Mission Reading List (2)

Here are some additional mission reads chosen by me - yes I can have an original thought - or taken from Redcliffe College reading recommendations (their comments are italicised)

Chris Wright - The Mission of God - for biblical perspective
Chris Wright's magnum opus...is stunningly stimulating and comprehensive. From his exposition of Luke 24/45-49, to his holistic and eschatological applications it is full of wonderfully refreshing insights.

Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen - The Drama of Scripture - more biblical perspective.
In this book the unified story of God’s plan of redemption unfolds, first for Israel and by implication the nations of the world in fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant blessing Gn 12:3b. The Bible story is dramatic, hence the title. In the unfolding of that drama the reader is taken on a journey through time touching upon a nation’s history in which God’s actions are magnificently displayed and interpreted. What a joyful read for a mission minded theologian, to see the storyline of the single message of the Bible merging mission and theology! Appended is a study guide that allows a serious reader to meditate thoughtfully on the content and meaning of what was read.

Rodney Stark - Cities of God and The Rise of Christianity - for historical perspective
Cities of God (subtitle 'The Real Story of how Christianity became an urban movement and conquered Rome') by Rodney Stark builds on his earlier ''The Rise of Christianity', and rigorously (and quantitatively) tests a series of hypotheses about the growth of the Early Church. The application of the findings is very relevant in early 21st century secualr and 'post-Chrstian' Europe.

Callum Brown - The Death of Christian Britain (Christianity and Society in the Modern World)- compliments Davie (see last post)

Paul Heelas - Spiritualities of Life - for an insight into the modern world. I wonder if Costa Coffee gets a mention?
...deals with the development of non-religious spiritualities of life, which may be one of the most pervasive influences in Western popular spirituality today. This is not a Christian development at all. But if you are involved in mission in Europe, you need to know and relate to what is happening in this area.

Rob Bell - Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections Between Sexuality and Spirituality - not what you might think!

John Drane - After McDonaldization: Mission, Ministry, and Christian discipleship in an age of uncertainty - another thought provoking book (see last post for another of his)

Anthony Flew - There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind - for a little philosophy (hopefully)

Ruth Barton - Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry - because I need to

Other material I hope to get around to not directly related to mission

Bill Bryson - A short history of nearly everything - to try and catch up on all the stuff I missed these last years

Niall Ferguson - The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World - topical and very relevant

Michael White - Darwin: A Life in Science - it is his year and he was and is both important and controversial

Barack Obama - The audacity of hope - its his year too!

James Connor - The man who played dice with God (about Pascal)

Stuart Buchanan - Called by God? - A Handbook for those Testing Christian Vocation The many years of experience which Stuart brings together in this book make it a must-have resource for all those involved in interviewing and helping Christians to explore their calling. His honest and thorough handling of the subject recognises that the process can be complex and pain-staking but also a joy and a privilege. The combination of godly insight, real-life stories, practical tools and sometimes painful experience all reflect a heart to see God's people become the right people in the right place at the right time. Every mission agency personnel department and church mission group should have a copy.

Tomorrow I might say a bit about my forthcoming visit to New York