My Top 5 Books for 2013

Okay, in keeping with fashion, I thought I’d post my top five books for 2013.

1. N.T. Wright, Paul and the Faithfulness of God.

No surprises here. This book is to theology what Star Wars is to sci-fi. We’ve been waiting for this since 1991 and it has not disappointed. Bigger than Ben Hur, denser than a line backer, and quite simply vintage Wright.

2. Elias Chacour, Blood Brothers.

Great biography about a Palestinian growing up in the Galilee. Well worth the read! Will challenge many things you assumed about the Palestinians.

3. Sherif Gergis et al, What is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense.

Just when you thought that there was no reasonable case against same sex marriage, three Princeton academics say, “Well, what about …”

4. Scot McKnight, Sermon on the Mount

Scot’s volume in the SOBC series is an excellent opener. One of the best commentaries on the sermon, flowing with Bonhoefferian anecdotes, and aphorisms, and deeply connected to the Anabaptist tradition.

5. T. Michael Law, When God Spoke Greek.

Great intro to the LXX and the historical and hermeneutical issues it raises. Necessary reading for anyone into NT use of the OT.

Other volumes worth mentioning

Commentaries: Lynn Cohick, Philippians (SOBC); Dale C. Allison, James (ICC).

Pauline Studies: Brian Rosner, Paul and the Law; Preston Sprinkle, Paul and Judaism.

Church history: James Moorehead, Princeton Seminary in American Religion and Culture.

Gospel Studies: Francis Watson, Gospel Writing; Tom Thatcher and Richard Horsley, John, Jesus, and the Renewal of israel.

Theological Studies: Michael Allen, The Christ’s Faith; Stephen Holmes, The Quest for the Trinity; Graham Cole, The God Who Became Human.

Biblical Studies: Chris Hays and Chris Ansberry, Evangelical Faith and Historical Criticism– bold volume and should prompt a good conversation.