethics and practices of reconciliation this small volume invites us to see how God’s redemptive work in Christ allows us to be reconciled to the Earth itself, and explores this by examining our farming practices, our food systems, and the joys of eating well, using local sources and supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Challenging, thoughtful and inspiring.

Supper of the Lamb: A Culinary Reflection

Robert Farrar Capon

Now considered a classic of contemporary food writing, this is the legendary book by the colorful New York Episcopal priest, theologian and respected chef. This is, simply put, a book about the author creating a fine meal of leg of lamb for a dinner party; it is also, some say, a life-changing book about a theology of creation, sacramental spirituality, and an artful, redemptive Christian worldview. A times it is nothing short of breathtaking.

The Spirit of Food: Thirty-four Writers on Feasting and Fasting Towards God

Edited by Leslie Leland Fields

Some of the finest writing about food and cooking and eating, by turns glorious and poignant, informative and inspiring. A must-read for anyone who cares about good writing, good food, or faithful, allusive Christian reflections about life in God’s good world of taste and delight. Many of the great essays are published here for the first time, while others (such as an excerpt from Supper of the Lamb or a famous piece by Wendell Berry) have been published elsewhere. Recipes included, too. Fantastic.

Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating

Norman Wirzba

A serious and dense work by one of our most renowned Christian scholars of environmentalism, and a good friend of new agrarians such as Fred Bahnson, Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson. He grounds our eating in the goodness of creation and suggests ways in which we can think theologically about eating “Eucharistically.”

The Gift of Pain

Philip Yancey & Dr. Paul Brand

The renowned hand surgeon and the popular evangelical journalist reflect together on the role of pain in a fallen world, observing that it maybe a gift from God, alerting us to illness and more. They call it “the gift nobody wants.”  Very useful for anyone, but essential for those called to ministry to the ill or hurting.

Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing

Judith Allen Shelly & Arlene B. Miller

Although this is obviously written for nurses, nearly anyone in any field of health care could benefit from these foundational teachings on the nature of the body, a vision of health, the role of medicine, the meaning of caregiving, the characteristics of healing and the ethics of prayer and spiritual conversations between patients and health care providers. This is a splendid, foundational work for nearly anyone who works in health care, making it a must-read.

Transforming Care: A Christian Vision of Nursing Practice

Mary Molewky, Ruth Groenhout, Kendra G. Hotz

A profound and mature study for nurses, but, as with the previous listing, this is so, richly conceived and finely written, it will certainly prove useful for nearly anyone serving in any capacity in health care professions. With worldviewish reflection on our understanding of the human person and the meaning of health, the authors then explore the contexts of health care delivery, looking at : acute care settings, mental health facilities, and community care contexts. The authors teach at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and include a professor of nursing, a theologian and an ethicist. Very impressive.

Reclaiming the Body: Christians and the Faithful Use of Modern Medicine

Joel Shuman & Brian Volck, MD

What an extraordinary book, co-written by a practicing pediatrician and a poet, each who have thought deeply about the role of medicine in our culture and the task of health care providers.  This perhaps was written for anyone who wants to think about medicine in our time or who wants to work for health care reforms, but it is essential for doctors or others who work in health care.

The Scalpel and the Cross: A Theology of Surgery

Gene L. Green

Although this is a very small book, it is a powerful and poignant reflection by Christian leader who is both a surgeon and who underwent heart surgery.  Here, he offers a practical theology about this important aspect of contemporary life, in a new series called “Ordinary Theology.

Helping and Healing: Religious Commitment in Health Care

Edmund Pelligrino & David Thomasma

Two of the leading medical ethicists,  devout Roman Catholics, here offers great insight about the proper role of faith and spirituality in contemporary medical practice. By reflecting on how professionals can embody religious commitments, effecting the relationships between patient and practitioner they show how that can help in recovery and healing, this points to a profoundly spiritual philosophy of medicine.

Health-Care Ethics: A Comprehensive Christian Resource

James Thobaben

A major contribution to the field, lively and interesting, broad and multi-disciplinary, this work starts with a mature theological anthropology and leads eventually to good reflections on bioethics.  Some reviewers have called it “incarnational” and “missional” as well as “masterful and pertinent.”

The Lawyer’s Calling: Christian Faith and Legal Practice

Joseph G. Allegretti

What a fine, helpful book, that invites us to reconsider the very assumptions we have about the nature of legal practitioners. Drawing on Niehbuhr’s famous categories in Christ and Culture Allegretti invites us to a transforming set of metaphors that will help us clarify the meaning of being truly Christian lawyer, working in redemptive ways.

Can a Good Christian Be a Good Lawyer?: Homilies, Witnesses, and Reflections

Edited by Thomas K. Baker & Timothy W. Floyd

This is a wonderfully helpful collection of sermons, speeches, reflections, case histories and lessons learned, mostly by serious Roman Catholic attorneys. Very nicely done.

Redeeming Law: Christian Calling and the Legal Profession

Michael Schutt

This is a truly extraordinary book, wonderfully written and profoundly Biblical, drawing on the long tradition of Christian considerations of legal theory, jurisprudence and how a robust Christian engagement with this scholarly work can help a practicing lawyer embrace their calling with greater integrity. Serious, interesting and finally practical, this is the best book of its kind in this field.  The author is a leader within the Christian Legal Society, and especially known in their lively law school ministry.  Truly, a must-read, must-have book!

Law and the Bible: Justice, Mercy and Legal Institutions

Edited by Robert Cochran and David VanDrunen

A mature and sophisticated collection of pieces about law in the Bible, about a Biblical view of law, and about the implications for the legal profession.  A dense, enriching colloquium between evangelical Bible scholars, Christian legal theorists and practicing lawyers.

Christianity and Law: An Introduction

Edited by John Witte, Jr. & Frank S. Alexander

This collection is edited by two of the most esteemed legal historians and theorists o four time, released by the most prestigious publisher in the world. A very significant and sophisticated overview, considered by some to be the definitive such anthology.

God’s Joust, God’s Justice: Law and Religion in the Western Tradition

John Witte, Jr.

Doubtlessly the most respected and influential contemporary legal scholar knowingly working out of a Reformed Christian worldview, this is a fine example of his voluminous work.   For anyone wanting an overview of Christian legal scholarship, this author is one that you must know;  see, also his ongoing work at the Emory Center for Law & Religion.  Next, consider the work of his mentor, the late, legendary Harold J. Berman, a respected Christian who taught for many years at Harvard Law School, starting with Law and Revolution: The Formation of the Western Legal Tradition and Law and Revolution II: The Impact of the Protestant Reformations on the Western Legal Tradition.

The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief

Francis S. Collins

One of the world’s leading geneticists, former Director of the Human Genome Project, shows his evangelical view of the creation and how it points him to God, allowing him to hold sincere, intellectually rigorous faith that is not in conflict with scientific investigation. A useful book also for seekers or skeptics who wonder how a serious scientists can come to Christian faith.

The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions

Karl Giberson & Francis Collins

A fabulous resource in a helpful question and answer format, offering insights by leading scientists about the alleged tension between faith and science, and showing how the conflict is not essential, that believers can work responsible in science, and that questions of Biblical authority an origins do not have to sidetrack us from the task of raising a witness within the scientific community by doing good scholarship in any field of science.

Not Just Science: Questions Where Christian Faith and Natural Science Intersect

Edited by Dorothy F. Chappell & E. David Cook

This is a wide and useful collection offering some very thoughtful, foundational Christian insights about faith and science, and then compiles chapters on various scholarly fields of science, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, biology, mathematics, etc. It includes fantastic essays by practitioners, too, Christians serving in environmental science, computer science, engineering, agronomy, pharmacy, health care sciences, and more.

Questions of Truth: Fifty-one Responses to Questions About God, Science, and Belief

John Polkinghorne & Nicholas Beale

It is essential to know the famous and voluminous work of Father John Polkinghorne, an Anglican priest who is also a mathematical physicist and who some consider one of the best advocates for a fruitful conversation between faith and science..You may want to read his fabulous Faith of a Physicists (Fortress), work through some of his titles on quantum physics, or dip in to the large and valuable John Polkinghorne Reader (Templeton Press) but this short question and answer book is a great introduction to his thought.

Science and Its Limits: The Natural Sciences in Christian Perspective

Del Ratzsch

Regardless of one’s particular field of study within the sciences, reading something on the philosophy of science – what science is and does, it’s contributions and limits – is essential. This may be the best introduction to this provocative field, offering profound insights rooted in a distinctively Christian worldview. Highly recommended.

Where the Conflict Really Lies: Science, Religion and Naturalism

Alvin Plantinga

Dr. Plantinga is a Christian philosopher who is world-renowned, arguably one of the most significant philosophers of our day. In this incisive volume he shows that the alleged conflict between faith and science is not, in fact, such a conflict, but is, rather, a conflict of philosophical ideologies that influence various views of science. A much-discussed and very important work.

Mathematics Through the Eyes of Faith

Russell Howell & James Bradley

Leaders in Association of Christians in the Mathematical Sciences, this is their pioneering, important book. Follow it up with the deeper Mathematics in a Post Modern Age: A Christian Perspective, or the intriguing Redeeming Mathematics: A God-Centered Approach authored by polymath Vern S. Poythress.

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Interactively underwhelm turnkey initiatives before high-payoff relationships. Holisticly restore superior interfaces before flexible technology. Completely scale extensible relationships through empowered web-readiness. Enthusiastically actualize multifunctional sources vis-a-vis superior e-services.

Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service

Mary Poplin

A moving story of a disillusioned professor, searching for meaning and hope, who is not only inspired by a season with Mother Theresa serving the poor in India, but is guided by her to return to academia, taking up her role as a college instructor conceiving it as a ministry there. “Find your own Calcutta, there” Mother Theresa advised her. Dr. Poplin’s next book continues the story of her witness in academia, Is Reality Secular? Testing the Assumptions of Four Global Worldviews where she both diagnoses the reigning philosophical assumptions in the academy and tells some of her own story defending Christian views while integrating her faith within her own discipline. Includes a moving foreword by the late Dallas Willard.

Student Affairs Reconsidered: A Christian View of the Profession and Its Contexts

David Guthrie et al

One of the very few books that thoughtfully explore student affairs, from residential life to stages of development work and other aspects from a uniquely Christian perspective.

Christian Scholarship in the Twenty-First Century: Prospects and Perils

Edited by Thomas Crisp, Steve Porter and Gregg A. Ten Elshof

A very robust collection of thoughtful Christian scholars pondering what it means to do Christian scholarship, what the methodologies and perspective are that bear good academic fruit, and what the role of the Christian scholar is the contemporary academy. Faith and Learning: A Guide for Faculty Patrick Allen & Kenneth Badley (Abilene Christian University Press) While these authors are both situated at an evangelical liberal arts institution, their guidance will be exceptionally helpful for any Christian faculty member, wanting wise guidance for thinking about the integration of faith and learning, conducting oneself with integrity, thinking faithfully about the art of teaching, working on departmental matters, doing ongoing academic research and more. This book, so full of empathy and candor for young professors, has as a framing format reflecting on the esteemed work of Ernest L. Boyer.

Faith, Freedom and Higher Education: Historical Analysis and Contemporary Reflections

Edited by P.C. Kemeny

This mature volume includes diverse scholars reflecting on various aspects of the quandaries of higher education, including stellar chapters on the insights (for higher learning) of seminal figures such as Dorothy Sayers, C.S. Lewis, Wendell Berry and Alan Bloom. Mark Noll has called the essays “sparkling” and Robert George, professor of jurisprudence at Princeton says that are “refreshing and forward-looking.” Taking Every Thought Captive: Forty Years of the Christian Scholars Review edited by Don W. King (Abilene Christian University Press) For four decades the scholarly journal The Christian Scholars Review has printed seriously academic pieces by Christians scholars, and been a source of inspiration and stimulation for Christian intellectuals and academics. In celebration of their 40th anniversary CSR editor (and C.S. Lewis scholar) Donald King edited this long-awaited anthology of some of their most popular, engaging, or representative pieces. Some are specifically about the the role of Christian colleges and universities, but many are about specific disciplines, with something here for nearly everyone who works in academia.

The Myth of Religious Neutrality: An Essay on the Hidden Role of Religious Belief in Theories

Roy A. Clouser

A classic of thoughtful Christian philosophy, showing how all academic disciplines are decisively shaped by faith-like presuppositions. Very, very significant, well worth working through carefully, perhaps with others.

Economic Shalom: A Reformed Primer on Faith, Work and Human Flourishing

John Bolt

This slim book is a serious overview, reminding us of important themes about the economy, caring deeply about the dysfunctions and idols of the age without settling for knee-jerk responses. Agree or not with all of the authors conservative Kuyperian insinuations or conclusions, this is a very useful foundational resource, and very highly recommended. (This book is part of a series produced and promoted in partnership with the extraordinary video curriculum For the Life of the World.)

Business Through the Eyes of Faith

Richard Chewning, Shirley J. Roels, John W. Eby

A fine work written by a conservative evangelical, a Kuyperian Reformed thinker and a great Mennonite scholar, together offering the best of their respective traditions to the many details of business. This includes basic, Biblically-directed foundational thinking and very mature teaching on the goals and purposes of business in God’s world, as well as wise and ethical considerations of various aspects of running a business, from marketing to advertising, wages to customer service, business planning to doing justice in the workplace. Very useful.

Why Business Matters to God (And Still What Needs to Be Done)

Jeff Van Duzer

A favorite of the CFW, this is one of the best books in the field, –visionary, faithful considerations of the role of business and what we as God’s people might do in this important field. Particularly good is its guiding framework, helping us see the business world in light of essential Biblical themes. A must.

Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Marketplace

Kenman L. Wong & Scott B. Rae

A very significant book in the serious “Christian Worldview Integration Series” this major work covers nearly everything the thoughtful businessperson needs to consider their work in faithful ways. Very impressive.

Globalization and the Kingdom of God

Bob Goudzwaard

One of the annual “Kuyper Lectures” sponsored by the Center for Public Justice, this is a great introduction to not only thinking about global realities and a Christian assessment of globalization, but serves as an introduction to the renowned Dutch economist. After the large chapter by Goudzwaard, there are two respondents, offering brief remarks to further develop the contours of a Reformed view of the economics of our contemporary global village.

Subverting Global Myths: Theology and the Public Issues Shaping Our World

Vinoth Ramachandra

Ramachandra is a renowned evangelical leader from Sri Lanka and notable global scholar, situating him wonderfully to explore questions about globalization, economic development, and other large themes weighing upon anyone in the global marketplace. Not business, or even economics, per se, this is a prophetic and powerful challenge to the prevalent values of the worldviews shaping the global realities in which we work.

From Concept to Scale: Creating A Gospel-Minded Organization

Steve Graves

A large and handsomely designed book, this is one of the only books of its kind, offering clear gospel orientation for starting an organization, social initiative, business or ministry. Useful, inspiring, fascinating, written by good friends of the Redeemer CFW.

Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches

Peter Greer & Chris Horst

Recently named a Leadership Journal book of the year, this should be seriously pondered by entrepreneurs and leaders before their organization moves into a stage of “mission drift.” Offers great insights about how faith- based organizations can remain true, even as they innovate, to their founding principles and vision. The authors work with the internationally acclaimed micro-financing organization, HOPE International.

Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good

Steven Garber

An enduring, rich work by one of our most respected colleagues and friends, this book reminds us to embrace God’s call and settle in for the long haul of fidelity, not yielding to the temptations of pragmatism, cynicism, or loss of passionate care. Can we love the world as God does, knowing what we know about how things work (or don’t work, as the case often is.) Can we “sing the Lord’s song” in a way the world can understand it? How can we be sure that our innovations and visions endure for God’s glory by serving the common good? A must read for nearly any serious “worldly saint” but certain for entrepreneurs, cultural creatives and leaders on the social sector.