Dead or Alive?

I really enjoy reading books. I often find myself perusing the local bookstore and surfing on Amazon and other sites for the latest read. I quickly find myself wanting to read the newest books by some of my favorite authors, or books on the latest trends. For me, it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to read whatever is new, has a catchy title, and a hip, fashionable cover. However, more times than not I come away disappointed with my purchase.

One of my mentors in seminary was Jeff Bingham. He was my professor for a number of classes, and I spent two years as his TA (teacher's assistant). Dr B is about 6 feet 7 inches tall, skinny, and has hands that are so big they seem to take minutes to open. As a lecturer, he had an amazing gift of using simple illustrations and phrases to explain some of the most difficult and complex theological doctrines (I needed him!). Within minutes of sitting under him it became obvious to all that he had the gift of teaching and a passion for Jesus and the church.

One of the many things I remember Dr. Bingham saying was, "You need to read dead people." His reasoning for this was that dead people can no longer be influenced by the current trends and forces of culture. Additionally, if they still have an impact generations later, we should probably listen to what they have to say.

For the past 10 years I have tried to take those words to heart and have made myself regularly read books written by people who never knew cell phones, TV, or even indoor plumbing. Although the illustrations are dated and writing styles are awkward and hard to follow, I usually come away refreshed and challenged. They are the books I end up recommending the most frequently to others.

So as I recently finished reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to my kids, I was reminded of Dr. Bingham's words. In light of that, I thought I would mention some of my favorite dead people to read.

John Owen - His work, Indwelling Sin, really changed my life. His writing is technical and hard to follow at times, but well worth the effort.

Charles Spurgeon - Whether devotional, pastoral or technical, all of his works are timeless and relevant.

CS Lewis - Fiction or non, a gifted writer who blends creativity with solid biblical/theological truth that can stimulate the minds of all.

John Calvin - A pastor who loved Jesus, the Bible, the church, and all of God's people. His insights on the Bible are like few others

Martin Luther - His book, Bondage of the Will, really helped shape the way I think about my neediness for Jesus.

A few others:

Richard Baxter
Jonathan Edwards
Augustine

Enjoy and help me add to my list!