10 Christian Authors Who've Changed The Way We Think
Andy Walton
Christian Today Contributing Writer
This month sees the long-awaited posthumous publication of Henri Nouwen's new book Love, Henri. The Roman Catholic priest was a favourite author of Protestants and evangelicals in the '80s and '90s when his books The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer were
huge bestsellers. It's 20 years since his death so here we look at 10
of the authors who've taken up his mantle and changed the way Christians
think in the last two decades.
1. Timothy Keller
The pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York has had a
prodigious output in the past 10years especially. He's written on a vast
range of topics – from prayer, to philosophy to justice and preaching.
As a conservative evangelical, his influence extends well beyond his
natural constituency – he's a well-known figure on both sides of the
Atlantic.
2. NT Wright
Wright's output is even higher than Keller's. Writing popular level books such as Surprised By Hope, he
has been incredibly influential on how evangelicals and other
Christians think about topics such as heaven. He's also written a large
series of For Everyone commentaries on the Bible. His academic books, such as the massive Paul and the Faithfulness of God, have prompted debate and discussion across the world.
. Rachel Held Evans
Evans has written four books which have become increasingly popular.
They deal with her upbringing in an evangelical context and her journey
to explore her roots while discovering other expressions of faith. In
this way she embodies the experience of many in her generation,
especially women who've felt maginalised or constricted by their
conservative surroundings.
4. Pope Francis
The Pope wasn't known as a writer or theologian when he took on the
role in 2013. Unlike his predecessor Benedict XVI, he didn't come with
an academic reputation, but has managed to surprise and inspire with his
writings. The Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium) written in
2013, was a short book which (like Nouwen before him) inspired both
Catholics and Protestants alike. His encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si', has been praised by academics and activists the world over.
5. Rob Bell
Rob Bell has become a controversial figure in the evangelical world,
principally for posing questions about the existence of hell in Love Wins (2011). However, there is a whole generation of evangelicals who have been nurtured by his early books, such as Velvet Elvis (2005)
in which he presented the Christian faith in a fresh and engaging way.
Now he has found a new audience through his interractions with Oprah
Winfrey. His latest book is How To Be Here (2016).
6. TD Jakes
Bishop TD Jakes pastors one of the largest churches in America, The
Potter's House in Dallas, Texas. He has also written dozens of books
which regularly make the bestseller list. Jakes' style is popular and he
often uses his books to apply Christian teaching to lifestyle issues.
The titles of his last three books give a good flavour: Let it Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven, Instinct: The Power To Unleash Your Inborn Drive and Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose.
7. Marilynne Robinson
Marilynne Robinson is a writer unlike any other on this list. For a
start she is a novelist as well as a non-fiction writer. Her beautifully
written 2004 novel Gilead was written as an autobiography of a
small-town pastor. It received huge acclaim and won several awards for
its portrayal of faith. Robinson has built on this in subsequent works,
developing a nuanced picture of Christianity. In recent years she has
been praised by the likes of President Obama and former Archbishop of
Canterbury Rowan Williams.
8. Rick Warren
Warren's 'day job' is as the pastor of one of America's most
influential churches. Saddleback, in California, was founded by Warren
in 1980. In recent years he has become one of the few pastors to achieve
household name status – partly thanks to his writings. The Purpose Driven Life is one
of the bestselling Christian books of all time and is cited as a good
guide by Christian and secular commentators alike. In terms of pure
impact, it's hard to see past Warren as one of the most influential
Christians of the last generation.
9. Joyce Meyer
Joyce Meyer has a powerful testimony of restoration after being
abused as a child. Her writing matches her preaching in that it draws on
her life experiences to paint a picture of no-one being beyond the love
of God. Meyer faces criticism for advocating a 'prosperity' style of
theology, but her books have remained incredibly popular and barely a
year goes by without a new title appearing from her pen.
10. Philip Yancey
In many ways Yancey is a natural heir to Nouwen, beloved of
Christians of various denominations and backgrounds, and a serious
writer on spiritual topics without being overly wordy. His 1998 book What's So Amazing About Grace? is
a classic, which he has followed up with books on Jesus, prayer, the
Church and more. Yancey's experience as a journalist means his books are
always readable and his writing encompasses a range of styles and
influences. He continues to write engagingly and profoundly.
Follow Andy Walton on Twitter @waltonandy
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