When it’s summer time, and the weather is hot (or rainy), you got readin’, you got readin’ on your mind. OK, maybe too much. Below is a list of books I hope to read this summer (and you’re welcome to as well), and also books I recommend reading this summer. My love is theology so you’ll see many theology books, but I recommended more novice ones for people like me but need a summer of relaxation and less mind-boggling material.

So, while you’re drinking lemonade, eating boardwalk fries, and sitting on the beach, here’s some books to check out.

• Books for my beach bag (my readings and maybe yours too)

N.T. Wright’s Justification God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision

N.T. takes on Piper like Luther took on Erasmus. I want to see what all the fuss is about. I’ve heard N.T. Wright’s view before and didn’t see what the big deal was. I read about one chapter so far, and it was so worth it.

Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics I.1-2

By far the most extensive reading this summer is for my independent study with John Franke. I really like the Church Dogmatics. I’ll read something, say “Yeah! Alright!”, walk away, and say, “What did I just read?”

Walter Brueggemann’s The Prophetic Imagination

When more then one person tells you this book “changed my life”, I had to read it. It comes with eager anticipation, but Brueggemann is already “the man” so it should be good.

Rob Bell and Don Golden’s Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile

Speaking of “the man,” Rob Bell sets out to help American Christians rethink some of the things we believe, say, and do. The title is very intriguing. Then again, so is NOOMA.

• Books that are finger-lickin’ good like your boardwalk fries (recommendations)

John Franke’s Barth for the Armchair Theologian

Of the two Barth books I read for my independent study, John Franke’s is by-far the better, clearer explanation of Barth’s viewpoints. As I read the Dogmatics, I find myself being reminded of Franke’s book. Plus, Franke’s a pretty cool dude. If you’d like an intro into Karl Barth’s theology, this is the way to go.

Ed Cyzewski’s Coffehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life

I’ve said this before, if you want to know how theology should be done and want an intro into it, Ed’s book is for you. Ed does well in helping one understand the contextual nature of theology, but he does much more than that. I have reviewed his book, which I believe is my only book review, because it was that good (and because he hooked me up if I blogged about it). It’s around $9.00 on Amazon.com, so go buy it!

Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw’s Jesus for President: Politics for Ordinary Radicals

Still by far one of my favorite books this year! Shane and Chris take a biblical and artistic approach to speak to the Church’s involvement in politics, and how Christians should be shaped by their loyalty to the banner of Christ and no other. This book is excellent, and it’s made of recycled paper so you’ll make Shane happy.

You have three months (and June’s almost over!) to read three books so get to work!

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