Classic Texts Never To Be Left Unread

Although some of you are doing everything possible to prove me wrong, I stand by my premise that you can’t read all the Great Books. There just isn’t enough time even for the most dedicated bibliophile. You must make discerning choices about what literary wells you drink from. However, in A Students Guided to Liberal Learning James V. Schall recommends the following titles as “classic texts never to be left unread.”

1) Gorgias, by Plato

2) Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle

3) Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius

4) The Confessions, by Augustine

5) Reflections on the Revolution in France, by Edmund Burke

6) The Republic, by Plato

7) The City of God, by Augustine

The Summa Theologiae, by Thomas Aquinas

What classic texts would you add to his list?

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Philosophers and Death

No man escapes death, yet most spend their entire life running from even the idea of it. In A Students Guided to Liberal Learning James V. Schall recommends these five classic texts on philosophy, good men, and death;

1) The Apology, Crito, and Phaedo, by Plato

2) The account of the death of Christ in the Gospel of John (chapters 13-21)

3) On Duties, by Cicero (especially Part III which was written just before he was executed)

4) The Consolation of Philosophy, by Boethius

5) Man for All Seasons, by Robert Bolt

What texts would you add to his list?

Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas has a tremendous influence on the theology of both Catholics and Protestants.  How much do you know of him?  In  A Students Guided to Liberal Learning James V. Schall recommends the following five books on Thomas Aquinas;

1) St. Thomas Aquinas, by Ralph McInerny

2) Guide to St. Thomas Aquinas, by Josef Pieper

3) Friar Thomas D’Aquino, by James Weisheipl

4) St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox, by G.K. Chesterton

5) The Thought of Thomas Aquinas, by Brian Davies

What do you think of his recommendations?

Laughter and Metaphysics

In A Students Guided to Liberal Learning James V. Schall writes, “Aristotle said that , because both depend on seeing relations, the ability to laugh is very close to metaphysics.”  Thus, he recommends the following three books of humor;

1) The Wodehouse Clergy (P.G. Wodehouse)

2) My Life and Hard Times (James Thurber)

3) The Pocket Book of Ogden Nash (Ogden Nash)

Struggling With Self-Consciousness

The following question was sent to me and several friends with whom I work;

“Need a good book recommendation for a girl who struggles with self-consciousness and knowing who she is in Christ…suggestions?  Should be an easy read please.”

Here are some of the answers provided by the other recipients;

• Seeing yourself through God’s eyes by June Hunt.
• Stomping out the Darkness by Neil Anderson
• The Glorious Pursuit by Gary Thomas
• Captivating by Shannon Eldridge.

What books would you have recommended?

Christian History Recommendations

Chris Armstrong, author of Patron Saints for Postmoderns: Ten from the Past Who Speak to Our Future, recently recommended the following “excellent historical reads”.

• John Comenius: The Labyrinth of the World and The Paradise of the Heart (Classics of Western Spirituality) by Howard Louthan, Andrea Sterk
• The Life & Spirituality of John Newton: An Authentic Narrative (Sources of Evangelical Spirituality) by John Newton, Bruce D. Hindmarsh
• John Newton and the English Evangelical Tradition: Between the Conversions of Wesley and Wilberforce by D. Bruce Hindmarsh
• Amazing Grace: John Newton’s Story by John Pollock
• The Mind of the Maker by Dorothy L. Sayers
• Gaudy Night (Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries) by Dorothy L. Sayers
• Letters to a Diminished Church: Passionate Arguments for the Relevance of Christian Doctrine by Dorothy Sayers
• The Divine Comedy: Hell (Penguin Classics) by Dante Alighieri, Dorothy L. Sayers
• The Passionate Intellect: Dorothy L. Sayers’ Encounter with Dante by Ralph E. Hone, Barbara Reynolds
• The Book of Margery Kempe by Margery Kempe
• St. Gregory the Great, Pastoral Care (Ancient Christian Writers) by Henry Davis
• An Autobiography: The Story of the Lord’s Dealings with Mrs. Amanda Smith the Colored Evangelist (Schomburg Library of Nineteenth-Century Black Women) by Amanda Smith, Amanda B. Smith

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Related Content

• Michael Cravens’ Church History Reading List
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• Reading List for PhD Students in Church History at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

The Single Mom’s Devotional

When Carol Floch realized that her marriage was about to end and that she was about to join the ranks of moms left to raise their children on their own, she could not stop crying. She mourned her shattered hopes and grieved the loss of the family she had always dreamed of. But mostly, she cried for her children. Into Carol’s grief, regret and fear, God’s Spirit came with a message from Psalm 84: “Build your nest near my altar, and I will be your children’s source of security, protection, provision and blessing.”

In The Single Mom’s Devotional: A Book of 52 Practical and Encouraging Devotions, Carol tells her story and shares with the “sisterhood of single moms” how they can build their family’s “nest” in the protective shadow of God’s presence. Single mothers, whether on their own after a divorce or a husband’s death, will discover how to find true life in Christ and allow the strength of that inner life to be the compass by which they navigate an unpredictable future. Near God’s altar—the cross of Christ—is where single moms will discover life through relinquishment, power through dependence and hope through surrender. Anchored at the foot of the cross, readers will find daily security and hope as they nourish their souls and nurture their children at a place near God’s altar.

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Endorsements for The Single Mom’s Devotional

“Carol Floch so tenderly guides single moms through heartbreak and loss to a place of security and hope. Her compassionate insight and practical wisdom will encourage and strengthen them along their journey as parents.” (Marilyn Meberg; Counselor, Author, Women of Faith Speaker)

“When my wife died, I too, began the gut wrenching journey of being a single parent. It was brutal. But God was faithful. My friend, Carol Floch, and her wise words are a spiritual balm for the aching soul. Single moms, please don’t just read this devotional, ingest it, live it, and let the truths of God’s word transform you.” (Rob Bugh; Senior Pastor, Wheaton Bible Church, West Chicago, IL)

“A Place of Hope: Daily Security for Single Moms by Carol Floch is an encouraging buoy in the swirling waters of single parenting. With Christ at the center of these 52 weeks of devotions, Carol wraps her experiences with encouragement, practical insight, reflection and Scripture.” (Sandra P. Aldrich, author of From One Single Mother to Another)

“The Single Mom’s Devotional offers hope and refreshment to single moms. Carol Floch reminds them to be passionately committed to their two most important priorities:
• As a single adult, they are to pursue undivided devotion to Christ.
• As a parent, they are to love and discipline their children.
“Through the shifting sands of life, A Place Near Your Altar will provide a daily rock of security for every single mom who reads and applies its words.” (Gary Sprague; Center for Single-Parent Family Ministry, Founder and President
Woodland Park, CO)

“Where can you turn when your world turns upside down? You can turn to the God who knows how to enter upside down worlds. Carol Floch knows what it is like to have your world knocked over through the upheaval of divorce. She also knows what it means to have God enter her upside down world and show her how to hang on through the disaster. Carol opens her life and God’s word to guide and encourage those whose lives have been overturned by divorce.” (Dr. Deborah Newman; Minister to Women, Christ Church, Plano, Texas)

“If only I could have had access to Carol Floch’s A Place Near Your Altar: Daily Security for Single Moms following my own divorce decades ago, and then later, for use as a resource when I was leading a single parent support group. Floch’s
book leads the reader to the feet of Jesus in order to recognize her identity as a beloved child of God. This 52-day, thoughtful, beautifully written devotional is infused with scripture through and through. Carol gently uncovers the deepest needs of women who are parenting alone. She also suggests ways to help nurture their children. A Place Near Your Altar helps me even now redeem my own challenging years as a single parent.” (Dr. Scottie May; Assistant Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187)

“Thoughtful, engaging and wise are three adjectives I would use to describe Carol Floch. Her contemplative work is Biblically based and serves not only to inspire but to strengthen the reader. Through her own life journey, God has brought her to a place of peace and strength. Now she shares her heart to equip her audience for the challenges and joys ahead. Carol is a gifted writer, deep thinker and Godly woman. God has equipped her with a powerful message to share with single moms and their kids. Every mom will be encouraged by her telling stories, enriching analogies, and most importantly Biblical truths.” (Karol Ladd; Author of The Power of a Positive Mom, Dallas, TX)

“In God’s dealing with His people, nothing is wasted—not even the pain and heartbreak that inevitably results from living in a broken world. In The Single Mom’s Devotional, Carol Floch not only tells her own story of experiencing the crushing disappointment of divorce, but she also shows how relying on the grace and loyal love of God can redeem children and their grieving mothers from regret and despair. Carol’s 52 scriptural devotionals are like salve on the wounds every mom sustains when her family is fractured. They define an essential perspective for those whose world has been rocked: no matter what has happened or what challenges they face, God is still good, still trustworthy, and still present to all who call on His name. He uses even brokenness for blessing in and through those who keep trusting Him. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of every single mom who needs the assurance that God is not finished with them and the inspiration to keep following hard after Him.” (Dr. E. Andrew McQuitty; Senior Pastor, Irving Bible Church)

“This amazing devotional is open, honest and vulnerable and is written out of the author’s own pain, disillusionment and recovery as a single mom. Most importantly, it is solidly rooted in Scripture–Carol’s main source of strength. We highly recommend it! Carol Floch will become a virtual companion and encourager to every reader.” (Gene and Elaine Getz; Dallas, TX)

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Related Content

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Christian Theology Book Recommendations

Michael Craven of the Center For Christ and Culture recommends the following books on Christian Theology:

• Theology: The Basics, by Alister E. McGrath
• Christian Theology: An Introduction, by Alister E. McGrath
• Essentials of Evangelical Theology, by Donald G. Bloesch
• A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, edited by David Bercot
• Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups, edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith
• Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, by Wayne Grudem
• Knowing God, by J.I. Packer

Simplicity – A Reading List

I recently read Jack Trout’s book The Power Of Simplicity: A Management Guide to Cutting Through the Nonsense and Doing Things Right and found its thesis and content to be very helpful. We make our lives, jobs, and ministries far too difficult – too complex. I recommend the book and offer for your benefit the following reading list which he shares in an appendix to the book.

The Dilbert Principle: A Cubicle’s-Eye View of Bosses, Meetings, Management Fads & Other Workplace Afflictions, by Scott Adams

Laugh out loud funny but dead on when it comes to management fads and other nonsense.

The Practice of Management, by Peter Drucker

The Effective Executive, by Peter Drucker

Managing in a Time of Great Change, by Peter Drucker

[Drucker is] The fountainhead of common sense and sound advice. Read any one of his dozens of books and you’ll be the wiser for it. These are three of our favorites.

How to Write, Speak and Think More Effectively, by Rudolph Flesch

The late Dr. Flesch staged a lifelong battle against muddy thinking and murky writing. This is one of his most significant books, packed with examples, exercises, and checklists.

The Witch Doctors: Making Sense of the Management Gurus, by John Micklethwait and Adrian Woodridge

Two staff editors of The Economist make sense of the management gurus and debunk a lot of loony thinking. Good sections on the prophets (Peter Drucker), the evangelists (Tom Peters), and the new age preachers (Tony Robbins, Stephen Covey).

Enterprise One to One, by Don Peppers

An overly complex but useful look at how to use technology to hang onto your customers.

Focus: The Future of Your Company Depends on It, by Al Ries

Our ex-partner, Al Ries, lays out the case in great detail for doing what a company does best.

Fad Surfing In The Boardroom: Managing In The Age Of Instant Answers, by Eileen Shapiro

Ms. Shapiro takes deadly aim at the fads that sweep through business like waves in the ocean. Just the “fad dictionary” is worth the price.

Data Smog: Surviving the Information Glut, by David Shenk

We’re being smothered by information, and it’s dulling our minds. An intelligent look at how to cope with that glut.

Up the Organization: How to Stop the Corporation from Stifling People and Strangling Profits, by Robert Townsend

The late Robert Townsend wrote a classic about the foibles of corporations and how to avoid them.

Marketing Warfare: How to Use Military Principles to Develop Marketing Strategies, by Jack Trout and Al Ries

The bible on how to cope with competition. It will turn you into a killer.

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk!, by Jack Trout and al Ries

As we say, violate them at your own risk.

The New Positioning: The Latest on the World’s #1 Business Strategy, by Jack Trout and Steve Rivkin

Important insights into differentiation and how to build perceptions in the ultimate battleground, the mind of your prospect.

Cultural Criticism and Apologetics

The 2008 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life indicates that the United States is becoming less Protestant. American religious sentiment is becoming more diverse with a larger number than ever dropping any connection to a specific religious tradition.

In such an environment, Christians need to be prepared to engage the culture effectively. To that end Michael Craven of the Center For Christ and Culture recommends the following books on Culture and Apologetics:

Culture

• The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations, by Christopher Lasch
• Culture Wars: The Struggle To Define America, by James Davison Hunter
• Bowling Alone : The Collapse and Revival of American Community, by Robert D. Putnam
• Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, by Neil Postman
• On Earth as It Is in Advertising?: Moving from Commercial Hype to Gospel Hope, by Sam Van Eman
• Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance, by Os Guinness
• The Rape of the Masters: How Political Correctness Sabotages Art, by Roger Kimball
• Art And the Bible, by Francis A. Schaeffer
• Why America Needs Religion: Secular Modernity and Its Discontents, by Guenter Lewy

Apologetics

• Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction, by John H. Frame
• Christian Apologetics, by Cornelius Van Til
• The Defense of the Faith, by Cornelius Van Til
• Tearing Down Strongholds: And Defending the Truth, by R. C. Sproul
• Christian Apologetics, by Norman Geisler
• Christian Ethics: Options and Issues, by Norman Geisler
• The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict Fully Updated To Answer The Questions Challenging Christians Today, by Josh McDowell
• Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, by Norman L. Geisler

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RELATED CONTENT

• Apologetics and Evangelism Bibliography of Kenneth Boa & Larry Moody
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