I had to laugh when I received Andrew’s list of stand out books from his reading list for 2021. One of the things I love about our Into the Harvest team, is how different we all are. It speaks to one of our greatest beliefs: No matter who you are, what you do, what you enjoy doing in your spare time (or what you read!)- as followers of Jesus, we ALL have a place in the Harvest!
We suspect that what you read here on our blog, what you listen to and watch on our podcast and youtube page probably makes you think “YES! Me too!” or “Interesting, I never thought of it that way!”
We also love when you share your own thoughts and things the Lord has shown you this year, and we hope you’ll keep sending your recommendations and insights our way! This community is all about helping one another grow as followers of Jesus. And every year we love sharing our “Best of” book list in the hopes that you’ll also share your favorites with us!
But without further ado, we give you Andrew and Abigail’s favorite books from the books they read in 2021! We think if you’ve been following us long enough, you’ll know exactly who recommended what!
How to Disciple Your Children
By Walter Henrichsen
This little book is sadly out of print, but we found quite a few copies and think its worth the search! And while this book is “little” its jam packed with Biblical wisdom on how to be intentional in raising your children to love Jesus. We recommend it for the school aged parent, and reading it in short chunks instead of all at once because while it’s easy to read and understand, these topics are worth ruminating on!
Return of the God Hypothesis By Stephen C. Meyer
This book is is a fascinating look at philosopher of science Stephen Meyer’s take on scientific knowledge conflicting with traditional theistic belief. He takes on this view by examining three scientific discoveries from the 20th century that each have decidedly theistic implications. He details how discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in biology argue for a designing intelligence behind life and the universe.
Meyer makes the case that theism—with its affirmation of a transcendent, intelligent and active creator—best explains the latest evidence we have concerning biological and cosmological origins. He reveals a stunning conclusion: the data support not just the existence of an intelligent designer of some kind—but the existence of a personal God.
Meditations
By Marcus Aurelius
Throughout his life, the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius kept notes for self improvement, and Meditations is a collection of these notes ranging from a single sentence to long paragraphs. Segmented into twelve chapters, or “meditations,” Marcus Aurelius’ famous philosophical work provides a modern understanding of stoic philosophy that was prevalent during the Roman Empire.
Carved in Ebony By Jasmine L. Holmes
Holier Than Thou By Jackie Hill Perry
This book left a mark on my heart like no other, save the Bible, this year. Jackie somehow took on the topic of Holiness and made it both easier to understand and also unspeakably more awe-inspiring where my own words seem to fail. She beautifully walks through scripture reminding us just how Awesome our God is, and how Small we are. My own life was challenged as I saw more clearly the areas I had made idols for myself and it brought greater depth to my time in the Word. If you know me in real life, you’re probably tired of hearing about this book. But just go ahead and read it for yourself and then let me know when you’re finished and we’ll discuss!
Breaking the Code, By Bruce M. Metzger
The Book of Revelation contains passages of great beauty and comfort, as well as passages that strike the casual reader as bizarre, bewildering, and sometimes frightening. How are modern readers to make sense of God’s message in this peculiar part of the Bible?
Breaking the Code is a short work that serves as a trustworthy guide to the rich symbolism of this important biblical book. Noted biblical scholar Bruce M. Metzger presents the fruits of solid scholarship in a non-academic style. Rather than simply telling you what the book means, he teaches you how to read and understand it.
