We have access to more information than any generation in history. With the internet literally in the palm of your hands, it’s never been easier to choose what you see. Want to avoid the echo chamber? The first step is to be open-minded and seek out diverse perspectives.
Reading is a great way to challenge your beliefs. We asked you on social media to share your top thought-provoking reads. Here are ten books that will change your perspective.
1. Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life
By Tish Harrison Warren
“I read it after I graduated college and started my first job. It has been hugely formational in how I view ordinary moments. It’s helped me see everyday, mundane things as opportunities to lean into God and worship him in all things!”
—Emilee M.
2. Still Time to Care: What We Can Learn from the Church's Failed Attempt to Cure Homosexuality
By Greg Johnson
“A very eye-opening read about the failed attempts by the church to ‘cure’ homosexuality. A convicting read that has encouraged me to make a change with how I engage with my church family.”
—Molly C.
3. Heaven
By Randy Alcorn
“This book answers so many questions people have about heaven and gives you hope and anticipation for the future. When you finish, you will say ‘Wow. Everyone needs to read this!’”
—Jan R.
4. The Autobiography of Malcolm X
by Malcolm X (with the assistance of Alex Haley)
“This book changed my understanding of Malcolm X. In high school, he was juxtaposed with Martin Luther King Jr., and presented as pro-violence. The reality is that he was just pro self-defense. His understanding of the power narratives and media was prescient.” —Patrick M.
5. Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview
By Albert M Wolters
“This book was a life-changing read for me. It changed how I understand the world around me. Instead of labeling things as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ I can now think through how something can be used for God’s glory or how it has been used to hurt others. There is so much more nuance.”
—Kaelyn M.
6. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament
By Mark Vroegop
“It changed my perspective on suffering and the divine language God gave us to lament–to ask God the tough questions, for help, and to then choose to trust him.”
—Rhonda M.
7. She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders
By Jennifer Finney Boylan
“For me, it really humanized the transgender debate because it allowed me to enter into someone’s story. I gained empathy and understanding about a specific person and what they were going through.”
—Gerik P.
8. The Cry of the Soul: How Our Emotions Reveal Our Deepest Questions About God
By Dr. Dan B. Allender and Dr. Tremper Longman III
“I wish I read this years ago. This book holistically explores the relationship between emotions and faith. We are often told not to trust our emotions, which leads us to ignore or minimizing them. Allender and Longman discuss the role of emotions as a way to connect with God. This book helped me acknowledge the full range of emotions in a different and helpful way.”
—Ragan T.
9. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World
By Paul E. Miller
“This book put prayer in perspective as an act of worship. It’s there for me at any time. This view promotes regular conversation with God.”
—Eileen P.
10. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Story of Self-Discovery
By Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
“This book not only opened my eyes to the way I tend to see the world, but it’s helped me have grace for others and understand how they may feel. It was humbling.”
—Lisa W.
Want to add a few more books to your summer reading list? Check out these recommended reads from Crossing members and staff.
