1. “Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade,” by John Newton: John Newton, a former slave trader who was later converted, starts this pamphlet with a key verse: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12. He then goes on to pull back the curtain on the awfulness of the slave trade that he once participated in. It’s a good reminder for Christians today that they should be working to improve society and expose sin in ways that are tangible today. It’s also a good reminder that God offers full forgiveness and then can restore someone to usefulness for His Kingdom and righteousness. You can read it online for free here: https://cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/thoughts-upon-african-slave-trade-john-newton.pdf
2. “Transformed: How God Renews Your Mind to Make You More Like Jesus,” by Esther Engelsma. Good book on renewing your mind according to God’s Word, as Paul encourages us to do in Romans 12. It’s a great book for this era, as society is realizing that one of the greatest battle we will face is the battle in our minds. Thankfully there is a remedy for that through the Word of God and submissive prayer.
3. “Intellectuals and Race,” by Thomas Sowell. One of the best books you can read today on how academia has influenced society’s views on race today, and how we all need to be careful regarding the presuppositions of mainstream academics today. Academics and other intellectuals seemed to have one presupposition in the early 20th century, and then another presupposition in the later 20th century. Reading Sowell on race should be important to everyone today, as there are so many incorrect ideas on how people should approach race today. Sowell is extremely analytical and studies history more thoroughly than anyone else who talks about race, and points out perspectives that hardly anyone else does. https://www.amazon.com/Intellectuals-Race-Thomas-Sowell/dp/0465058728/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AF6ZBXPMJO5A&keywords=intellectuals+and+race&qid=1672675104&s=books&sprefix=intellectuals+and+race%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1
4. “America’s History: 1215-1776,” by Connor Boyack. A really great and unique perspective of the thoughts and ideas that influenced the founding of our country. It doesn’t sugarcoat the bad parts of history, and it doesn’t ignore the good influences.
5. “Content, Inc.,” by Joe Pulizzi. Helpful regarding building a content business. I increasingly believe that most businesses and organizations are at least in part content businesses. Writing quality content and producing videos is increasingly important in 2022, so this book should be helpful if you run a business, non-profit, church, or any organization that can benefit from content. Although we’ve witnessed a massive proliferation in both the written and spoken word in the last two decades, words are still deeply important.
6. “Unplanned Grace,” by Brittany Smith and Natasha Smith: A thorough yet engaging book on pregnancy centers and tangible ways in which we can all help mothers and families dealing with an unexpected and/or difficult pregnancy. https://www.amazon.com/Unplanned-Grace-Compassionate-Conversation-Choice/dp/0830782117/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LV32LQN1CTZL&keywords=unplanned+grace&qid=1672675133&s=books&sprefix=unplanned+grace%2Cstripbooks%2C80&sr=1-1
7. “Today and Tomorrow,” by Henry Ford: Insight into the mind of Henry Ford and how his mind worked. Ford was probably one of the most important historical figures in the 10th century. He was constantly thinking of ideas and implementing them for the betterment of society. He wasn’t just thinking as a typical business person. He was constantly thinking about how to make general products more inexpensive so that the average person could purchase them. He begins the book with a few gems like these: “The world shackles itself, blinds its eyes, and then wonders why it cannot run!” and “We have seen the rise of a temper which does not want opportunities – it wants the full fruits of opportunity handed to it on a platter. This temper is not American.” This book encouraged me to work harder and more efficiently to improve the quality of life for my customers.
8. “A Call to Prayer,” by J.C. Ryle: A short but meaningful book that will encourage you to develop your prayer life. It will remind you that God is sovereign and that prayer can help change ourselves more than our circumstances. It’s much more important than a good to-do list or even careful planning.
9. “I, Pencil,” by Leonard Read. A very short read that shows the intricacies of an economy and that also makes you marvel at the sovereignty of God. It’s short, but if you read it you’ll understand more about economics than most people nowadays.
10. “The Christian Teacher as Office Bearer,” by Joel Beeke: A short read that should benefit any Christian teacher and encourages Christian teachers. It also references a small but really great section showing how the Reformation benefits us today. Here is that link: https://www.reformation21.org/blog/ten-lasting-fruits-of-the-reformation
Incidentally, this link and the book I mention above entitled “America’s History: 1215-1776,” show how the Reformation in the 16th Century positively impacted the West today.
Spreadsheets and Overalls 