Welcome to Dennis' Pile of Books

If you were to walk into my office, either at the church or at my house, one thing you would most likely notice many, many books. I have piles of books everywhere so it seems. I love books and surround myself with them wherever I am (at work, on vacation, in the bathroom... you get the picture). So welcome to my pile of books!

On one of my other blogs (Immersed in Mystery) I have a running list of books I have recently read, and ones I am currently reading. In the past few months I began writing short comments after each book title, these were sort of like mini-book reviews, really mini. I thought that rather than lose these comments in the future (I only keep 10 titles on the list at any one time) I would create a blog dedicated to the books I have read.

Having this blog dedicated to the books I have read will also allow me to expand on my comments, perhaps even expanding into a full book review on occasion. Each book will have its own entry, and after the initial 10 entries future books will be noted in this blog when I finish them (in other words the date of the blog entry will indicate the date I finished that book). Mostly this blog is for my own benefit (to help remember all I've read), but I also like to share good books with others. Occasionally I feel the need to warn people about a disappointing book - our free time is scarce enough as it is, no use wasting it on a book that isn't worth the time or effort.

I welcome other comments on these books, it is always interesting to hear how others react to a book I've read - so feel free to leave comments on this blog. And I'm always open to book suggestions from others, I've encountered some great books because of other people's suggestions. Enjoy browsing through my pile of books.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Celtic Way of Evangelism: How Christianity Can Reach the West Again

by George G. Hunter

This book has renewed my interest in evangelism, that is, in reaching the people in the culture around me.  George Hunter shows how the expansion of Christianity among the Celtic peoples has relevant lessons for us today. I have long appreciated the early Celtic Christian church, and after reading this book my appreciation has only deepened. Thanks to Chris Roberts who initially lent me his copy, which after reading a couple chapters I knew I wanted my own copy to mark up. Indeed this book is filled with highlighting, lots of significant insights, lots of quotable comments.  Perhaps the most significant thing for me was the author showing how elements and attitudes from early Celtic Christianity can find a place in our current context.  George Hunter put into words many of the things I have thought or felt as I reflect on bringing the gospel to the 'neo-barbarians' that make up much of western society currently.  I think this book should be read by any clergy or lay person who wonders how the gospel might be taken beyond our sanctuary walls.


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