Here’s the 5 books I read in March. This brings my 2026 total to 24 books. I’ve provided Amazon affiliate links for each book. 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.)
Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence by David Cramer and Myles Werntz
Jesus said, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars.” Yet, I’m shocked how little Christians think theologically about the wars raging around us. Cramer and Werntz provide a concise introduction to diverse approaches to Christian nonviolence. They do not offer an apologetic to convince non-pacifist Christians to become pacifists. Rather, they place a spotlight on the varied Christian nonviolence traditions. They introduce key thinkers and movements. If you are new to Christian nonviolence, grab this book and Bonhoeffer’s “Discipleship.”
David Cramer is managing editor at the Institute of Mennonite Studies, sessional lecturer at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and teaching pastor at Keller Park Church in South Bend, Indiana. Myles Werntz is associate proffesor theology and director of Baptist studies at Abilene Christian University.
Fully Beloved: Meeting God in our Heartaches and our Hopes by Timothy Jones
Both the title and subtitle mislead the reader with this one. This book is actually a powerful reflection on the Trinity. It is comprised of three parts: “Our God Makes: The Father,” “Our God Holds: The Son,” and “Our God Helps: The Spirit.” Jones’ aim is to answer the question, “Am I loved?” He provides the answer through personal stories, biblical insights and a bunch of wisdom from Julian of Norwich.
Timothy Jones, until recently, served as a pastor of a small parish. He currently serves as a visiting scholar at Princeton Theological seminary.
Jesus gave a simple command: Consider the birds. I’m doing my very best to obey. Pastor and birder Kevin Burrell has provided a great resource for my obedience. The book is part birdwatching and part theology. Brought together, these two parts are reminders of the beauty and truth of the gospel. We are loved. God has provided for our every need. The book is aided by illustrations by Aedan Peterson.
Kevin Burrell is the co-lead pastor of StoneBridge Church Community in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This is a Lenten devotional built upon reflections on the writing of the Inklings – CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, Charles Williams, and others. Each devotional is rich content in two or three pages. Some days I read one entry and some days I read five. If you’re new to the Inklings, this will whet your appetite. If the Inklings are old friends, this will be a walk down memory lane.
Julia Golding is a multi-award winning novelist. Malcolm Guite is a singer-songwriter, poet, former chaplain at Cambridge, and one of the coolest people alive. Simon Horobin is fellow and tutor in English at Magdalen College.
Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ’80’s by Gary Gulman
I was introduced to Gulman through his appearance on the Conan O’Brian where he did a skit on a fake documentary about the men and one woman who abbreviated all 50 states down to two letters. Google it. I’ve shared the clip with countless people. It is a masterclass in storytelling and comedy.
One of my old friends, who shares an affinity for this particular comedic bit, recently texted me info about a Gulman show happening near to my home. This, of course, set off the algorithms and advertising ninjas. The next time I opened Amazon I was shown an ad for Gulman’s memoir. I hit “purchase” immediately. Advertising works, my friends.
This is a remarkable journey through Gulman’s childhood and his struggle with mental health. It’s a beautiful and powerful glimpse at humanity.
Gary Gulman is a popular touring comic from Boston.
Jeff Gravens 