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January 29, 2007

What? No Tag-Backs?

So, Scott has awoken me from my blogging hibernation by tagging me to post my personal, private, innermost theological meme. So, without further ado, the three most important theology books of the last 25 years, according to... me? (I love the internet... authority is thrown about so wantonly. :D )

1. The Politics of Jesus, John Howard Yoder. 1994 (Okay, it was really written in 72, but I'm cheating and using the second edition to get it qualified; it's just that good.) I'm not sure I've ever read a book that so thoroughly challenges the way I live my life. I could sure stand to read it again as I face the secular onslaught here in Manhattan, but Vic Heasley still has it. I'm pretty sure none of my Ivy League friends here ever swapped theology books with their organic chemistry profs. :D I miss PLNU.

2. Torture and Eucharist, William T. Cavanaugh. 1998. Just plain good. Great content and great writing. While many of the details have been lost, it sticks out in my mind for its general awesomeness.

3. Resident Aliens, Stanley Hauerwas and William H. Willimon. 1989. There need to be more books like this. And more people need to read them. I can't think of a more appropriate primer for a layperson as to why we ought to reconsider the status quo Christianity in North America today.

I've got to say the third position was a bit rough for me to narrow down. Arguably Unleashing the Scripture isn't as important, but it is very important to me because this book, assigned in Pastor John's Biblical Theology class, introduced me to a new way of thinking that turned my life upside down. (Incidentally, I'm not sure my wife has yet forgiven him for exposing me to this thought. Okay, not really. But she sure endured WAY too many boring discussions.) Also, had Theology and Social Theory actually been, you know, readable, it would have easily made my list. Alas, I relegate it to honorable mention.

Hmm... Not sure who is left out there other than Pastor John. I tag him, and I'm taking suggestions for two more.

Okay, I'm off to study more pathophysiology. It'll probably be a few more months before you hear from me again.

Posted by mattalexander at 7:07 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack