I start the year with two distinct goals for my reading list, one is a number of books to read and the second a group of books I will prioritize reading. I set a goal that is attainable but not easily, and since I am a competitive person it pushes me to continue to read throughout the year. I also select books I am very excited to read, I intentionally space these out so that through the year I have at least one book I want to read which can be motivating when I am halfway through a book I am not enjoying but should finish. While I try to read a variety of books each year, there are four categories from which I read at least one book in the year.
- History (I studied history and recognize a need for me to continue to read in this area)
- Fiction (storytelling is an essential part of life and reading novels helps me grow as a storyteller and story hearer)
- Science (I enjoy reading about science and especially the overlap between science and faith, this is an underappreciated field by most Christians and needs to be recovered)
- The Bible (I like to understand what scholars say about the Bible, particularly since it so impacts my life & work)
This year when I looked at the books I had queued I had a difficult time deciding on which books I wanted to write about, but I was able to narrow it down to these six. I have also included several books I hope to have time to read, but I recognize that my reading list is not always dictated by what I most hope to read on January 1. Some of the books listed today might well end up on next year’s list.
History: Flat Earths and Fake Footnotes: The Strange Tale of How the Conflict of Science and Christianity Was Written Into History by Derrick Peterson
This book and the one below caught my eye for the same reason, they both engage with how Christians of the last century have reacted to changes in modern society by creating an war with science. I am intrigued by conspiracy theories and how half truths and misleading comments can cause people to believe something completely false. While it is interesting how atheists can believe such false conspiracy theories about the history of Christianity, it is more fascinating to me how Christians, who are supposed to search for the truth can be persuaded by them.
One more history book I hope to read: Ark Encounter: The Making of a Creationist Theme Park (Early American Places) by James S. Bielo
Novel: The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
This is supposed to be an intriguing sci-fi story line, with intriguing characters. I am also intrigued by the fact Liu is a Chinese author and I am hoping this book presents that unique perspective. This is the first book in a trilogy and I am hoping that it will be interesting enough that I pick up all three this year.
Another novel I hope to read: Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Science: A Brief History of the Earth’s Climate: Everyone’s Guide to The Science of Climate Change by Steven Earle
This Year in science I want to focus on climatology. I am hoping not to engage it as a political issue so much as a scientific reality. I am hoping that this book will help me to understand the overall trends in the Earth’s climate so that I can better engage the topic. I am also hoping to learn how to navigate the often perilous region between science and hot button political issue.
Another science book I hope to read: Unsettled: What Climate Science Tells Us, What It Doesn’t, and Why It Matters by Steven E. Koonin
Bible: African American Readings of Paul: Reception, Resistance, and Transformation by Lisa M. Bowens
I wanted to read this in 2023 but did not get to it. Reading books like Esau McCaulley’s Reading While Black I have grow to understand that there is a rich tradition of African American Biblical understanding that I have missed out on. I am hoping that this book broadens my perspectives on Paul and even if I do not change my views on the Apostle I hope I can at least understand if not appreciate how others come to his letters.
Another book I would also like to read: The Return of Oral Hermeneutics: As Good Today as It Was for the Hebrew Bible and First-Century Christianity by Tom Steffen & William Bjoraker
Additional Books: The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going by Ryan P. Burge
Burge is a fantastic social scientist and I am very curious what he has to say about this group of individuals who believe in spirituality but do not want to identify with any traditional religious group. Obviously, there are a variety of experiences represented in this group and there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but I would like to know what reasons people give for rejecting traditional religious affiliations, this is particularly true after reading Alienated America this year and finding a renewed emphasis on institutions in society.
The Bible, Social Media and Digital Culture (Routledge Focus on Religion) by Peter M. Philips
Much like with Burge’s work I am very curious how the ever widening digital age is impacting the Church and in what ways are churches using media wisely and harmfully. This is a research study more than a “how to” but I think it can shed light on how people in the Western world are interacting with Scripture and Christianity as we increasingly compose our reality in light of social media.
As always this is my planned list and subject to change. Please let me know what books you are reading and which ones I should add to my list.
Squinting in the Light 
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