I’m getting close now to finishing my top 10 lists for 2010, or this this case top 11, since I have a tie for the 8th spot. I know I’m a bit late, but I still want to complete them. My last top 10 list will be the top ten cities I visited this past year. When it comes to the list of my top ten books for 2010, while some of these books came out in 2010, a number of them did not. I am not restricting my list to books that were released in 2010. Also, the books in my top ten are books that struck a chord with me in some way or challenged my thinking or way of living in a helpful way. Just because a book makes my top ten list, doesn’t mean that I hold to everything it says, though most all of these books reflect what I believe. Many of these books I have reviewed at some point this past year, but not all of them. If I have reviewed them, I will link to my review of that book, which links to the book as well. If I have yet to review them, I will link you directly to the book itself. With that said, here are my top 10 reads from 2010.
1. Theology for the Community of God by Stanley Grenz – A rich theological work where the eschatological community of God is central. Probably the best one volume systematic theology book I’ve read.
2. The God of the Oppressed by James Cone – A fascinating and challenging read. It got me to think deeply about the poor, the oppressed, theology and the gospel.
3. Desiring the Kingdom by James K.A. Smith – At our core we are lovers more than thinkers, so we must learn to engage in liturgies that reshape our desires. Great read.
4. The Trinity and Society by Leonardo Boff – The social view of the Trinity, God as perfect community, should inform the way we live, approach church and life.
5. The Doctrine of God by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen – A rich historical, biblical, philosophical and theological look at God throughout the history of the church.
6. Church Unique by Will Mancini – One of the best and most practical approaches to mission and vision I have read.
7. Leadership on the Line by Heifetz and Linsky – They encourage us to put our life and ideas on the line, and help us to respond to leadership risks in healthy ways.
*8. Untamed by Alan and Deb Hirsch / One.Life by Scot McKnight – excellent books on discipleship for all of life. Important books on a vital topic.
9. On Teaching and Learning by Jane Vella – If you want to know how to teach adults, you need to read this book. One of the best books on adult learning.
10. Taking Learning to Task by Jane Vella – Jane makes a compelling case for a third way of learning; its not teacher centered or learner centered, but learning centered.
*Signifies a tie.
So which book(s) where your best reads from last year?
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