My top 5 Christian books I've Read This Year-- 2013

Here are the 5 books that have influenced my faith the most this year:

1. "Red Letter Revolution" by Tony Campolo & Shane Claiborne

This book deals with some of the most controversial issues in the church today and discusses how a follower of Jesus should respond to those issues. It is a very challenging book that asks the question--what would our world be like if we actually took the words of Jesus literally.

2. "Walking With God" by John Eldredge

In this book, John Eldredge teaches his reader how to have a powerful relationship with God. He teaches us you how to really hear from God and how to follow the voice of the Holy Spirit. It is full of his own real life stories and examples. 

3. "Whose Bible is it?" by Jaroslav Pelikin

This is a very intellectual book which focuses on how the Bible has developed through out history. Pelikin traces the roots of the scriptures from their earliest oral traditions until modern times to reveal how the view of scripture has changed with each new group of believers.

4. "Christ of the Celts" By J. Phillip Newell

This book provides a fascinating look at the teachings of the Jesus through the eyes of the ancient Celts. While I had some issues with the theology of the book toward the end, I found the perspective Newell provides intriguing and it definitely brought me to a new level of Spiritual understanding. 

5. "Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith"

By Rob Bell

This book challenges much of the traditional perspective on the Bible and God. Bell presents a view of the Bible and Christianity that is dynamic and along with it he redefines what being a Christian really means. Again, some of the theology in the book requires much caution but overall I found it to be a fascinating and Spiritually refreshing read.