Chapter 3

 

 

Suggestions for Further Reading

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

This new summary of Catholic teaching is an important resource for Christian faith and practice for Protestants as well as Catholics. The section on prayer has been praised by Christians across the theological spectrum.

 

Summa Contra Gentiles by St. Thomas Aquinas

This is the classic text of theology from the high medieval period. Aquinas discusses the central questions of theology in interesting and very finely detailed argument.

 

A Diary of Private Prayer (1949) by John Baillie
A classic collection of prayers that many have found helpful in developing their own spirituality.

 

Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions (2000) by Marcus J. Borg and N. T. Wright

In this book two scholars – one more progressive and one more conservative – share their alternative understandings of Jesus’s life and meaning.

 

The Secret Message of Jesus (2006) by Brian McLaren
This is McLaren at his best, explaining not only who Jesus was, but what Jesus’s teachings mean for us today.

 

Jesus Through the Centuries (1999) by Jaroslav Pelikan
This short history of how Christians have understood who Jesus was and what it means to follow him offers a wealth of insight for Christians today.

 

God has a Dream (2004) by Desmond Tutu
This delightful little book captures Archbishop Tutu’s vision of God and Christian faith. Drawing on his work with the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Tutu calls Christians to new levels of graciousness and forgiveness.

 

Proper Confidence: Faith, Doubt, and Certainly in Christian Discipleship (1995) by Leslie Newbigin
Newbigin who was both a missionary (to India) and great ecumenical leader discusses the dangers of certitude and the importance of humble confidence.