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Choose The Next Classic to Read Together
- 05/11/11
- 21
A week ago I solicited some help in choosing the next classic book to read in Reading Classics Together. I received hundreds of suggestions, but two seemed to dominate: Knowing God by J.I. Packer and Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen.
Having narrowed it down to 2, I thought I’d put it to the vote. So let me give you on paragraph about each book, and then you can make your selection. The one that receives the most votes will be the one we read together.
- Machen’s classic defense of orthodox Christianity established the importance of scriptural doctrine and contrasts the teachings of liberalism and orthodoxy on God and man, the Bible, Christ, salvation, and the church. Though originally published nearly seventy years ago, the book maintains its relevance today. It was named one of the top 100 books of the millennium by World magazine and one of the top 100 books of the century by Christianity Today. (Read more at Amazon)
- J. I. Packer’s Knowing God has become a classic of the Christian faith. Why? While it gives us information about God with clarity and grace, it does much more—it aids us in actually knowing him, in building our relationship with him, and helps draw us closer to him in love and worship. (Read more at Amazon)
One thing to note: Knowing God does not appear to be available in ebook format (while Machen’s book is available). That may be important to some.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband to Aileen and a father to three young children. I worship and serve as a pastor at 
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Comments (21)
Both very worthy choices. I voted for Machen because I’ve read and taught Packer’s work several times already. Not that yet another reading wouldn’t be immensely profitable. I keep a copy of the last page of his chapter on adoption taped near my desk at work.
Whichever book receives fewer votes this time should probably go to the head of the queue for consideration next time.
Knowing God
I am very interested in reading Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism.
I have tried to read Packer’s book and can’t get past the first chapter or two. I’d love to read this one as a group—I think the discussion will help me to get through it and experience the great book that I heard it is.
Knowing God
I’ve had Knowing God sitting on my bookshelf with a bookmark on page 30 for months now. I’d love the encouragement of reading it with a group.
I read “Knowing God” last year, and is worthy for our reading. But since I already read it, I will go with J. Gresham Machen, since I have never read any thing of his.
Knowing God - its been sitting on my shelf a few years - this would get me going!!!
Another person with Knowing God on my shelf. I may have even read it but the fact that I can’t remember probably means I should read it again. I concur with the first commenter who suggested making the runner-up next in the queue.
I have read both and had to cast lots to decide , just kidding. These are both awesome books and I look forward to revisiting either one.
I am picking Machen’s book solely because I can get it on my Kindle. :)
Had both on my bookshelf but started putting my library in boxes to move today. So after I voted for Knowing God, I kept it out of the boxes thinking it would win! If you go with Machen, it may be months before I get all these boxes unpacked :)
Knowing God! Love the promised focus on knowledge + a real relationship. Plus, I already have this on my shelf (I think a lot of us do!)… If it doesn’t get chosen this time I hope it will be the next classic we read together. I’m planning to read it anyway and would love the group encouragement and discussion.
I voted for Christianity and Liberalism because I think it will help me better understand the mindset of Rob Bell who I believe represents the kind of Liberalism Machen was writing against. Also, Carl Trueman has written that this book was one of the top books he recommends and his recommenndations are typically pretty solid.
Seeming how its so close can we read both one after the other? Still interested in seeing which wins. Go Christianity and Liberalism!
I voted for Machen’s… If it’s in the top 100 of the Millenium, I’d say it’s worth the read!
Fascinating. More fun than election returns. Both are worthy, but I’ve read KG recently.
I already ordered and received Machen’s Christianity and Liberalism after reading through all the comments of the previous post. I was amazed at how many people off the cuff requested it - it surely must be about time I read it having waited this late in my life.
I agree with the last sentence of comment #1.
Machen - I have read Mr. Packer’s book. But I would read it again if that is the choice!
Both great choices! I voted for Machen, but I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Looking forward to following the discussion!