Critical and Uplifting Christian Books

I am a Christian by faith, but also by critical analysis. To just accept Christianity on faith is hard enough. To then say, "Jesus Christ existed? Prove it," is another thing entirely. With that in mind I began doing some research into authors that had covered the topic. Many of these authors started out as atheists and tried to disprove Christianity. Failing that, they converted.

Certainly one thing that bolsters my Christian faith is the fact that it can be proven. If you doubt this in any way, then I challenge you to critically read any of the books mentioned below and then see how your faith holds up. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

More than a Carpenter, by Josh McDowell. If I could recommend only one Christian book to someone, then this would be it. Although this book is very small, I must admit that I had a hard time finishing it. Not because there was anything wrong with the book, by any stretch of the imagination. It's just that after each segment Mr. McDowell proved his statements so well that I felt I had the proof that I needed. Then he went on to prove it even further!

Josh McDowell originally started out as a non-believe and sought to disprove Christianity. He wrote whole volumes on his efforts to disprove the Christian faith. He simply couldn't do it and converted. More than a Carpenter is his synopsis/compact version of his work.

Let me give some illumination as to what type of book More than a Carpenter is. In one segment, Josh begins by saying that, let us suppose that Jesus existed. After all, many non-Christian faiths concede that Jesus Christ did in fact exist [later, Josh goes on to further analyze whether or not Christ did actually exist, using many non-Biblical sources, further proving His existence]. That being conceded, the options available are that He was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. Josh McDowell then discusses each point, using experts in each area to discuss the possibilities, critically discussing each point.

The entire book is like this, each point being discussed, critically analyzed and proven.

The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel. As a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune, Lee Strobel applies his journalistic perspective to try and disprove/prove Christianity. He goes throughout the world and interviews experts in the field to cover each analytical aspect of the regular (and more obscure) arguments for the Christian faith. Many of the experts are non-believers, but they simply cannot deny the facts as they are presented.

A different perspective than More than a Carpenter, The Case for Christ proves the Christian faith in a whole new light. Again, a must read for the critical, cerebral Christian.

The next two books are books that are not the critical books mentioned above, but rather give a different perspective to the Christian faith as a whole.

The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis. Well known for his Narnia series (featuring The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe), C.S. Lewis is a self proclaimed Christian. An excellent author, this less known book The Screwtape Letters is an interesting Christian view, shown from the perspective of the demon "Screwtape."

Through a series of letters, the demon Screwtape advises more minor demons on the how to's of corrupting humans and drawing them to evil. Each letter gives a backwards view of what it takes to be a good Christian and how the pitfalls of life can bring us down. Screwtape lists out some of the ways that a Christian can be misled, some of the ways that humans can be corrupted. This book is a truly fascinating way to see Christians from "the other side."

The Cross and the Switchblade, by David Wilkerson. This book is a pure example of faith. David Wilkerson is called from the comforts of country preaching to be a witness and crusader in the inner cities and gangs of New York. Dealing with some of the most disreputable characters David shows the epitome of what faith and the Good Lord can do with one that follows in this true story.

Ranging from proving Christianity to having faith in Christianity, these books cover the full spectrum. Read them, then read them again, then share them with a friend.