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Dear Readers,

As a pastor who teaches a flock of believers every week, I study the Bible and Bible commentaries daily and extensively. But I have also found it enriching and helpful to follow a rather eclectic reading path from a variety of authors on subjects ranging from politics, mental health, prophecy, the history of the Jewish people and Israelƒ_"to a fascinating look at the life of Jesus, written by a bestselling novelist who earned her fame writing vampire stories! I recommend these books because I have learned something valuable from them, even if I donƒ_Tt always agree with every philosophy or viewpoint represented. Below is a ƒ_ostarterƒ__ list, which I hope to update regularly, with some of my commentary.

 

by Peter Scazzero
Of all the books in my libraryƒ_"commentaries, Bible dictionaries, Greek and Hebrew studies, lexicons, theology books, discipleship books...and moreƒ_"I have never come across a book that effectively deals with the emotional aspect of discipleship and our spiritual lives until I read The Emotionally Healthy Church. I am convinced that true discipleship needs to integrate emotional and spiritual health. So much of the Bible is filled with emotion, starting with Godƒ_Ts passionate feelings toward His children. This book is a great starting point toward helping us live in a healthy and more Christ-like manner when it comes to dealing with our emotions.

by Daniel Gruber

Daniel Gruber opens his introduction to The Church and the Jews with this statement: ƒ_oWhen it comes to the relationship of Jew and Gentile, the major thrust of all traditional church theology is separation.ƒ__ Iƒ_Tve always known that somewhere, at some point in history, the Jewish people and the Christian church began to view each other more as adversaries than people whose faith shared much in common. But I never understood how or why this happened until I read these books by Daniel Gruber. He gives a detailed picture of how church authorities wrested control of policy and doctrine, steering the church toward a more Gentile worldview. The more I study the Jewish roots of our faith, and learn about their culture and history as they relate to the Bible, the more amazed I am at how much the church is missing in terms of truly understanding our faith! Reading these books was like putting on a new pair of glasses that finally brought everything into focus.

      Abraham Lincoln suffered through terrible, devastating bouts of depression. This is a secular book, written by a man who has had to deal with his own depression, about a man who has affected myriads of people during his lifetime and since. I read once that Abraham Lincoln is still one of the most respected historical figures in China. Part of the greatness of Abraham Lincoln is not only how he dealt with politics and the Civil War, but also how he dealt with pain. His greatness, compassion and understanding were forged in the fires of great mental suffering. Joshua Shenk reveals the role faith played in Lincolnƒ_Ts life, including his doubts, disillusionments, and the help he found. A fascinating book about a man who fought suicidal tendencies, and overcame paralyzing depression because he knew his life had a purpose.

by Mike Mason
 Job was the successful, faithful man who suddenly lost everything and was thrown into a maelstrom of suffering. Iƒ_Tll admit that I have feared the story of Job, because I donƒ_Tt want to suffer the way he did! However, Mike Masonƒ_Ts new book has the affect of taking me by the hand to show me the real story of Jobƒ_"and the real story is very good news for mankind. A compelling, honest look at our pain and Godƒ_Ts sufficiencyƒ_"and an opportunity to understand Job as you never have before.

by Anne Rice

The brilliant writer who earned her fame and fortune writing vampire books, has written a compelling book about the life of Jesus as a young boy. I was thoroughly enthralled by it, as I found myself pondering the humanity of Christ. Iƒ_Tve spent most of my life studying Jesus as God manifested in the flesh, but sometimes I donƒ_Tt think weƒ_Tve explored enough the total humanity of our Savior. While I canƒ_Tt vouch for all the theological implications of her book, I know that Anne Rice researched exhaustively and has chosen to dedicate her writing to the Lord. As she put it, ƒ_oI was ready to do violence to my career...I consecrated the book to Christ.ƒ__ Her descriptions of life in ancient Israel are rich and help the reader picture exactly how Jesus might have grown up. The authorƒ_Ts note at the end includes her testimony and her description of the research that went into the book. Both are inspiring and fascinating.

      Herb Peters has opened my eyes to the significance of events in Europe, (or as Hal Lindsey says, ƒ_othe revived Roman Empireƒ__) and a certain fascinating character named Javier Solana. While I donƒ_Tt agree with Mr. Peterƒ_Ts timetable on the rapture of the church, there is much in this book worth examining and comparing to Scripture. I think youƒ_Tll be rather amazed when you read about Recommendation 666 ƒ_" a very real political document.

I'll add to this list as new books come up, but in the meantime, I welcome your comments and feedback.

Pastor Ray
media@maranathachapel.org