There are a lot of books and films that help Christians think about apologetics, evangelism, and difficult questions. But what would you give an unbelieving friend? That seems to me the harder challenge.
It’s easy for Christians to write for Christians. And the market is there. But how do we penetrate the sceptical market with helpful literature or video?
There are lots of movies and music made for Christian consumption. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that. However, when we imagine a non-Christian friend engaging with those products we might either cringe (in the worst cases) or notice the difficult vocabulary and the assumptions made (even in the best cases).
Here are five recommended books I would give to a non-Christian friend (outside of the Gospels), depending on their interests and inclination.
1. Andy Bannister and Gavin Matthews, Have You Ever Wondered? Lots of short chapters by many effective communicators on signposts to the existence of God, picking up on real questions being asked by real people. It is an easy book to dip into as each chapter is self-contained and there is bound to be something to grab your attention.
2. Tim Keller, The Reason for God. Keller’s explanation of the reasons for faith is measured but compelling. Christianity is not about easy answers to difficult questions; this is something for the thoughtful critic. You never feel Keller is preaching at you, even when he is preaching!
3. C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed. Where do you start (or stop) with Lewis? From the Narnia novels to Mere Christianity, Lewis knew how to communicate beyond the borders of the religious. This particular book is a raw, honest and brutal reflection on bereavement – a book that many will connect with. For the sceptic who is hurting it might be helpful to learn that Christians have questions too. Is 4. Roger Carswell, Discovering Who This Jesus? OK, I have a vested interest in this one. Carswell has written a super overview of the significance of the life of Jesus in this beautifully illustrated book (with unbelievably generous pricing from 10of Those). The book is also littered with QR codes that will take the reader to the Holy Land where they can watch me give an explanation on location. The mix of a short book with video that can be accessed on a smartphone makes this very appealing in a culture of distraction.
5. Marilynne Robinson, Gilead. This Puliter Prize-winning author has written novels that have taken Christian reflection into places few theologians have been able to go. The fictional reflections of a retired American pastor have received glowing reviews from the The Guardian to the Daily Mail. Robinson kindles the sense of the transcendent with thoughtful prose that might help your unchurched friend take a fresh interest in faith. Perhaps someone will write a British equivalent?
Recommending books may seem out of fashion. Hence, the use of film in the case of Discovering Who is This Jesus? Tim Challies found the audiobook version of Gilead better than trying to read it in print. Whatever the format we use, it is important that we access and promote resources like these and avoid the echo chamber of Christians only ever talking to Christians about the reasons for our faith. No doubt there are plenty more to add to this short list, but there certainly aren’t enough!
