We asked five Cairn University faculty to recommend either a book they are currently reading or a book that they have read previously that they believe all Christians should read. Here are there responses:
Dr. Matthew McAlack, professor of youth and family ministry
The Discipleship Opportunity by Daniel Im
“Over the past 70 years, we relied heavily on and were influenced by Church Growth principles and methods that have unintentionally produced consumer Christians. It is time to rethink how we are reaching people. Im points out that in the past we divided people into two groups, believers and unbelievers; however, a careful examination of our current culture reveals that there are four discernable groups. They are disinterested unbelievers (sleepers), interested unbelievers (seekers), disinterested believers (consumers), and interested believers. God has called us to reach people in each of these groups, but the way we reach each group is unique. The book offers insightful and practical ideas for building a relational connection to sleepers, welcoming seekers, challenging consumers, and equipping disciples. This book is a must-read for church leaders and anyone who is serious about Jesus’ mandate to make disciples.”
Barbara Cooper, Chair of Special Education
Joni by Joni Eareckson Tada
“This summer, I returned to the classic book Joni by Joni Eareckson Tada. As a professor of special education, I often grapple with how God is at work in the people who live through tremendous hardship and difficulty. This book is an inspiring autobiography that shares her journey of faith after a diving accident left her quadriplegic. The book thoughtfully captures her struggles and triumphs as she learns to trust God through her physical and emotional pain. Because of her accident, Joni must navigate a new reality causing her to question her purpose and suffer greatly. Her honesty about doubts and fears makes her story relatable, while her unwavering belief in God’s plan offers hope. The book is a testimony to God’s grace and strength. It’s a challenging read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of faith amidst trials.”
Michael Zimmerman, Chair of Social Sciences
Raising a Modern-Day Knight: A Father’s Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis
“God has called us as believers to intentional parenting. Our children must not be shaped by the shifting sands of society but rather be firmly planted on the rock of Scripture. Proverbs 22:6 says ‘Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ I have been very encouraged by this book, as a father of three, two of which are boys. This book offers a practical plan to call your sons into biblical manhood. Training our sons from a young age to reject passivity, accept responsibility, and lead courageously. This book is somewhat obscure, but is a must read of every parent with sons.”
Brandon Petcaugh, Chair of Computer Science
The Recruit of Talionis by C.J. Milacci
“This is a young adult science fiction book that I recently read with my 12-year-old daughter. The third installment is coming out before Christmas of this year. It takes place in a future where the country is in ruins, and the main characters are immediately thrown into an extraordinary situation with no hope in their immediate surroundings. The light of Christ is shown to them through unlikely Christians that they meet in strange circumstances and is a beacon in the darkness around them. Without spoiling any story elements, there is a military theme throughout, which helped to keep enough suspense that my daughter would often read it long past her bedtime to finish a chapter or section. I enjoyed seeing the internal struggle of the main character as she is introduced to Christ’s Truth in a harsh environment, and we can’t wait to see where the story goes in the next book!”
Dr. Debbie Lynn Wolf, Chair of Music Education
Art and the Bible by Francis A. Schaeffer
“In this book, Schaeffer presents the significance of the arts in the Christian’s life: ‘For a Christian . . . the Lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts. A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God . . . as things of beauty to the praise of God. An artwork can be a doxology in itself.’ Through the arts, man demonstrates his own creativity, which reflects that he was created in the image of God, the Creator, and through the arts, man is enlightened, inspired, encouraged, and blessed. Schaeffer examines art throughout Scripture and develops a Christian worldview in the importance of understanding, appreciating, and being involved in the arts. All Christians would benefit by reading Schaeffer’s work in gaining a biblical perspective on the many ways the arts can be a source of joy, solace, worship, and ministry.”
