What I’m Reading (12/02/12)

I have a goal of reading 50 books each year. Unfortunately, this year I’m a bit behind and playing catch-up.

I enjoy reading, but I also read for a reason.

Leaders are readers, and all Christians are called to be leaders. Leadership in its broadest sense is influence, and all Christians are called to be salt and light in the world. So, I read.

Writers are also readers, or they should be. Reading is essential to good writing.

With that said, here’s what I’ve been reading. You may notice a theme:

1.  Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s WorkTim Keller. This is another good book by Tim Keller that brings his considerable insight and agile mind to bear on the issue of work. Keller draws from many sources to take on the issue of work and to debunk many false ideas Christians have about work.

2.  God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life, Gene Edward Veith, Jr.. This book is a modern explanation of Martin Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation. Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation was an attempt to give meaning to all that we do in life–particularly, our work–by recognizing God’s presence and purpose in it.

3.  The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, Os Guiness. This book is more general than the two above in addressing one’s calling in life. I’ve just started it, but I can immediately see why Guiness’s books have been so popular over the years.

4.  Work: The Meaning of Your Life, DeKoster Lester. I’ve also just started reading this book, but it’s packed full of insight. I’m not sure I buy his premise yet, but I’m keeping an open mind.

5.  Life of Alcuin, Frederick Lorenz. Alcuin was an English scholar Charlemagne brought to his court. Alcuin was a major influence in the Carolingian Renaissance. The Carolingian Renaissance was a Christian renaissance, which makes it a good study for anyone who is interested in the advance of the kingdom of God on earth.

6.  The Grand Strategy of the Byzantine Empire, Edward N. Luttwak. This book examines the foreign policy and diplomatic skills of the Byzantines, stewards of the first Christian empire. The Byzantines were considered master diplomats and there is much we can learn from them, particularly those curious about what a Christian foreign policy should look like.

As you can see, there is a kingdom theme in this otherwise eclectic group of books. Now, back to reading. GS

 

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