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Updated by Greg Dill on Nov 04, 2023
Headline for 25 Favorite Non-Fiction Books
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Greg Dill Greg Dill
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25 Favorite Non-Fiction Books

This is a list of my all time favorite non-fiction books that have more or less helped shaped me, my theology, my worldview, and mold me into the person I am today. Typically, I like books that challenge me, cause me to open my Bible, reflect, think, and pray. I don't always agree with everything written in them. But, I believe we can glean some truths from many things. And, these books have done precisely that for me.

A Generous Orthodoxy by Brian McLaren

Helped me to embrace the diversity found within the Body of Christ. To help me celebrate the strengths of many traditions in the church.

Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived by Rob Bell

This controversial book resonated with me. It was a good read that challenged my views and stretched my thinking regarding the life we live now and after we die.

The Kingdom That Turned the World Upside Down by David Bercot

This was the first book I read that introduced me to Anabaptist theology. A theology that I have in most part embraced today.

Confessions of a Bible Thumper by Michael Camp

This book accurately reflected my own personal journey from fundamentalist conservative Evangelical to progressive Christian.

The Ragamuffin Gospel: Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Burnt Out by Brennan Manning

If there is ever a signature book besides the Bible itself that has helped shape my view about God's grace, it is this one.

The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church by Gregory A. Boyd

This book by my favorite author forever changed my view about patriotism, militarism, and American exceptionalism that I found myself steeped in. This book is what helped shape my pacifist and apolitical views.

Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness by Brian Zahnd

The one book that showed me what radical forgiveness looks like and how we should practice it.

Speaking of Jesus: The Art of Not-Evangelism by Carl Medearis

The premise of the book? It's really all about Jesus. It's not about Christianity. It's not about theology or doctrine. It's not about religion. It's not about conversions, evangelism, or outreach. When you clear through all of the muck of these things, we will find that it is ONLY about Jesus... and THAT is what people are drawn to.

Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them ...

I don't think I cried more than any other book than this one. A true story of a modern day slave and his friendship with a wealthy businessman and the bond they develop together in Christ. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Moore in person.

The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne

Transformed my thinking in the way we are to engage society and show the radical love and ways of Christ to the least of these.

God of the Possible: A Biblical Introduction to the Open View of God by Gregory A. Boyd

Gave me an introductory overview of the theology known as Open Theism. Answered some tough questions concerning the sovereignty of God and the free will of man that make sense to me.

A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey by Brian McLaren

Introduced me to post-modern theology. An interesting dialog about faith, salvation, and theology.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt

This book rocked me out of complacency and apathy and helped propel me to do something more with my faith.

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

This was recommended by my pastor as a book to help me better understand and distinguish my own will from that of God's will, which inevitably led me into full time ministry serving as a missionary in Albania.

God Came Near by Max Lucado

Pure poetry. This is how I can best summarize this book. Max Lucado is a master craftsman of the written word. This is by far the best Lucado book I've read and quite possibly his signature work.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

Many of the principles and values addressed in this book provided me a good foundation for basic Christian living.

Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

This book showed me what true discipleship and walking with God looks like.

How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture by Francis A. Schaeffer

This book helped me understand the core of the problems we face in our society. Where we have come from as a society and where we are seemingly headed.

The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited by Scot McKnight

Drawing from biblical and historical support this book helped me to clearly define and understand what the central message of the Christian faith is and what it is not.

The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey

An old adage says, "God created man in His own image and man has been returning the favor ever since." Philip Yancey realized that despite a lifetime attending Sunday school topped off by a Bible college education, he really had no idea who Jesus was.

Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster

This is the best book on the spiritual disciplines of the Christian faith that I have ever read. Many of which I never knew about, but some of which I now practice.

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis

A Christian classic that I had to read twice in order to get my arms around it. This book twisted my brain in ways it had never been twisted before. Deep, thought-provoking, and solidified my faith.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

An amazing book about a remarkable woman. The best Christian biography I have ever read. Her faith still inspires me to this day.

Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview by W. Gary Phillips, William E. Brown, John Stonestreet

This book explained in great detail the many worldviews that exist, which also helped me to understand why people think the way they do about life and faith.