Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis. The importance and implication of the 'tri-lemma' posed by Lewis concerning Jesus (basically this: liar, lunatic, or Lord), has been indelibly printed in my mind since I first read those words 30 years ago. As a mathematician, I really appreciate the strong and carefully-reasoned logic of the entire book.

Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell. When I first read the book, soon after its original publication, I was attending a public university with a new-found faith in Christ. The discovery that solid reasons for the truth of the Bible do exist has been an enormous help to me through the years.

Decision Making & the Will of God, Garry Friesen. The vitally-important concept, to the Christian, of the 'will of God' is (sadly) so frequently taught completely wrong. This book carefully analyzes, using inductive methods, what the Bible really teaches. Of the several books I've read on this topic, this one is, by far, the very best. On a practical basis, the knowledge of these biblical principles has been a great benefit to my life. (An updated version of this book, with the same basic theses, will be published later in 2004!)

Albert Speer: His Battle with Truth, Gitta Sereny (Vintage/1996). To confirm the fallen state of humanity, we need look no further than the Nazis. I find Albert Speer to be one of the most interesting examples of the evil capabilities of ordinary, intelligent, seemingly good people. Sereny's biography, informed by extensive interviews with Speer himself, provides a balanced view of a high-ranking Nazi's struggle to come to terms with his responsibility and guilt. What is frightening about Speer is that he wasn't sadistic or mentally ill in the slightest. Nor did he do anything that I, without the influence of the Holy Spirit, would not have done. However, he found himself in a position of responsibility for atrocities. I know I could have easily done the same. Becoming familiar with Speer's life has certainly increased my gratitude for God's grace.

Emma, Jane Austen. It's a close race between Emma and Pride and Prejudice, but both of these excellent Jane Austen novels played an important role in the development of my values when I was an older teenager. One of the most interesting aspects of Austen's novels, to me, is her exploration of what makes particular people compatible, which is depicted through the balanced and unbalanced pairings in friendships and marriages in her fiction. Perhaps the most important thing I drew from both, however, was learning to admire people, particularly men (I'm a 20-year-old woman), of upstanding moral character (the Mr. Darcys and Mr. Knightleys) over the handsome charmers (the Mr. Wickhams and Frank Churchills). Laugh if you will, but, like many Austen fans, I hold Knightley and Darcy as (imperfect, of course, as all men are) examples of quality gentlemen. And like Emma, I've learned to accept no less.

The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien. C.S. Lewis said once that when we read about an enchanted forest, we don't return to the ordinary forest lamenting its lack of enchantment; rather, after seeing the enchanted forest, every forest is a little bit enchanted. Lord of the Rings (as cliche as it may be to include it, given the extreme popularity of the book after the release of the films) did something similar for my faith. Now, I'm by no means suggesting that LOTR is Christian allegory--it's not. Nor am I suggesting that it will help you in your relationship with God--not necessarily. However, what it did for me was to instill a sense of wonder at the scope of Middle Earth, enabling me to back up and view the great epic of the Scriptures with even greater awe. I finally understand what an amazing, TRUE story the Bible is, particularly the story of Christ--even more exciting and adventure-packed and grand than The Lord of the Rings. This magnificence was an aspect of the Bible that I had been previously blind to becau

Cost of discipleship, Deitrich Bonhoeffer. What a thought provoking volume. Bonhoeffer's sincerity is always challenging. I think I've read the first chapter several times.

Jesus among other Gods, Ravi Zacharias. This book speaks to a generation in confusion. I am not a scholar or a theologian, so for me, this text brought the Eastern perspective into focus.

The Everlasting Man, G.K. Chesterton. This book was long at parts but timeless in its analysis. Chesterton's style always leaves me wanting more.

Van Til's Apologetic: Readings and Analysis, Greg L. Bahnsen (Presbyterian & Reformed). Bahnsen was one of the finest students of Van Til and took the task of clarifying CVT's though. It is a massive tome which requires a lot of the reader; nevertheless, it is readable and the dividends pay well.

P.S. That last statement was not an endorsement of pragmatism.

Indelible Ink, Scott Larsen (Watermark). I am not trying to be a smart-aleck. I opened and perused this book more than any other book this year, besides the Bible. I thought it was fascinating to see which three books influenced authors. I go to websites of my favorite authors to see how they grew spiritually Scott Larsen summarized it for me.

Reformed Theology in America: A History of its Modern Development, David Wells, ed. (Baker Book House). This showed the rich and surprisingly varied tapestry of Reformed thought in America. Wells employs a number of authors to examine the Princeton School, the Dutch School, and the Southern Presbyterian branch. After Indelible Ink, this was the next most opened book.

Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin. It is a fountainhead of biblical truth. If it is read with an open bible near hand, it can change one's life. Calvin brilliantly outline the reformed faith as revealed in the Bible. No other book outside the bible has inspired the post-Reformation church in her darkest hours. Despite its length, and sometimes complex propositions, it is actually quite devotional.

Theonomy and Christian Ethics, Greg Bahnsen (Covenant Media Press). Bahnsen challenged me to apply the bible (which includes the Law) to all aspects of life, including civil government. Although misunderstood and criticized, Bahnsen makes careful distinctions between the case laws and the ceremonial laws--thus maintaining the the relevance of God's law. Bahnsen was one of the clearest thinker of the 20th century. Get his debate with Gordon Stein, also.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Fourty Years, Iain Murray (Banner of Truth). Lloyd-Jones obeyed the gospel call and testified clearly of the gospel in England. His life is utterly fascinating. He maintained fidelity to the word of God, ignoring the false, 'unity, not doctrine' heresy. Of course, only Murray could pull this off. Murray is warm and doctrine centered. There were times when I read this my soul would burn with love for Christ.

A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, William Law. It talks about the importance of intentionality in the Christian life.

A Testament of Devotion, Thomas Kelley. It focuses on the development of the inner life of the spirit.

The Pleasures of God, John Piper. A thoughtful theology: rethinking God not in our own image. This book was life empowering for me.

Apostle of the Heart Set Free(A Live of Paul), F F Bruce. Excellent putting together of Paul's life and theology through the gospels and epistles.

David Copperfield, Charles Dickens. A long novel one wishes were three times as long. Very Christian in its attitude and perspective.

Skeleton in God's Closet, Paul L. Maier. A fictional book that challenged me in the depth of the faith more than any other book.

Point Man, Steve Farrar. As a husband and father, this book has helped me recognize some of my needs, and how I need brothers to support me, and in turn for me to support them.

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald S. Whitney. I think this book is often overlooked in favor of Richard Foster's 'Celebration of Discipline', but I think Whitney's book is better because it's more practical nature. Follow it closely with Bob Benson's 'Disciplines for the Inner Life'.

English Spirituality, Martin Thornton (SPCK, 1963 and Cowley, l986). It introduced me to classic Anglican Spirituality as a synthesis of the Evangelical and Catholic streams. It helped me to see the fullness of God's saving and sanctifying grace at work in my life and thought.

Theological Outlines, Francis J. Hall (Morehouse Barlow 1892 and revised 1961). This one volume condensation of the author's multi-volume Dogatic Theology series remains the high point and hallmark of Anglican systematic theology. It is thoroughly Biblical and historical presented with helpful clarity and order. It shaped my theological foundation in a healthy and complete way. After Karl Barth's Dogmatics introduced me to the authority of Scripture and the sovereignty of God, Hall organized classic Christian theology into a useful form.

John Wesley, Alber C. Outler, Editor (Oxford University Press, l964). Outler opened the exciting world of renewed Anglican soteriology in the powerful word and work of John Wesley. This anthology is very complete and organized around the development of Wesley's theology with which I resonated and found many parrallels in my own spiritual growth.

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire , Pastor Jim Cymbala. This book is part of a trilogy, the others are Fresh Faith and Fresh Power. Pastor Jim Cymabala emphasises the power of prayer, especially when a whole church is united in praying for needs. They are books which ignite the Spirit within and encourage us to pray without ceasing.

An excellent read!