I haven't gotten any of the books on my wish list lately, but this is what I have gotten from used bookstores, the church library, and online at PaperBookSwap or have been given to me by family (these I am sure aren't reformed). I can't decide what to start on next though! If enough people participate, I'll put the ones most voted on in the order to read.

I'm reading a couple of books now, but I'm more than half way through with each... But there is time for the poll to run.

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Jake; Hold to Original WCF, member of SBC; Greater Atlanta, Georgia Area

The cross does not give us a minor shift or two with regard to a few of our ethical and moral and religious values; the cross radically disrupts the very center and citadel of your life from self to Christ. —Albert N. Martin

I was making the poll as you posted. You're too quick.

Bunyan!!!

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Toni Cunningham, Wife of Bill (Theognome)
Parkwoods OPC, Overland Park KS

"Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, As, to be hated, needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace." ~ Alexander Pope

I'm going to have to second Pilgrim's Progress!! Its a must-read for every christian.....you will find it incredibly edifying!

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Yvonne
Reformed Presbyterian
Currently seeking a Church

"A man's most glorious actions will at last be found to be but glorious sins, if he hath made himself, and not the glory of God, the end of those actions." -T. Brooks

Who in the world are these people on this list? I recognized two or three of them...

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Adam B., Wine Country, California, PCA

"I fear not to hold with Junius, de Politia Mosis cap. 6, that he who was punishable by death under that Judicial law, is punishable by death still; and he who was not punished by death then, is not to be punished by death now."

As I said, they're not all reformed. And some of them are older too. However, I would have expected most of you to have heard of at least Bunyan, MacArthur, Packer, Sproul, Spurgeon, and Piper.

And I kind of expected Pilgrim's Progress to win, but we'll see. I suppose that would be a good read, seeing as I have never read it before.

Pilgrim's Progress, or go and buy Mortification of Sin!

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~ Charles Stephen Barribeau ~
Christ Presbyterian Church , OPC (They sing alot of Psalms!)
Original Westminster Standards (I need to study more...)
The Puritans were best! Also... I NEED TO READ MORE!!!
Philipians1:29(KJV) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Janesville, Wisconsin (In the fellowship of Bob Vigneault and Matt+Megan Meisberger)

At the risk of flying in the face of everyone's recommendation, I read "Pilgrim's Progress" this Spring and really wasn't impressed. Some of the analogies / parable encounters were clever, but I found many to be forced and awkward. I recognize that you have to read it in light of it's place in time and church history, and I am glad that I did finally read it, but it's not a book that I would recommend enthusiastically and without qualification.

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Eric
Woodgreen Presbyterian (PCA)
Calgary, Alberta CANADA

As I've said before, Bunyan is probably the only Reformed writer who deserves to be called a literary artist. There are nothing but good reasons to read him, and no good reasons not to.

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Ruben
Moderator
F.P.C.I.
Indiana

Vanities and disguises have covered us, and thereby we are naked; licenciousness hath inflam'd us, and thereby we are frozen; voluptuousness hath fed us, and thereby we are sterved, the fancies and traditions of men have taught and instructed us, and thereby we are ignorant.
John Donne

Board Rules - Signature Requirements - Suggestions?

Calvinistas Conversando
Teología en Mexico
The Howling Wilderness

If you have not read Pilgrim's Progress yet, there is no question what book you should read.

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Ivan R. Schoen, B.A., M.A., M.L.I.S.
Pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church (SBC)
Poplar Grove, IL, USA
http://maranatha-sbc.org

Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress - hands down!

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Brian Bosse
Faith Community Church
Tucson, Arizona

I'll add to the avalanche of Pilgrim's Progress recommendations. Your bio does not indicate whether you are married, but a wonderful way to absorb this book is to have it read to you. My wife read me large portions as we travel to the preaching post we have a few hours away.

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Curt Lovelace
Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church (CBA)
Acton, Maine
Director, Lifework Forum
Sermons at SermonAudio.com/CBCActon
Blogging at Coffee with Curt

Bunyan

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Benjamin P. Glaser, M. Div, Licentiate, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Member Fairmount ARP Church
Pittsburgh, PA

Deo Vindice

I am still a teenager... I don't think I'm even legally old enough to be married and have never been in a relationship. So no! But perhaps I could try an audiobook? I found a free one online.

Also, since it appears that Bunyan will get the most recommendations, what would you guys who have already voted suggest I read after that? I do look forward to Bunyan, but wanted to order them with the suggestions since I can never decide.

I am reading Let the Nations be Glad by Piper right now. To be honest I love the emphasis on Glorifying God theme that Piper seems to carry but some of the missionary stories that he presents are a cause for concern for me (even within the first 3 chapters). He speaks about missionaries which God "spoke to them" or "gave them" something which show Pipers continuationist side.

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Julio Perez
Visting Branch of Hope OPC hoping this will be my home church.....


“No…we are all priests. Your vocation and your contentment in your vocation should not be dependent upon your being in vocational ministry or in being a figure of public acclaim. If God wills that fine…if He does not do that, you ought to still do what he has granted you to do to the glory of God.”

-Martin Luther

You are most definitely unique in your opinion of Pilgrim's Progress; most likely the first to ever state such!
For centuries this has been a classic on the walk of a pilgrim, finding his way to the cross to lay his burden down!
O.K. you're pardoned.
Now try reading 'Holiness' by J.C. Ryle and tell me your thoughts!

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Nancy L./ www.foundersbaptist.org
Spring, TX

Your will, Lord Jesus Christ! Nothing more... nothing less... nothing else.

Norman Geislers Chosen but Free is a must.......



Runs out of room*

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"I thank Thee that many of my prayers have been refused. I have asked amiss and do not have, I have prayed from lusts and been rejected, I have longed for Egypt and been given a wilderness".-Unknown

Julio, Amaya
Clifton, NewJersey
Reformed Baptist Church of North Bergen

How about The Potter's Freedom by James White.

James White?

Never heard of him.

God Calling is a non Christian Cultish book.

http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/.../crj0021a.html

I vote for Pilgrim's Progress if you haven't tasted of it yet. It is wonderful, challenging, and encouraging. A must read for all who love Christ and the way of the Pilgrim. I have read it at least 5 times.

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Norseman Moderator

R. Martin Snyder
1689er
http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/puritancovenanter/

"Our object should not be to have scripture on our side but to be on the side of scripture; and however dear any sentiment may have become by being long entertained, so soon as it is seen to be contrary to the Bible, we must be prepared to abandon it without hesitation."
William Symington

Click to get:Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Sproul 4 life. Wut, wut! *fires AK-47 in the air*

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Nathan Tyler
Reformed Baptist
University of Toronto (Student: Hons. B.A. in Philosophy)
Ontario, Canada

1689'er

http://nathantyler.wordpress.com

Thanks. My mom said the book was one of her favorites that she had read many times. The one she loaned to me was one she gave to my dad. She said I'd like this if I liked Augustine. I'll definitely not read it now.

Ak-47? The 4th of July was two days ago, how about something more american like a M-16?

Rediscovering Holiness

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Martin - Reformed
Husband to the most godly, honorable and loyal wife Line
Searching for a Church
Webpage www.5solas.dk
Free Online Reformed Seminary - http://www.tnars.net
Soli Deo Gloria

I loved that book also. I got Dr. Packer to sign my battered copy at a Reformation and Revival Conference years ago.

I was leaning toward that book myself. It looks really good. I got an almost new copy at a used bookstore. The store also had a Puritan Paperback (Reformed Pastor by Baxter) but it was thouroughly worn and underlined and marked and was still as much as it cost new.

Jake, I would have to agree with the "majority" here on the PB, "Pilgrim's Progress" hands-down! You will love it! And I too am looking forward to reading "Rediscovering Holiness!"

btw, welcome to the PB.

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Seeking Godly Wisdom,

Melissa
Baptist>Seeking Reformed Church Home
Louisville, Ky

My son is reading Bainton's book on Luther now -- I haven't read his book on the reformation you mentioned (yet, it's likely worthwhile).

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JWithnell
Member Bethel OPC
Virginia
http://learningyesican.blogspot.com/

In that order!

1 Pilgrims Progress
2 Mortification of Sin

then maybe A Pastor's Sketches by Ichabod Spencer! I could read that over and over. Very encouraging read!

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Brian E
Attending Falls OPC
Menomonee Falls, WI

That one (Here I Stand) is on my wish list. I hope to get it eventually.

Any thoughts on God Was in Christ by D. M. Baillie ?

You have plenty of votes for Bunyan already (mine among them) but I would also add, NOT "god Calling" at any price, at least if it's the book I think it is.
Oops, I got a lower case g there by accident but I'm going to leave it because if any god is calling through that book I'm pretty sure it's one with a small g

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JennyG
Church of Scotland (Presbyterian)
Fife, Scotland

......

ericfromcowtown, are these indeed your writings?

ericfromcowtown, do you recant of these writings?



This council finds you GUILTY of having an opinion not in compliance with that of our own. And thus, in good Wonderland fashion:

"No, no!" said the PB. Sentence first-verdict afterwards."
"Stuff and nonsense" said ericfromcowtown loudly. "The idea of having the sentence first!"
"Hold you tongue!" said the PB, turning purple.
"I won't" said ericfromcowtown.
"Off with his head!" the PB shouted at the top of their voice(s). Nobody moved...

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Donald P. Grubb
theol46@embarqmail.com

Berean Baptist Church, Mansfield, OH
Mansfield, OH

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.
The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

I know, I know, ever the non-conformist. If it is at all redeeming, I just finished Pink's The Sovereignty of God and highly recommend it.

I picked Rediscovering Holiness by J. I. Packer. It sounds pretty good and would like to read it myself!

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sarah
WI
OPC
My Pastor's Sermons: Mark Jenkins...he's awesome!!!

You are not alone. I read this book expecting great things and was sadly unimpressed too. I thought the writing was rather atrocious. *waits to be pelted with rotten tomatoes*

Having said that, I do think it is a book that every Christian should read. There's a lot to be gained from it, if you can slog through. And since everyone else here seems to adore it, chances are you'll get it more out of it than I did!

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Kathleen M
nondenominational
Montana

I got ten times more from Lord of the Rings than I did from Pilgrims Progress or Narnia.



But -- like Tolkien -- I prefer history to allegory

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Dan

I have that -- it was given to me by a graduate of Southern Baptist Seminary; he attended way back in the pre-Mohler days. He also gave me books by Barth, Tillich, Brunner, et al, if that's any indication. I would NOT recommend it.

The Gospel According to Jesus was one of the first books I read as a new Christian back in 1988 (I think it was 1989 before I read it). It is very good and I would recommend that.

I know this will tar-and-feather me, but I've never been able to get into Pilgrim's Progress much.

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Tim Phillips
Pastor, Midlane Park Presbyterian Church (ARP)
Louisville, KY
Husband of Scottish Lass
My Blog: Gairney Bridge
My Facebook/My Avatar

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

"Wherever the gospel is preached, it is as if God Himself came into the midst of us." ~ John Calvin

Ah ha! More of us come out of the woodwork! I knew there had to be others like me out there...

Seriously, I've picked the thing up three or four times, and the writing is very good, but it just doesn't hold my interest. But, then again, most fiction (even allegory) doesn't really interest me much.