My favorite Books of 2024

My Favorite Books of 2024

Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung 

This is my pick for the Book of the Year. DeYoung has taken a rather unique and refreshing approach to a volume of systematic theology. It is composed as a year of daily readings (5 per week). And in terms of categories he does not skimp. There is everything here from matters of prolegomena such as the proper divisions in theology, faith and reason, natural theology, and the inspiration of Scripture. He addresses such doctrines as God’s aseity, simplicity, and impassibility. Covenant, miracles, demons, the Imago Dei, heaven and hell, propitiation, miracles, predestination, the end times, and pretty much everything else typically addressed in systematic theology are taken on in a clear and readable style.

In recent years I have developed a renewed appreciation of daily devotional readings. This book should be numbered among the best of the daily reading genre. Obviously, there are many good introductory books on systematic theology. But I do not know of any other that encompasses so much content and does so in such concise ways. And no matter how challenging the subject, such as God’s impassibility, liberty of conscience, or the final judgment DeYoung never wavers from the goal of enriching the heart of the reader.

I hope Daily Doctrine will receive a wide reading among Christians who desire to have a robust life of devotion and doxology. Read it on your own or with a small group.

 On Classical Trinitarianism, ed. Matthew Barrett

Once again Matthew Barrett has assembled a group of excellent theologians to bring us an expansive explanation and defense of Nicene Trinitarianism. This is not a book to be read over a weekend. This is a true reference work that, I’m sure, will still be widely used many years from now.

 Every Valley: The Desperate lives and Troubled Times that Made Handel’s Messiah by Charles King

King has already distinguished himself as an historian worth reading. But his latest volume will be especially interesting to those who love Handel’s classic or are simply interested in the post-Enlightenment history of Europe. The Messiah is an unlikely masterpiece considering all that was going against its composer. This is a compulsively readable account of political scandals and societal upheaval. It is also the story of a musical genius who, in poor health, had seemed to reach the end of his creativity and career. And then one fateful night in April of 1742 in Dublin the symphony Handel had wrestled over in private for nearly a month was finally given its first public performance.

  Cultural Sanctification by Stephen O. Presley

In this excellent book of cultural apologetics, Presley argues that the church today must look back to the doctrine, practices, and priorities of the early church to properly navigate life in a culture hostile to Christ and Christians.

  Revering God: How to Marvel at Your Maker by Thaddeus Williams

This is the most unique book on the attributes of God I have read in years and perhaps ever. It’s not that Thaddeus Williams has stumbled upon something new in terms of what we know about God. Rather he has written an accessible book of theology that is devotional, creative, clear, doxological, and immensely applicable. Williams enlists contributions on each topic from such folks as Michael Horton, Joni Eareckson-Tada, and Fred Sanders.

  Reformed Covenant Theology by Harrison Perkins

In the last ten years or so there have been some fine books written on Covenant Theology including some excellent introductions. But Perkins’ contribution to the subject is one not to be missed. Reformed Covenant Theology is thorough in its scope and devotional to the core.

 Religion and Republic by Miles Smith

Sad to say, evangelicals have contributed a lot of historical sloppiness and rancor to the topic of a Christian America. Is The United States a Christian nation? If so, in what sense? Miles Smith has given us a great corrective to the confusion that is both thoughtful and steeped in historical analysis. Smith argues that a distinctively Protestant vision for America’s life and institutions was present from the founding.

To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse by Carl Trueman  

In recent years there has been a massive amount of talk about Critical Theory. Unfortunately much of the discussion has not been well grounded in fact. Given the impact of critical theory on the culture (in ways many do not even recognize) it is important for Christians to be able to discuss the matter intelligently. Carl Trueman brings his characteristic historian’s eye to a divisive and often misunderstood subject. Trueman’s project is not to offer a polemic against Critical Race Theory, Gender theory, or other such permutations. Rather, he goes back to those scholars who first gave shape to Critical Theory. In understanding the intellectual headwaters of Critical Theory, Trueman helps the reader to properly critique its presuppositions in light of biblical Christianity. While the book is substantive, it is not beyond the reach of the interested reader.

  Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice, ed. Theresa Farnan, Susan Selner-Wright, and Robert L. Fastiggi

The editors and authors of this book are Roman Catholic. But with the exception of two chapters, this book is of great practical usefulness for Protestants. With chapters ranging from the medical and philosophical to the spiritual and emotional, this excellent book takes a clear and uncompromising stand against transgender ideology. I am hoping that Protestants will begin producing books of this breadth and expertise.