Book Reccomendations

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(This page contains affiliate links. If you use a link provided to purchase one of these books I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Description:

“What do you wake up to each day? What do you discover once your eyes have opened and you put your feet to the floor? A mountain of notifications? An endless feed of headlines that make you angry? A flood of tasks that you can’t possibly get done in the next twenty-four hours?

What if you could wake up each day to discover something so much bigger—and so much better for you—than all that chaos? What if you could discover God? What if you could discover yourself in light of that God? What if your eyes could be opened to the things that really mattered? What if, in one simple devotional a day, you could glean principles from timeless wisdom to sharpen you for each day’s inevitable challenges?

In her lyrical, compelling, and poignant voice, bestselling author and Bible teacher Jackie Hill Perry offers sixty short, daily reflections on specific passages from Scripture to help you awaken to the God you were made for, the life you were made for, and the person you were made to be.”

Link to purchase Upon Waking on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rqC2hb

Description:

“In a restless and distracted world, the cultivation of quiet often feels abstract and impossible. But quiet is, and always has been, essential to spiritual life, the only way we can turn from the frenzy toward the peace for which we were created. 

Reclaiming Quiet is an invitation to discover the profound, daily joy of resisting patterns of anxiety and hurry and cultivating a life of holy attention instead. With practical strategies to address our use of screens or fear of silence and compassionate ideas to nourish stillness, listening, and rest, this book explores 

● what it means to become a person who listens each day for God’s voice before all others
● how to reclaim wonder in prayer
● how to cultivate an interior life

Quiet is not for specialists or the ultra-disciplined. It’s not limited to those who have great swathes of time. Quiet is our inner native land, the place to which we turn to find God already waiting, calling us beloved, and drawing us homeward into a life of holy and joyous attention.”

Link to purchase This Beautiful Truth on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OZoSdu

Description:

“If God is holy, then He can’t sin. If God can’t sin, then He can’t sin against you. If He can’t sin against you, shouldn’t that make Him the most trustworthy being there is?

Bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, in her much anticipated follow-up to Gay Girl, Good God, helps us find the reason we don’t trust God— we misunderstand His holiness.

In Holier Than Thou, Jackie walks us through Scripture, shaking the dust off of “holy” as we’ve come to know it and revealing it for what it really is: good news. In these pages, we will see that God is not like us. He is different. He is holy. And that’s exactly what makes Him trustworthy. As it turns out, God being “holier than thou” is actually the best news in the world, and it’s the key to trusting Him.”

Link to purchase Holier Than Thou on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bj1RcQ

Description:

“Amid the daily realities of sickness and isolation, disappointment and pain, it can be profoundly difficult to grasp the real goodness of God. But this is where God breaks into our darkness with beauty.

In the wonder of creation, in art or film, story or song, in the kindness of his people and the good they create, God breaks into our pain in a tangible way, teaching us to trust his love and to hope for his healing. Beauty is a voice singing into our suffering, beckoning us toward restoration.

In This Beautiful Truth, Sarah Clarkson shares her own encounters with beauty in the midst of her decades-long struggle with mental illness, depression, and doubt. In a voice both vulnerable and reflective, she paints a compelling picture of the God who reaches out to us in a real and powerful way through the “taste and see” goodness of what he has made and what he continues to create amid our darkness.”

Link to purchase This Beautiful Truth on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40r2Dj5

Description:

“Written with love, humility, and faith, this brief but poignant volume was first published under a pseudonym, as it was considered too raw. Written moment-to-moment as Lewis processed the loss of his wife to cancer, this is more than a mere book on grief, but a visceral hand outstretched in the darkness, a reluctant guide through the “mad midnight moments” of mourning and loss.

Key learnings that Lewis discusses are:

  • Pain is instrumental in the process of spiritual growth
  • Through hardship we often gain the best wisdom
  • Memories are treasures that will comfort you tomorrow

This work inspired the award-winning film The Shadowlands, starring Anthony Hopkins. Writing A Grief Observed as “a defense against total collapse, a safety valve,” he came to recognize that “bereavement is a universal and integral part of our experience of love.” A Grief Observed reminds us that, “Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.’”

Link to purchase A Grief Observed on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bcCSrD

Description:

‘“Jesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.”

Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.”

Link to purchase Empowered and Equipped on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OTBB14

Description:

“What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. For example: 

  • When Western readers hear Paul exhorting women to “dress modestly,” we automatically think in terms of sexual modesty. But most women in that culture would never wear racy clothing. The context suggests that Paul is likely more concerned about economic modesty―that Christian women not flaunt their wealth through expensive clothes, braided hair, and gold jewelry. 
  • As Westerners, we tend to give much attention to avoiding vices and not much to developing virtues. We tend to think that virtuous acts are spontaneous. But what went without saying in Paul’s day was that it is not enough to remove vices; you must acquire virtues to replace them with, just like changing clothes (Col. 3:12). 
  • Western individualism leads us to assume that Mary and Joseph traveled alone to Bethlehem. What went without saying was that they were likely accompanied by a large entourage of extended family. 

Biblical scholars Brandon O’Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that Western readers often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where modern Westerners have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. 

Drawing on their own cross-cultural experience in global mission, O’Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time, and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. Learn to read Scripture as a member of the global body of Christ with Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes.”

Link to purchase Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tPMSj7

Description:

“Does your home sometimes feel like just a place to eat, sleep, and change clothes on the way to the next activity? Do you long for “home” to mean more than a place where you stash your stuff? Wouldn’t you love it to become a haven of warmth, rest, nourishment, and joy . . . the one place where you and your family can’t wait to be?

There is good news waiting for you in the pages of The Lifegiving Home. Every day of your family’s life can be as special and important to you as it already is to God. In this unique book designed to help your family enjoy and celebrate every month of the year together, you’ll discover the secrets of a life-giving home from a mother who created one and her daughter who was raised in it: popular authors and homemakers Sally and Sarah Clarkson. Together they offer a rich treasure of wise advice, spiritual principles, and practical suggestions. You’ll embark on a new path to:

  • Create special memories for your children
  • Establish home-building and God-centered traditions and rhythms
  • Cultivate a peaceful and creative environment in which your family will flourish

Be inspired to create a refuge for all that is beautiful, good, holy, and foundational to life.”

Link to purchase The Life Giving Home on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kP1NWz

Description:

“In Every Home a Foundation, Phylicia Masonheimer invites readers to reconsider their view of home. The Christian home is an image of both a coming spiritual reality and the existing spiritual reality of our family, the church. Through Christ, we can heal and build a home that brings joy to us and love to others.

Every Home a Foundation will transform readers’ view of home from a place of boredom to a place of purpose, train them to find joy in their daily tasks, and equip them to use their home to love others well by

  • focusing on healing our view of home and creating a culture of faith;
  • exploring the purpose in the mundane tasks of the home, including cooking, cleaning, laundry, mending, tending, and creating beauty;
  • and learning the importance of hospitality and creating a covenant home culture.

Masonheimer offers a unique perspective on the importance of home in a modern world. Home is much more than a physical structure—it’s a place of belonging and connection that has been strongly tied to God’s mission from the beginning. God wants to build a home for His people, emphasizing the importance of homes as central for the Christian life.

With an enthusiastic and friendly tone, Every Home a Foundation is sure to have readers reflecting on the importance of home in our lives and how we must strive to protect and honor it in all its forms.”

Link to purchase Every Home a Foundation on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c2oSCZ

Description:

“This may be the most influential book you will read this year.” ―Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Miracles

“A movement seeks to redefine Christianity. Some think that it is a much-needed progressive reformation. Others believe that it is an attack on historic Christianity.

Alisa Childers never thought she would question her Christian faith. She was raised in a Christian home, where she had seen her mom and dad feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, and love the outcast. She had witnessed God at work and then had dedicated her own life to leading worship, as part of the popular Christian band ZOEgirl. All that was deeply challenged when she met a progressive pastor, who called himself a hopeful agnostic.

Another Gospel? describes the intellectual journey Alisa took over several years as she wrestled with a series of questions that struck at the core of the Christian faith. After everything she had ever believed about God, Jesus, and the Bible had been picked apart, she found herself at the brink of despair . . . until God rescued her, helping her to rebuild her faith, one solid brick at a time. In this book, you’ll find:

  • A list of resources―including apologetics books, theology books, and podcasts―for additional study
  • Discussion questions to help you dig deeper or spark conversations
  • A sound biblical worldview mixed with personal stories from Alisa Childers, popular speaker and author of The Deconstruction of Christianity and Live Your Truth and Other Lies

In a culture of endless questions, you need solid answers. If you or someone you love has encountered the ideas of progressive Christianity and aren’t sure how to respond, Alisa’s journey will show you how to determine―and rest in―what’s unmistakably true.”

Link to purchase Another Gospel? on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRzebl

Description:

“Alisa and Tim help the reader to deconstruct the deconstructionists and thus to respond to them, both with arguments and with love and sensitivity. This is a timely book! — Carl Trueman, author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self

A movement called ‘deconstruction’ is sweeping through our churches and it is affecting our loved ones. It has disrupted, dismantled, and destroyed the faith of so many, and this book can help you not only understand what’s happening but also stand your ground and respond with clarity and confidence.

  • Maybe you have a loved one who is deconstructing their faith, and you are struggling to know how to respond;
  • Maybe you are trying to understand the radical spiritual makeover your friend or family member is going through;
  • Maybe your relationship with a loved one has been strained or even cut off because of your “toxic” Christian beliefs and you don’t know what to do;
  • Maybe you’re experiencing doubt yourself and facing hard questions about truth, God, the Bible, theology and the gospel.

Some who leave the faith feel wounded by the church. Others feel repressed by some of the moral imperatives found in Scripture. For some, it leads to a custom-made spirituality. For others, deconstructing their faith leads them away from the truth into agnosticism, atheism, the occult, or humanism.

In this seminal book, Alisa Childers, author of Another Gospel?, and Tim Barnett, creator of Red Pen Logic, will help you understand what deconstruction is, where it comes from, why it is compelling to some, and how it disorients the lives of so many. You will be able to think through the main issues around faith deconstruction and explore wise and loving ways to respond from a biblical worldview.”

Link to purchase The Deconstruction of Christianity” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46UXinJ

Description:

“Are you tired of feeling like you have to check social media to find out what you’re supposed to think?

Are you weary of the latest self-help books that promise to set you free but only imprison you with laundry lists of studies to consider, positive affirmations to recite, and Facebook groups to join?

We’ve all seen the memes that populate the internet: live your truth, follow your heart, you only have one life to live. They sound nice and positive. But what if these slogans are actually lies that unhinge us from reality and leave us anxious and exhausted? Another Gospel? author and Christian apologist Alisa Childers invites you to examine under the light of Scripture modern lies that are disguised as truths in today’s culture. Everyday messages of peace, fulfillment, and empowerment swirl around social media. On the surface, they seem like sentiments of freedom and hope, but in reality they are deeply deceptive.

In Live Your Truth (and Other Lies), Alisa brings refreshing honesty and clarity to hot-button issues to help you:

  • Uncover the common lies repeated within progressive circles
  • Hold on to the soul-restoring truths that God’s Word offers
  • Be empowered to live the way your Creator designed you

Being the captain of your own destiny and striving to make your dreams a reality is a huge burden that you were never meant to bear. Discover true, biblical freedom instead.”

Link to purchase Live Your Truth and Other Lies on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qKZlSn

Description:

“Christians are supposed to love the Bible, right? They’re supposed to tell Bible stories, explain their beliefs, and recite favorite verses from memory.

But Scripture is sometimes hard to read! It can be complex, boring (yes, you can say that), and difficult to apply. Many of us carry secret shame about how little we read the Bible. We want to grow as Christians, but we don’t know how.

Faith Womack understands those feelings. Growing up in a home where Bible verses were used to control her, she yearned to grow close to God but found the Bible confusing and boring. After a spiritual wakeup in college, she discovered the life-changing power of real Bible study. Free of the spiritual abuses of her past, she has devoted her life to helping readers like you get excited about Bible reading.

In No More Boring Bible Study, you will:

  • Learn quick, easy study methods
  • Get energized by the story of Scripture
  • Grasp new concepts that bring the Bible to life
  • Have fun (yes!) doing close study
  • Grow closer to God

Learning to read and study the Bible is life-changing. It’s time to free yourself from the guilt of not getting it. Make your Bible study exciting again!”

Link to purchase No More Boring Bible Study on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aP7xLv

Description:

“A lot of times, we treat Scripture like it’s all the same from Genesis to Revelation. After all, it only has one Author. Isn’t it just one big book, identical from beginning to end?

While it’s true that the Bible is unified, it is also diverse. The Bible can be grouped according to key categories, called genres, that help us to read and properly interpret the Scriptures. An understanding of these genres, and the literary themes and devices used within them, makes all the difference when encountering God’s Word.

Long-time Bible teacher Kristie Anyabwile discovered as she prepared her lessons that a single inductive approach doesn’t do justice to the variety of genres that make up the Word of God. Because Scripture is a collection of writings that spans 1,500 years, many literary styles are represented and each must be taken into account for the fullest understanding of God’s Word. Kristie shows you the immense value of studying the Bible literarily—that is, according to the literary style presented in a particular book, chapter, or passage. In Literarily, Kristie will take you through these eight distinct genres:

  • Law
  • History
  • Prophecy
  • Poetry
  • Gospels
  • Epistles
  • Wisdom
  • Apocalyptic


The Bible is an epic story that God has revealed to us through diverse genres and literary features. Its message and method are both meant to transform our hearts. Our goal as interpreters isn’t to meld the Scriptures into a bland conglomerate, but to recognize the multiple forms in which God’s Word comes to us. In so doing, we’ll encounter the ongoing story of Jesus’s redemption and learn how He calls His people to live in our complex world today.”

Link to purchase Literarily on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aJNuhk

Description:

“All thoughtful Christians want to better understand the Bible, its author, and its influence on their beliefs. In short―whether they recognize it or not―they want to understand theology. But many find the subject matter too academic, dense, or difficult to understand, and they lack proper study resources to help expand their knowledge of God and his written word.

Designed to make systematic theology clear and accessible for the everyday Christian, this devotional walks through the most important theological topics over the course of a year. Each month is categorized into broad themes, starting with the study of God and concluding with the end times. Written by bestselling author and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung, each concise daily reading contains verses for meditation and application, building upon each other and easing readers into the study of systematic theology.”

Link to purchase Daily Doctrine on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4auawdp

Back Cover:

“Theology can be intimidating. Perhaps questions like these have kept you from engaging with it: “What is theology?” “Who does theology?” “What happens if I get something wrong?”

Theology can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether conversations about theology have felt out of reach, over your head, or irrelevant, consider this book an invitation to the dialogue.

The goal of theology is knowing and loving God well. This is a lifelong endeavor, a never-ending pursuit, not for the sake of knowledge, but for an ever-deepening relationship with God Himself. Authors Jen Wilkin and J. T. English invite you to become not merely a consumer of theology, but a contributor to the conversation, and to grow in faithfulness to the Great Commission’s call to make disciples.

You are a theologian.

You Are a Theologian addresses theological questions such as: 

  • Who is God? The Doctrine of the Trinity
  • What is God like? The Attributes of God
  • What is the Bible? The Doctrine of Scripture
  • Who are we? The Doctrine of Humanity
  • What went wrong? The Doctrine of Sin
  • What has God done? The Doctrines of Christology, Atonement, and Justification
  • To whom do we belong? The Doctrine of the Church
  • How does the story end? The Doctrine of Last Things”

Link to purchase You Are a Theologian on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tNOn1l

Back Cover:

“We all know it’s important to study God’s Word. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. What’s more, a lack of time, emotionally driven approaches, and past frustrations can erode our resolve to keep growing in our knowledge of Scripture. How can we, as Christian women, keep our focus and sustain our passion when reading the Bible?

With over 250,000 copies sold, Women of the Word has helped countless women with a clear and concise plan they can use every time they open their Bible. Featuring the same content as the first edition, and now with added study questions at the end of each chapter, this book equips you to engage God’s Word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart.”

Link to purchase Women of the Word on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tWd6kb

I’m Annie

Welcome to The Aspiring Theologian Blog and website. Here you will find my personal reflections, book recommendations and Bible study resources. You can find me on YouTube, Substack, Spotify and Apple Podcasts and Instagram.

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