In the Spotlight|July 29, 2015 02:49 EDT
5 Classic Books Every Christian Should Read Besides the Bible
One of the most important things a Christian can do to strengthen their walk with God is to read the Bible in order to draw out life lessons. However, in addition to the scriptures, many find it helpful to read other forms of literature that expound upon, bring life to, or enhance the Bible reading experience. The following list is a top 5 of classic Christian books written by some of the most thought provoking individuals to ever pen anything.
The Divine Comedy - Dante (1300s)
"The Divine Comedy" is an epic Italian poem written by Dante Alighieri. The story, most known for the first part, "Dante's Inferno," follows a dream Dante had that takes him through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
The book popularized a lot of what people perceive the afterlife to be like, for instance, the circles of Hell, the characteristics of people that are suffering, and even things about Heaven. It is important to note that Dante did not necessarily write this from a scriptual point of view but took elements of Christianity and many other ideologies at the time of the writing. However, again, the imagery painted and the subject matter is worth the read.
The Imitation of Christ - Thomas a Kempis (1420-1427)
"The Imitation of Christ" is a devotional book originally written in Latin by Thomas a Kempis. It is said that aside from the Bible, no other book has been more translated then this great classic.
The book is divided into four different parts,"Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life", "Directives for the Interior Life", "On Interior Consolation" and "On the Blessed Sacrament."
"The Imitation of Christ" is highly regarded as a "Catholic Christian" work, but the devotional is filled with great spiritual advice and content.
Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan (1678)
John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" is the quintessential plight of the Christian told in a wonderful allegorical narrative that tells the tale of Christian as he tries to get from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.
Throughout the journey Christian is looking to unload his burden (sin), and is free from it once he reaches Celestial City (Heaven). Part two of the book focuses on Christian's family - his wife and children then following in his footsteps.
The book has spawned many spinoff's, dramas, and followup books that modernize or fully portray the whole story.
My Utmost For His Highest - Oswald Chambers (1917)
"My Utmost For His Highest" is a 365 day devotional by Oswald Chambers that was geared toward the early 1900s Christians, but the truths and principles inside still remain true to this day.
The title was taken from one of his sermons, and was complied by his wife after Oswald's death. Topics of the devotional range from prayer and the every day walk with God.
Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis (1942-1944)
C.S. Lewis is arguably one of the most brilliant minds in Christianity in the 20th Century, and "Mere Christianity" is no better example than that.
Lewis' books, whether it be "The Chronicles of Narnia" or "The Screwtape Letters," inspire people to think outside the box. Mere Christianity is "Christian 101" as Lewis writes to prove the existence of a God and a loving Savior.
What do you think of this list? Have you read these books? What are we missing?
