‘Surprised by Hope’ by Tom Wright
You simply cannot underestimate the importance of this book. Put simply, Tom Wright provides the theological underpinning and framework for what many of us have felt in our guts for a long time. He deconstructs the falsities of an escape to a disembodied heaven, and shows how this theology has caused many to escape the world rather than engage with it, or simply engage with it within very narrow parameters. If we are instead involved with God in the restoration, redemption and reconciliation of all things, we have hope and motivation for the future, and we care about all of creation and people's lives. MUST READ.
‘The Soul of Politics’ by Jim Wallace
‘How then shall we live?’ by Francis Schaeffer
This provides an overview of the sweep of history from classical times to the modern era, detailing the rise of thinking and worldviews and how they have interacted with the Christian faith. It explains the rise of modernism and how this has shaped European thinking in particular. The book explains some of the secular forces that have shaped political thought in the West and how this has affected the church over the past two hundred years.
‘A New Christian Manifesto - Pledging our allegiance to the Kingdom of God’ by Dr Bob Ekblad
A theological testimony by American social activist and theologian, Dr Bob Ekblad. It demonstrates how God is calling the social prophetic and charismatic prophetic streams together. It challenges us to be cleansed of any identity that is not rooted in our true heavenly identity. This is a corrective to the idolatrous and competing identities that abide in politics and culture.
‘The Desire of the Nations’ by Dr Oliver O’Donovan
This theological treatise, demonstrates how the church has misunderstood its true political message. A profound book and very helpful for our time. It has depth and makes you think beyond the confines of the here and now of politics and contemplating the prophetic and political implications of the church and the Kingdom of God. It seems to say that the message of God’s kingdom is ‘political’ in its truest sense.
‘Prayer, does it make any difference?’ by Phillip Yancey
This is highly readable and encouraging, reflecting on the trials and joys associated with prayer. Yancey is well read and theologically literate and the reader draws upon the riches he has collated.
‘The Cube and the Cathedral’ by George Weigel
This short but thought provoking book, written from a right of centre, Roman Catholic provides an insight into the sterility of secular, Western Europe and indicates that history is driven by culture and religion and not material factors.
‘How the left lost its way’ by Nick Cohen
This book, written by a sharp journalist on the left, drives a coach and horses through some of the contradictions of the liberal left.
