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Updated by Dr. Steve McSwain on Jan 12, 2015
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TOP 5 + 1 Books Every Open-Minded Christian Should Read

I am frequently asked, "What are the 5 Most Important Books an Open-Minded, Progressive Christian Should Read. Here's my latest list - plus one more obvious close to my heart. I think you'll know why. Add yours to this list, too.

Slow Church

Fast food. Fast cars. Fast and furious. Fast forward. Fast . . . church? The church is often idealized (or demonized) as the last bastion of a bygone era, dragging our feet as we're pulled into new moralities and new spiritualities. We guard our doctrine and our piety with great vigilance. But we often fail to notice how quickly we're capitulating, in the structures and practices of our churches, to a culture of unreflective speed, dehumanizing efficiency and dis-integrating isolationism. In the beginning, the church ate together, traveled together and shared in all facets of life. Centered as they were on Jesus, these seemingly mundane activities took on their own significance in the mission of God. InSlow Church, Chris Smith and John Pattison invite us to leave franchise faith behind and enter into the ecology, economy and ethics of the kingdom of God, where people know each other well and love one another as Christ loved the church.

The Future of Faith: Harvey Cox: Amazon.com: Books

Starred Review. What shape will the Christian faith take in the 21st century? In the midst of fast-paced global changes and in the face of an apparent resurgence of fundamentalism, can Christianity survive as a living and vital faith?


Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening: Diana Butler Bass: 9780062...

"Bass has done it again! She's spot on-prophetic, compelling, and most importantly, hopeful." (Rob Bell, author of Love Wins)"Refreshing, evocative, well informed and original." (Harvey Cox, author of The Future of Faith)"Bass explains how experience, connection, and service are replacing theology as keys to the next Great Awakening. It's a fascinating story."


A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming the Faith: Brian D. McLaren: 9780061853999: Amazon.co...

McLaren's fans and detractors have eagerly awaited this book, which promises to codify the beliefs he introduced in his bestselling A New Kind of Christian and other titles. McLaren, one of the most visible faces of the emergent movement, examines 10 questions the church must answer as it heads toward a new way of believing.


The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See: Richard Rohr: 9780824525439: Amazon.com: Books

Franciscan priest and spirituality author Rohr (Everything Belongs) again brings his energy to the reclamation of the Christian mystical tradition. He has a lot of scripture on his side, with many citations from the gospels and epistles. He also offers a distinctive definition of prayer as a nondualistic way of seeing the moment.


A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Oprah's Book Club, Selection 61): Eckhart Tolle: 9780452289963: Amazon...

Amazon.com Exclusive Content Download "The One Thing," an exclusive essay by Eckhart Tolle. [pdf] --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.


The Enoch Factor: The Sacred Art of Knowing God: Steve McSwain: 9781573125567: Amazon.com: Books

As a pastor, I am always looking for thought-provoking materials that will assist me on my on-going spiritual journey. The Enoch Factor is one such book; a book that gently asks questions that no person of faith should miss.


Spiritual and self-help Books and Audio Books by Janet Pfeiffer

Products Janet Pfeiffer has achieved recognition as an award winning author and is listed in the "Who's Who in Authors". She is pleased to offer her books and CD set for sale on this site. The Great Truth: Shattering Lifes Most Insidious Lies That Sabotage Your Happiness Along With the Revelation of Lifes Sole Purpose!