Books I’ve read so far in 2025
I’m a little late on this annual post, but here are some of the books I’ve enjoyed reading so far this year!
Life Together
By Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1939), translated by Daniel W. Bloesch (2015, Fortress Press)
Well translated and a timeless message, Fortress’s release of the Bonhoeffer classic was an excellent read. I’m ashamed to admit this is the first time I’ve sat and read from beginning to end one of Bonhoeffer’s books, and I’m so glad I did! His convictions on true Church community, vulnerability, and growing in Christ together are well written and still very relevant today.
The Earliest Christian Hymnbook: The Odes of Solomon
Translated by James H. Charlesworth (2009, Cascade Books)
James Charlesworth has given us a nice, accessible, up to date translation of the Odes of Solomon. Heavily debated on its origins, many scholars believe the Odes to have been written in the 2nd century and is quite possibly the earliest known Christian hymnal. The Odes are fascinating to study because of how early it is believed to be, with heavy Jewish influence in its content. Trinitarian expressions, Christ’s victory over Hades, feminine descriptions of the Holy Spirit, and much more is explored in this short hymnal from the early Church!
The Anti-Greed Gospel: Why the Love of Money is the Root of Racism and How the Church can Create a New Way Forward
By Malcom Foley (2025, Brazos Press)
Malcolm Foley has given a much needed perspective on the historical and ongoing evils of racism. The book examines the Slave Trade, the lynchings of the South in the early to mid 20th century, and present racism in America. Foley convincingly argues that the unspoken motivation for oppression is often not blatant hatred, but rather money and self interest. Using Scripture, the Church Fathers, and heroes of social justice, Foley gives a powerful call to repentance. The Kingdom Christ established for the Church is to not seek profit but to live in solidarity with one another, cultivating a culture that counters our political parties and points to God.
The Art of Disagreeing: How to Keep Calm and Stay Friends in Hard Conversations
By Gavin Ortlund (2025, The Good Book Company)
This short, accessible book by Gavin Ortlund is one I will continuously go back to, because its message and wisdom is timeless. Not only is our culture increasingly hostile in disagreement, but I’m embarrassed to admit I can often be part of that problem. Ortlund does a great job addressing the heart of why disagreement can make us defensive, and how Christ helps shape us to be more charitable in difficult discussions.
John’s Wisdom: A Commentary on the Fourth Gospel
By Ben Witherington, III (1995, Westminster John Knox Press)
I’ve previously found the parallels between the Gospel and the Wisdom literature to be fascinating. Ben Witherington has given us a great commentary on John’s Gospel, specifically focusing on how John links Jesus to the Wisdom books (both the Old Testament and Deuterocanon). More specifically, Witherington argues John’s Gospel shows Jesus Christ as Wisdom incarnate.
Christ in the Rubble: Faith, the Bible, and the Genocide in Gaza
By Munther Isaac (2025, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.)
There’s a lot of opinions and heated debates about the ongoing violence in Gaza. For many, including myself, there’s also been a lack of historical insight on the subject. Munther Isaac, a Palestinian pastor, gives a brutally honest, unapologetic look at the history of Israel and Palestine, the Palestinian Church, and the American Church’s complicity with Israel’s violence against Gaza. It is a difficult read, and at times, very frustrating. But that’s the point. Isaac forces us to see the injustice happening in Gaza and calls the American Church to repentance. A very important and timely book to read.