Several years ago I introduced a program called Reading Classics Together. The impetus for this project was the simple realization that, though many Christians want to read through the classics of the faith, few of us have the motivation to actually make it happen. I know this was long the case for me. This program allows us to read such classic works together, providing both a level of accountability and the added interest of comparing notes as we read in community.
Those who have participated in each of the programs have read Holiness by J.C. Ryle, Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen, The Seven Sayings of the Savior on the Cross by A.W. Pink, The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, Real Christianity by William Wilberforce, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs, Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray, The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes, Spurgeon by Arnold Dallimore and The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul. That is quite a solid collection of classics! I have benefited immensely from reading these books and know that others have, too.
The format is simple: every week we read a chapter or a section of a classic of the Christian faith and then on Thursday we check in at my blog to discuss it. It’s that easy: one chapter per week.
It has been a few months since we finished The Holiness of God. I have been deliberate in allowing a bit of time to elapse, but I think it’s time to get going again.
I’d like you to help me choose the next classic. I have spent some time looking through the lists of books and just can’t choose one. So if you are interested in reading a classic together (either because you think we would benefit from reading it or because you have been wanting to read it but haven’t had the time or discipline) go ahead and leave a comment with your suggestion. And then stay tuned to the blog to see what we’ll be reading and when we’ll begin.
The book can be old or new; it can be well-known or obscure. It just needs to be good and needs to be able to make an impact on us as we read.
My suggestion is Robert Murray M’Cheyne by Andrew Bonar–Bonar’s biography of his dear friend. But I am very open to other suggestions.
