Strange things are happening every day. How can we understand these events, appreciate their impact, and navigate them faithfully? How can we speak the truth in love to a world of confusion and upheaval? These are the questions we should be asking. And thanks to God’s gracious providence, we have answers to these questions. God has given some teachers insight into what is happening and where the true dangers are. Others have been given insight into the origins of today’s deceptions, delusions, and disasters. And some have been given understanding to help us answer the opposing side. All of these together equip us to live out the faith with poise and purpose today. Without further ado, we present seven books that will help you live faithfully through the particular challenges of the present day.
The Best Christian Books to Help Prepare You for Today’s Culture
The War on Children: Providing Refuge for Your Children in a Hostile World
Author/Publisher: John MacArthur
There is a war on kids, and the late John MacArthur has provided a comprehensive guide. God loves children and is especially concerned for them; whatever God loves, the Enemy hates, and whatever God cares about, the Enemy wishes to destroy. Children have always been in the crosshairs, but today they are especially vulnerable. MacArthur expertly navigates both the Biblical teaching and the cultural landscape to various societal, political, and economic forces that are being marshalled against the next generation. With a shepherd heart, MacArthur also lays out the Master’s plan for raising children in a warzone.
Near the end of the work, the author sketches out the war on women and men. In this way, the book serves as a very practical overview of what has gone wrong in our current situation. This is a timely book, but I believe it will prove to be rather timeless. While the work is aimed at the present situation, examples drawn from the Old Testament demonstrate that this has happened before and can happen again.
A must-read for Christian parents, grandparents, educators, childcare workers, and ministers, I will also recommend this as an introductory survey for any believer. I would suggest Nancy Pearcey’s The Toxic War on Masculinity as a follow-up.
Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe
Author/Publisher: Voddie Baucham
The buzz around social justice seems to be subsiding somewhat, which is concerning. We must not grow weary in upholding good, and so Voddie Baucham’s book on the social justice movement is still relevant. Of special interest are the insights into the inner workings of denotational corruption. It is a stark picture that should rouse many from their apathy. Nowhere is safe if no one is watching. God is the only sure source of security, see Psalms 127, but we have seen that when His people lose their first love, He is willing to have their lampstand removed.
Baucham writes with characteristic frankness and a unique perspective. It is not a comprehensive overview, but rather a very pointed warning. It tells you why you care about this issue. For those who wish a more thorough understanding and refutation of the woke worldview, I recommend Owen Strachan’s book, “Christianity and Wokeness,” which does a nice job of building on Baucham’s foundation.
How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture
Author/Publisher: Francis Schaefer
Francis Schaefer was one of the most brilliant cultural commentators, apologists, and thought leaders of the last century; all of his works could fit on this list. How Shall We Then Live is a multi-part documentary that unpacks the development of Western thought and shows how the post-Christian West came to be. As the title suggests, Schaefer is concerned about how Christians fit into the new order and how they might bring about change.
I believe most viewers will find Schaefer’s thoughts new and refreshing. Some might find his wardrobe a bit distracting, as I did. Most will find the production engaging enough to hold their attention with minimal effort. The blend of historical perspective, anthropological insight, and Biblical guidance in a video format makes this an ideal tool for the topic of worldview.
Jesus Made in America: A Cultural History from the Puritans to the “Passion of the Christ”
Author/Publisher: Stephen J. Nichols
History can be dull, but it is important to know where we came from if we hope to see where we are and have an idea of where we might be going. Stephen Nichols focuses his historical narrative on one critical figure in the Christian faith and explores it through the common exigencies of ordinary people. In the book, you will find familiar objects from the ubiquitous painting of Jesus knocking at the door to Mel Gibson’s blockbuster film. Bracelets with four letters we can never forget, and songs that are stuck in our heads, trace the popular understanding of the Messiah.
This is helpful in two ways: first, it helps us see how our interpretation of the Bible has been biased by the cultural forces of our time. Second, we see how our time has been reacting to forces of earlier times. The book is honest, balanced, and does its best to avoid disparaging any one era. I am unaware of another history of Christian thought over the past two hundred years that is as concise or engaging as this.
7 Men Who Rule the World from the Grave
Author/Publisher: Dave Breese
This book holds a special place in my mind. This is the first book I can recall reading that dealt explicitly and entirely with worldview. The book consists of seven sketches of key thinkers, including Darwin, Freud, and Marx, alongside less obvious names. Each man receives a biographical sketch, a summary of their ideas, and an examination of how those ideas have influenced culture over time. Breese does an excellent job in all areas and is especially to be appreciated for even-handedness. He does not vilify his subjects, very often pointing out that what came from their thoughts was not what they intended. He is s sympathetic author, which is refreshing in a world where ad hominem arguments and outrageous caricatures have become the norm.
As Breese points out, it is important to know where ideas came from if we are going to truly understand them. This book demonstrates how such studies ought to be done, and that alone is reason enough for everyone to read it. Given my experience, I will also assert that this book provides sufficient background information for a diligent student to discern the various movements in our society and grasp their underlying philosophies.
The Kingdom of the Cults: The Definitive Work on the Subject
Author/Publisher: Walter Martin
Cults are not in focus the way they were in the late seventies and early eighties, when Walter Martin’s guidebook became an instant classic. Nevertheless, the field guide remains a must-have reference work and a must-read for anyone serious about apologetics or evangelism. The cults still pose a threat, especially to those who are ill-informed about their actual origins and beliefs. We also believe the information provided here sheds some light on the shifting currents of popular religion within the United States. At least the overviews provided will give clarity for readers who pursue further studies of American religious history.
Moral Apologetics for Contemporary Christians: Pushing Back Against Cultural and Religious Critics
Author/Publisher: Mark Coppenger
The apologetic landscape has shifted; questions about science and Biblical historicity have given way to questions of ethics. It is no longer enough to defend the historical accuracy of the Biblical accounts or the scientific viability of Creation; today, we must be prepared to defend the faith’s moral superiority. Yes, that is a real thing, and yes, it can be defended. Coppenger will prove the reality of Christianity’s moral superiority both by positive proofs and by laying waste to all competitors. Coppenger’s tour de force is something to behold, as no one is safe from his scrutiny. He plays fair the whole time, and even provides a few helpful chapters near the end on what fair play looks like in the realm of apologetics.
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