February Reading Wrap-Up
February's reads, recommendations, and oncoming study
My first go at sharing a monthly round-up/wrap-up of my reading and thoughts.
This year’s reading focus does have some intention. Primarily, I am working my way through the works of Scottish Reformed Theologian, Thomas F. Torrances, and some secondary sources. I am also focusing on studies for some writing projects and ongoing reading in pastoral care and spiritual direction related to my work. These are pretty well represented in this month’s reading list.
FEBRUARY’S READING LIST
Raising Parents - Jonathan Brozozog
A great parenting book aimed more at atmosphere and values of the household rather than “how-to.”
Royal Priesthood - Thomas F. Torrance
A very in-depth theological examination of the priesthood of the believers under the ongoing Priesthood of Christ.
John the Beloved - Darryl DelHousaye
A short and enjoyable biography of John the Apostle. Well-researched, with patristic references that fill in some of the blanks on John’s life and ministry.
Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition - Andrew Purves
This is a great introduction to some classical pastoral voices (Early Church, Reformed, and Puritan Traditions). Purves does a great job synthesizing the writers and offering healthy critiques where needed.
Unraveling Gender - John S. Grabowski
A brilliant study and proposal from a conservative Catholic perspective, critiquing the current social climate in regards to gender and sexuality issues. Grabowski does well at critiquing the ideology while keeping a pastoral and charitable posture toward the individuals he interacts with.
The Centrality of Christ in the Theology of Thomas F. Torrance - Paul D. Molnar
Remarkably in-depth in its presentation of Torrance and Karl Barth’s Christocentric Theological assertions while dialoging with some serious contemporary theological missteps. An advanced read.
Healing What's Within - Chuck DeGroat
A beautifully contemplative balm for the soul. DeGroat does a wonderful job of bringing the reader through a journey of dialog with God, revisiting the three questions the Lord asks Adam in the Garden. Highly Recommend.
Eucharist - Bishop Robert Barron
Perhaps the most ecumenical Catholic resource on the Eucharist I have read. This book is so much more than an account of trans-substantiation, but a brilliant look at how the table of Christ takes up the story of Scripture and recapitulates and transforms it in the perfect sacrifice of Christ.
The Life of Antony and the Letter to Marcellinus - Athanasius
Athanasius brings the life and maybe lore of Antony to life, offering an energetic picture of spiritual warfare and ascetic piety. The letter to Marcellinus is a wonderful outline for the pastoral usage of the book of Psalms (though the Psalm pagination is off from a modern psalter).
Theology of the Ordinary - Julie Canlis
One of my all-time favorite reads. This was my fifth or sixth time through it. Julie does a wonderful job laying out a Trinitarian theology of the mundane and ordinary.
Preaching Christ Today - Thomas F. Torrance
Torrance balances deep theological insight with profound scientific thought. I still struggle on the scientific side, as I am largely unfamiliar with figures like Maxwell, Polanyi, and Einstein. But it is still packed full of outstanding theological insight. Also, a reread.
An Introduction to Prayer - Bishop Robert Barron
I so love Bishop Barron’s writing and communication style. Essentially a collection of short essays on various aspects of the life of prayer. For anyone with a narrow understanding of prayer, this work could truly expand the horizon of possibility in relating with the Lord.
RECOMMENDED BOOK OF THE MONTH
Healing What's Within - Chuck DeGroat
I originally heard the content of this book as a short lecture from DeGroat at the start of the Eugene Peterson Center’s Doxology conference in Holland, MI, this past fall. At the time of the conference, Chuck had just lost his father days before. Needless to say, for a session that was already geared toward soul care and inviting the Lord into the areas of woundedness, the session was charged with a vulnerability that created a safe space for what I would describe as an unraveling in myself and others from the conversations I have had with attendees since.
What a joy it was to read through the book and find that the conference session was not a one off, but rather an authentic representation of what the entire book aims to do… lead its readers on a journey of coming to grips with how we have learned to hide, self medicate, and turn to stories that have tormented us throughout our life. Chuck takes a deeply pastoral posture as he uses the three questions that the Lord asks Adam in the garden as a journey of healing and rediscovery. “Where are you?” “Who told you?” and “Did you eat of the fruit?”
DeGroat brings in tools from the counseling realm to aid in sorting out the conditions that may have led to the current situations in which one may find oneself. But this is primarily a work of Pastoral Care. The tone throughout the book promotes honest reflection, and his personal stories offer a companion in your journey toward healing and restoration in the Lord. Each chapter finishes with reflection questions and practices to lean into cooperating with the Lord’s interaction in your life.
If you want to pick up a copy of Healing What's Within, consider using this link to support my reading and writing efforts. https://amzn.to/4h4hNjW
CURRENT READING INTERESTS GOING INTO MARCH
As I mentioned at the top of the article, I am continuing to move my way through Torrance’s canon, much more haphazardly than anything systematic, but the intent is still there.
I have a growing interest in the theology of geography and space and have recently picked up a couple of volumes as a way of introduction to the concept. It does relate to my main writing project right now, but in a seemingly tangential way, though that may change as I grow in familiarity with the topic.
I am currently working through the final chapters of C.S. Lewis’s Four Loves with my monthly theology group. We are preparing ourselves for reading his great work, Til We Have Faces, over the summer. The dialogues have been marvelous.
Also, I am partway through David Fergusson’s book Creation in research for the opening chapter of my current project. It’s been a wonderful read so far. After finishing this, I have a short volume on Creation from Alistair McGrath and a Short systematic theology from Colin Gunton that, if I understand his project well enough, has an emphasis on Christ’s creative and recreation work, as well as the Spirit’s work as the perfecting agent in the economy of it all. All in all, I plan on moving forward with these reads into March and beyond with hopes of fleshing out my chapter all the more.
Go in grace and peace!
In Christ,
N.R. Mayo
I love that you do this. Give me all of the Nick book recommendations!!