What I’m Reading Now
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35 Questions Christians Ask Scientists by Paul Wallace
Our own Paul Wallace has had his excellent columns from years of writing for our “Nurturing Faith” Baptist publication compiled into a very fine book. I am hoping to interview Paul in our worship services on June 11, so we can hear more from his unique and brilliant Christian perspective on faith and science. Each essay stands alone. And each is a valuable tool for moving more deeply into faith, history, science and the Bible.
More Than I Imagined by John Blake
An award winning CNN journalist, John’s personal story is a moving autobiography. He guides us through the troubled neighborhoods of West Baltimore and into the heart of much of what ails us. It is also a page turner. He artfully blends family sadness and needed-to-hear societal critiques and punctuates them with grace, love, surprise and a new understanding of relationships. His is a vital read for today’s troubled times.
The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War by Jeff Sharlet
With relevant history, personal interviews and poignant stories, this New York Times best-selling author of eight other books provides urgent wisdom for our country’s divided state. Compelling in detail, shocking in the depth of anger, anguish and misguided assumptions on the multiple divides he uncovers, his essays also provide insightful hope for a path forward. This should be considered essential reading for anyone interested in a deepened understanding regarding the many confusing aspects of our American culture wars.
Fighting Churchill, Appeasing Hitler by Adrian Phillips
We all know of Neville Chamberlain’s misguided attempts to appease Hitler. Adrian Phillips digs deeper into the many shifting dynamics of those pre-war years when less was known about Hitler, and more was happening in and among the shifting political alliances within the British government. The resulting confusion allowed for Hitler to exploit a divided British government, poor preparation for negotiations, and distracted interactions from a vain and naïve British Prime Minister. Phillips has perhaps unintentionally stumbled upon striking parallels to our own time and place on this side of the Atlantic.
David Jordan
Senior Pastor