Develop to Deploy

When I began to put together my reading list for 2023 while on sabbatical last Fall, inspired by CS Lewis’s “read more old books than new books” (my paraphrase) I made the decision to read across a much wider historical spectrum than in previous years. I included several books from patristic studies (2 of which made it onto this list) while also making the decision to read through Calvin’s Institutes slowly and devotionally each morning. That decision (more old, less new) wrought incredible fruit in my life.

As with other lists of this kind, I do not affirm every word of every book (I can say that of only 1 book actually) and most of these books were not released in 2023 or this century or last century for that matter. These are the best 10 books I completed in 2023 in no particular order. Enjoy.

Institutes of the Christian Religion: John Calvin

What can I say? Life-changing. Mind-stretching. Heart-warming. Calvin is everything and nothing like you’ve heard he is. If you have ever read Calvin you know exactly what I mean by that. He is biting at times, but largely pastoral (his commentaries even more so than the Institutes) and you cannot deny the sheer brilliance of what we find here, nor its spiritual significance to Protestantism in the centuries since its publication. Read it. But read it slowly. And preferably with someone. You will not regret it.

RC Sproul, A Life: Stephen Nichols

I continue to love and appreciate the ministry of RC Sproul. Few writers have influenced my view of God like he has. I have also, always been drawn to his larger-than-life personality and formidable intellect. Nichols here has written the definitive biography (at least so far) on Sproul. As a noted church historian and capable theologian Nichols presents us with not only the man but his theology and how it developed. Excellent.

The Bruised Reed: Richard Sibbes

I try to include classic Puritan books into my yearly reading plan and this year it was Sibbes classic. They never disappoint. One of the most powerful reads of the year. Nourishing spiritual food from Sibbes pen here: “A little faith, strengthened by Christ, will work wonders”.

Small Preaching: Jonathan Pennington

My favorite book I’ve read on preaching in several years, this clear and concise book provides preachers with a vision that can be summarized as “simplicity in preaching that is rooted in the depth of understanding“. Pennington calls for deep study and then deep cuts in the editing process. A uniquely helpful book for any preacher.

An Infinite Fountain of Light: George Mardsen

I make it a habit to read anything Mardsen writes on Edwards. He is that knowledgeable on his subject and that good of a writer. Immenantly readable as usual, Marsden gives us his take on Edward’s take on the 21st century. Minor quibbles aside, this was a joy to read.

Cyril of Alexandra: On the Unity of Christ

Diving headlong into patristic work’s like this one can be daunting but Cyril’s “On the Unity of Christ” is so Gospel-rich it is worth the effort. The insights on Christ’s deity and humanity are as relevant today as they were in the early 5th century. As with some of the patristics you have to chew up the meat and discard the errant Mariology, but again, discerning readers will be helped immensely.

Athanasius: On the Incarnation

More ancient, must-read stuff. This is the second (or third?) time I have read this work of classic Christian literature but I gained a newfound appreciation for its substance and clarity. This work was written in the 4th century and still remains, the work on the incarnation that all other works cite.

Impossible Christianity: Kevin Deyoung

I wind up recommending/giving away lots of Kevin Deyoung’s books. This one will probably jump near the top of that list along with The Hole in our Holiness and Just Do Something. Deyoung has the unique gift of being able to make top-shelf theological content accessible. Here he brings one of my favorite theologians (Turretin) into the 21st century. He’s also…funny. No spoilers, but the introduction which includes references to Ronald Reagan and rope burns is worth the price of admission.

Road to Surrender: Evan Thomas

A classic sign I am quickly approaching middle age? I am reading more books on WW2 per year. This one was spell-binding. Evan Thomas has written a true page-turner that has to somehow be made into a major motion picture that will disappoint readers of the book. Thomas covers the final days of WW2 from the perspective of Japanese and US leaders. Could not put it down.

The Freedom of a Christian: Martin Luther

My new favorite Martin Luther book, “The Freedom of a Christian” is probably the best work I’ve read on the kind of life the Gospel creates when believed and applied. It also contains one of my favorite Luther quotes of all time: “A Christian is a free lord of everything and subject to no one. A Christian is a willing servant of everything and subject to everyone“.

Happy reading in 2024!

Chad Williams