Here’s a rundown of the 7 books I read in June (which includes 4 rereads). This brings my 2022 total to 45 books. Happy reading!

(I must always clarify that I read many books with which I disagree. I learn the most by reading things that do not represent my position.)

Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God by Kevin DeYoung

A fun little book – but a serious little book. It walks through the Canons of Dort, a seventeenth-century document written to define and defend what many of us now call “Calvinism.” DeYoung’s work serves as a great primer for a conversation on various interpretations of grace. Just FYI: I named my son Wesley, not Calvin.

Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane Ortlund

I read this book in January and I returned to it in July as I preached a sermon series dealing with salvation and spiritual growth. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It will make it on my list for favorites of the year. Order it . Read it soon.

Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative by Sam Storms

I’m the first to say that my eschatology is “under developed.” I’ve studied the Bible. I’ve researched the views. I’ve read dozens of books and academic articles. Yet, I still can’t state my view (except for a view broad themes) with certainty. In regard to the millennial view – I can’t imagine a more thorough and more accessible volume.

Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness by Eugene Peterson

Peterson is on my Mount Rushmore of writers. He’s at the top of my list with no equal. I found myself rereading a few of his works this month, along with his authorized biography. This volume uses the book of Jonah to cast a vision for a new way, or perhaps an old way, of pastoral ministry. It is pure gold.

Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene Peterson

Another Peterson reread. Peterson speaks of the Bible with great warmth and reverence, familiarity and awe. He guides readers on how to interact with the Bible and digest God’s revelation. I could immediately reread this one again.

A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson by Winn Collier

I read this book the day it was released last year. Upon this second reading, I warmed to it even more. It tells Peterson’s story but stops well short of hagiography. I still prefer Peterson’s own memoir, The Pastor, but this is a great addition to the Peterson library.

The Lincoln Highway: A Novel by Amor Towles

This book was loaned to me by my administrative assistant. It is not my normal read. I liked many parts. I loathed a few. It is a long, winding adventure/travel novel. I was disappointed by the ending – which is a big strike against a lengthy novel. Yet, it was worth the time due to this quote:

“Country cooking … You hear a lot about it back East. It’s one of those things that people revere even when they’ve never had any firsthand experience with it. Like justice and Jesus.”