Books

Brett McCracken: My Top 5

The author of Hipster Christianity lists the books that most shaped the ideas in his new release, Gray Matters: Navigating the Space between Legalism & Liberty (Baker Books, 2013).

Christian Liberty: Living for God in a Changing Culture

Rex M. Rogers (Baker Books)

Former Cornerstone University president Rogers offers a helpful guide through the "in but not of" tension that makes Christian approaches to culture so tricky. A solid overview of key biblical passages on Christian liberty, Rogers's book calls Christians to a smarter, less reactionary, and ultimately more effective witness in an always changing, always complex culture.

Christ and Culture

H. Richard Niebuhr (Harper & Row)

Niebuhr's classic is an immensely helpful introduction for anyone wanting to critically assess their posture toward culture. The famous spectrum he presents—Christ "against," "of," "above," "in paradox," and "transforming" culture—is not exhaustive but nevertheless helps Christians think through their relationship to the world.

Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation

James K. A. Smith (Baker Academic)

Most Christian thinking about culture has been focused on thinking: cultivating a proper worldview or lens through which we can "think Christianly" about everything. Smith argues that we must explore how our everyday habits of life shape us on the level of affections. It's about how culture forms us for good and ill, not just in the realm of ideas but in the habits and postures of worship.

All God's Children & Blue Suede Shoes: Christians and Popular Culture

Ken Myers (Crossway)

Though a bit dated (as any book on popular culture invariably is), Myers's classic on Christianity and culture offers timeless insights about how Christians should navigate their relationship to pop culture. The book goes deeper than simple "that's evil" or "that's good" evaluations, giving Christians tools for discernment and a critical approach to both the content and deeper formative impact of pop culture.

After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters

N. T. Wright (HarperOne)

In understanding Christianity's relationship to culture, and the question of what "sets us apart," it's helpful to understand the big picture: why we're here and what we were created to be. Wright presents a sprawling but readable overview of Christian character far more inspiring than a checklist of dos and don'ts, but also more challenging than a "follow your heart" free-for-all. If nothing else, read the spectacular third chapter, "Priests and Rulers."

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

The Bulletin

Praying for Time

Hosts and guests discuss Gen Z in the workplace, Israeli hostages, and astronauts stuck in space.

Wire Story

China Ends International Adoptions, Leaving Hundreds of Cases in Limbo

The decision shocked dozens of evangelical families in the US who had been in the process since before the pandemic.

Wire Story

Bangladeshi Christians and Hindus Advocate for a Secular Country

As political changes loom and minority communities face violence, religious minorities urge the government to remove Islam as the state religion.

Public School Can Be a Training Ground for Faith

My daughter will wrestle with worldliness in her education, just as I did. That’s why I want to be around to help.

Boomers: Serve Like Your Whole Life Is Ahead of You

What will our generation do with the increased life expectancy God has blessed us with?

Review

Take Me Out to Something Bigger Than a Ballgame

American stadiums have always played host both to major sports and to larger social aspirations.

How to Find Common Ground When You Disagree About the Common Good

Interfaith engagement that doesn’t devolve into a soupy multiculturalism is difficult—and necessary in our diverse democracy.

Wire Story

Evangelical Broadcasters Sue Over IRS Ban on Political Endorsements

Now that some nonprofit newspapers have begun to back candidates, a new lawsuit asks why Christian charities can’t take sides.

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