13 Books by Gordon Authors to Read During Your Extra Time at Home

Weeks deep into stay-at-home guidelines, push-up challenges on Instagram and online church services, you may be starting to feel a little restless. Or maybe you’re exhausted from the added demands of full-time parenting, working and teaching—and you just need some down time. Instead of giving yourself a haircut you may regret or beating your high score for the third time, why not try a new book? From politics and religion to books for young readers, The Bell has compiled a list of reads penned by Gordon authors to dig into from the isolated comfort of your couch. (Bonus: they’re all available on e-book or audiobook!)

For spiritual encouragement

Lisa-Jo Baker ’98, The Middle Matters: Why That (Extra)Ordinary Life Looks Really Good on You (2019) Lisa-Jo Baker’s witty take on a self-help book is a relevant quarantine read. The Middle Matters embraces all things midlife—marriage, parenting, failure and the dreaded muffin top—through a challenging perspective of the middle as a time of “ordinary glory.” Order the e-book or audiobook > Elaine Phillips, With God, Nothing is Impossible: In Step with Women of the Bible (2014) Despite the differences in stories, each woman in the Bible comes to a similar discovery: “With God, nothing is impossible.” Elaine Phillips, Ockenga Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, shares and analyzes stories of women in the Bible who trusted God through challenges, in hopes that readers will continue trusting in God’s faithfulness. Order the e-book > Hilary Yancey ’12, Forgiving God: A Story of Faith (2018) Hilary (Sherratt) Yancey’s memoir is a timely read in a state of global panic and loss. Forgiving God tells the story of her complicated pregnancy, the birth of her disabled son, her personal struggle with faith and her new revelation of the goodness of God. Order the e-book or audiobook > STILLPOINT If you like books written by Gordon authors, you’ll like a magazine written about them (and more!). STILLPOINT is Gordon’s official magazine that sheds light on the lives, stories and accomplishments of students, faculty, staff and alumni. Read the spring 2020 issue and past issues online >

For theological exploration

Kaye Cook, Faith in a Pluralist Age (2018) How does pluralism challenge Christianity, and what opportunities does it present? Professor of Psychology Kaye Cook initiates a conversation about the implications of pluralist theory in response to the final chapter written by former visiting scholar and eminent sociologist Peter Berger. From secular spaces to women's responses to pluralism and regional values, her book digs into the topic in a manner accessible for the lay reader. Order the e-book > Daniel Darko, Against Principalities and Powers: Spiritual Beings in Relation to Communal Identity and the Moral Discourse of Ephesians (2020) In his brand-new book, Professor of New Testament Dan Darko explores spirit cosmology in Ephesians and compares the biblical viewpoint of spiritual beings to perspectives across the globe—specifically in Africa. He challenges readers to embrace a diverse way of applying and thinking about Scripture. Order the e-book or audiobook > James Davison Hunter ’77, To Change the World: The Irony, Tragedy, and Possibility of Christianity in the Late Modern World (2010) To Change the World answers provocative questions of the Christian faith: If changing the world is inherent for Christians, why do our efforts often fail? How can we have integrity and be transformative? James Davison Hunter’s book offers solutions that are simple and applicable in many aspects of life. Order the e-book > Sharon Ketcham, Reciprocal Church: Becoming a Community Where Faith Flourishes Beyond High School (2018) “Young adults who were active in the local church often leave it behind after high school. What can we do?” In response to this question, Professor of Theology and Christian Ministries Sharon Ketcham reflects on why young adults leave the church and common flaws in church leadership, and offers applicable solutions to the question at hand in Reciprocal Church. Order the e-book >  Marvin Wilson, Exploring Our Hebraic Heritage: A Christian Theology of Roots and Renewal (2014) In his sequel to Our Father Abraham, retired Ockenga Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies Marv Wilson draws from Christian and Jewish commentary to reflect on themes in Hebrew Scriptures that impact Christian understanding. Wilson calls for the Church to study its Jewish origins to better understand its foundations, and to study in a group setting—a great topic for a virtual small-group session. Order the e-book >

For a step into the past

Kevin Belmonte ’90, D. L. Moody: A Life: Innovator, Evangelist, World Changer (2014), and A. J. Gordon: An Epic Journey of Faith and Pioneering Vision (2017) Before the age of online church services and Facebook Live, D. L. Moody and A. J. Gordon shared the gospel with millions across the globe. These biographies by Kevin Belmonte share the lives and ministry of Gordon and Moody, from founding the College and schools in the slums of Chicago to meeting Abraham Lincoln. Read about D. L. Moody on e-book or audiobook >   Read about A. J. Gordon on e-book >

For the political junkie

Timothy Sherratt, Power Made Perfect?: Is There a Christian Politics for the Twenty-First Century? (2016) “How would politics be different if we recognized Jesus Christ as the main example of leadership?” In the midst of power-struggles and division, Professor of Political Science Timothy Sherratt suggests that all politics are held to the standard of Christ, and he outlines ways Christians can practice political engagement. Order the e-book > Katie Thompson ’12, Unleashing Opportunity: Why Escaping Poverty Requires a Shared Vision of Justice (2015) The United States is known as “the land of opportunity,” but those born into poverty often struggle to graduate from high school and grow up facing injustices. Unleashing Opportunity discusses the magnitude of these issues and offers theological solutions that provide an opportunity for advancement. Order the e-book >

For young readers

Carrie Arcos ’95, We Are All That’s Left (2018) Love, war, trauma and healing—Carrie Arcos' We Are All That’s Left tells the fictional story of a closed-off mother and a passionate, creative daughter with a strained relationship and the ways they work through trauma from the Bosnian War to understand faith, history and healing. Order the e-book or audiobook > Gary Schmidt ’79, Pay Attention, Carter Jones (2019) Pay Attention, Carter Jones is a fun read to occupy your (perhaps unexpectedly) homeschooled elementary or middle school student. The book by award-winning author Gary Schmidt follows Carter Jones as he adjusts to middle school, family struggles and the presence of a real English butler in the house. In the end, Carter learns that a burden becomes lighter when it’s shared—especially with a cricket-playing, bowler hat-wearing companion. Order the e-book or audiobook > By Ellian Chalfant ’22, communication arts and Spanish