New Generation at Worship Winter 1997

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Each issue we ask an RQ editorial board member to comment on works that have been formative in their Christian faith.

I've always been a bookworm, and my tastes have gone in some interesting directions as I've progressed on my spiritual journey. Still, certain books have stood the test of time, like C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity and Knowing God by J. I. Packer.

As I advanced from an agnostic to a "born-again Christian" in college, and now to a liturgy-loving Orthodox Christian, quite a variety of books have accumulated on my bookshelf (not to mention under my bed).

Any single person knows the pain of frequent moving. On my last big move I grew extremely frustrated every time I looked at the big mound of books I had to haul with me. In the end I threw out or gave away any book I didn't consider a classic or at least worth a second read. So when contemplating which books have been formative in my Christian faith I need only glance at my shrunken bookshelf and my bedside table.

Believe it or not, the first books that helped lead me to the truth were Nancy Drew murder mysteries. I think I owned every single one. As an unconscious truth-seeker, I loved mystery novels of every sort. This grew eventually into a search for a larger truth than that of the latest "whodunit." To this day my heavy theological reading is always balanced by mysteries. Have you ever read any G. K. Chesterton? I also enjoy P. D. James, Martha Grimes, and any English mystery novel I can get my hands on.

Classic literature plays an important part in my life as well. I ponder the characters in Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamazov more than almost any other book. Their depth and complexity give me tremendous opportunity to dwell on the mystery of the human personality ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.