Introductory Book for Non-Christian

[johnc]

What are some good introductory books on Christianity for a non-Christian (or possibly nominal Christian) interested in Christianity. I'm looking for books that aren't too technical or too long but from a reformed perspective. My wife's sister, who is at most nominally a Christian, has asked for some books to read on Christianity.

Thanks,
John

 

[jwithnell]

Would she be open to reading through a book of Scripture and discussing it with you? Otherwise, Mere Christianity pops to mind.

 

[Andres]

Could you be more specific as to what areas/aspects of Christianity your sister-in-law desires to explore? I'd second the suggestion of reading through one of the Gospels with her.

 

[johnc]

Could you be more specific as to what areas/aspects of Christianity your sister-in-law desires to explore? I'd second the suggestion of reading through one of the Gospels with her.

I guess she is interested in just the basics of Christianity. Although she has been exposed to the basics of Christianity when she was growing up, I doubt she has ever had much exposure to a reformed understanding of Christianity. Reading through anything together is difficult because she lives several thousand miles from us and does not have a telephone. Skype is sometimes possible, but is not always convenient.

I agree that nothing beats scripture, but she has asked for some additional books.

 

[Andres]

Have her read/study the Westminster Standards. Have her email you her questions or you email her questions about what she's reading.

 

[gkterry]

P&R Publishing has a 'Basics of the Faith' series. Inexpensive and quite good for introduction to the various topics. 39 titles in all (4 pages on their website)

P & R Publishing: Listing by Category

 

[CharlieJ]

I give out copies of Tim Keller's The Prodigal God. I highly recommend doing so. It's been well received by several people. I think it's crucial that people encounter Christianity primarily as an invitation, not an argument. You don't want to put someone in a defensive stance that shuts down their receptivity. The exception to this rule is someone who has a very specific set of reasons for not believing in Christianity. One responds to that person by taking his or her concerns seriously. But any time the tone of a conversation becomes, "And if I win this argument, you'll become a Christian, right?" something has gone terribly wrong.

I have also had some good conversations from John Piper's Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die.

 

[Ask Mr. Religion]

This:

http://books.biblicaltraining.org/Summary of Christian Doctrine.pdf

 

[johnc]

Thanks everyone for all the good suggestions.

 

[Josh Williamson]

"One Life" by Rico Tice is excellent.