The most recommended books about Jesus

Who picked these books? Meet our 173 experts.

173 authors created a book list connected to Jesus, and here are their favorite Jesus books.
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Book cover of Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination

Roland England Author Of Worthy Is the Lamb: The Book of Revelation as a Drama

From my list on Christian on Revelation for a general audience.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a huge fan of Revelation which tops my list of favorite books of the Bible. I recently retired after 47 years as a pastor in the United Church of Christ. How many times have I read Revelation and preached on this marvelous book? How many times have I read and heard interpretations, and misinterpretations? The answer, a lot! I finally decided I had to write my own book. I study Revelation like digging in a field for buried treasure. The more digging, the more riches I find! I am a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University where I majored in Bible, and a graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA., with a Master of Divinity.

Roland's book list on Christian on Revelation for a general audience

Roland England Why did Roland love this book?

As a long-time fan of Eugene Peterson, I intentionally sought out his book. I was attracted by the title, the praying imagination. I came hungry to Revelation for more understanding and he masterfully sets the table with a feast of Jesus’ last words each one to be continually savored and enjoyed. It’s as if I am ushered into the heart of Revelation to linger and pray and sing and reflect on the wonder and grace of the crucified and risen Lamb. And among all these riches, I found additional confirmation for my own dramatic interpretation of Revelation! 

By Eugene H. Peterson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Reversed Thunder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Peterson's eloquent meditation on the Revelation of St. John engages the imagination and awakens the intellect to the vitality and relevance of the last words on scripture, Christ, church, worship, evil, prayer, witness, politics, judgement, salvation, and heaven.


Book cover of Slaves of the Volcano God

Justin Robinson Author Of City of Devils

From my list on bridging high art and B-movies.

Why am I passionate about this?

The best stories are the ones that take very silly ideas seriously. This doesn’t mean that they’re not funny; on the contrary, you don’t really hear the truth until it makes you laugh. These books all lean heavily on tropes, specifically B-movie tropes. I used to write detailed reviews of terrible movies, afterschool specials, and creature features. I host a podcast all about the funnier parts of TV criticism. Figuring out how something simple speaks to the core of us is the height of fiction, and all five of these do that and do it with humor. 

Justin's book list on bridging high art and B-movies

Justin Robinson Why did Justin love this book?

I’m cheating a little with this one since this is technically three books but go with me. Slaves of the Volcano God, Bride of the Slime Monster, and Revenge of the Fluffy Bunnies are some of those series that used to be thick on the ground but now are harder to find.

They’re adventure novels that play with the tropes of B-movies, and not only are they hilarious, but they made a young Justin like B-movies more. Playing with tropes can get exhausting, but when it’s done with genuine love, as it is here, it makes for an airy joy of a series.

By Craig Shaw Gardner,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Slaves of the Volcano God as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


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Book cover of Dragon Disciples: Resurrection

Dragon Disciples By Christina Weigand, Rhomda Chieduch (editor),

When the head of an ancient Samaritan family is injured, it throws the family into turmoil. There isn’t enough money to pay the hefty Roman taxes.

The daughter, Chana, is taken as compensation and forced into slavery inside a cruel centurion’s home. As a slave, Chana witnesses the miracles of…

Book cover of Friendship with Jesus

Elizabeth Bristol Author Of Mary Me: One Woman’s Incredible Adventure with God

From my list on finding your own adventure with God.

Why am I passionate about this?

Hi, I'm Elizabeth Bristol and I’m just a regular person. For a long time, I ran from God because, well, I didn’t want Him telling me what to do. Then something amazing happened. Mary Me: One Woman’s Incredible Adventure with God describes my journey into this wild new relationship with God through Jesus Christ who helped me break free from the lies I’d believed so I could be the me He created me to be. I found out God’s way cooler than I ever imagined and that He has an adventure for everyone. So, I became passionate about wanting to help others find theirs because no matter where you are with God, there's always more!

Elizabeth's book list on finding your own adventure with God

Elizabeth Bristol Why did Elizabeth love this book?

I love how this author puts you smack dab in the middle of a scene from the Bible and lets you experience it for yourself!

I was thinking about how I wished I could be baptized by John the Baptist, but how was that going to happen?

That's when my seminary teacher assigned this book. I opened it to the first page and God blew me away by making a seemingly impossible dream come true.

I got baptized by John the Baptist 😳. . .and you can, too!!

Are you looking to have some personal experiences with God? You’ll have some as you read this book.

By David L. Miller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Friendship with Jesus as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Build a powerful friendship with Jesus through the ancient art of contemplative prayer.

Perfect for individual or group use, this guide and workbook helps readers to actually experience events recorded in the Gospel of Mark, so that biblical times, places, and people come to life vividly. As the events unfold before the reader's eyes, God's revelation becomes a present event, and Jesus becomes a companion and friend.

In his brief introduction, David Miller explains how the ancient art of contemplative prayer helped strengthen and deepen his relationship with God. After explaining the principles and practice of ´praying the Scriptures,´ Miller…


Book cover of Midnight Pleasures

K.V.T. Author Of There Are Stranger Things

From my list on unconventional horror.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was six years old when I found myself getting up for a drink of water and watching a brutal dismemberment in a Sam Rami classic starring Bruce Cambell. I was transfixed. I saw The Terminator at five, most of Fulcci’s work before I could pee alone and worshiped Craven and Carpenter long before I could appreciate that I was their target audience. Horror is to me what oxygen is to every other mammal on the planet. Without it, I wither and die.

K.V.T.'s book list on unconventional horror

K.V.T. Why did K.V.T. love this book?

Best known for penning the infamous Psycho. Robert Bloch, is perhaps the greatest horror author of the 20th century. He is to short-horror fiction, what Ray Bradbury is to the science-fiction genre. Though he is often overlooked for names such as King, Lovecraft, and Barker, Rober Bloch is the preeminent master of the subtle scare.

By Robert Bloch,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Midnight Pleasures as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A collection of thirteen macabre tales, including "The Spoiled Wife," "The Undead," "Die--Nasty," and "Pranks"


Book cover of December on 5C4

Carole Stivers Author Of The Mother Code

From Carole's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Traveler Biochemist Reader Hiker

Carole's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Carole Stivers Why did Carole love this book?

This is a special perc I get - getting to read and trumpet a book that won't come out until December 1! My friend Adam Strassberg has finished his long-awaited novella, just in time for Christmas. Lost on the urban December streets, homeless Joshua navigates the boundary between the intransigence of his own religious fervor and capitalist disdain for what he has become, all the while suffering a mental health crisis that is alternately a blessing and a curse. In this “what if” parable for the present day, our tortured hero lands once again in a psychiatric ward known only as 5C4. But this time, he meets toymaker Nick. And together, they make choices that surprise the reader at every turn. On all fronts, author and retired psychiatrist Adam Strassberg knows whereof he speaks. December on 5C4 is a compelling read, sure to spur discussion well beyond the Christmas season!

By Adam Strassberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked December on 5C4 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

December on 5C4 is a vibrant tale of magical realism set during the Christmas season, weaving together threads of Jewish folklore, New Testament narratives, and Santa Claus legends. This story unfolds in the unique environment of an urban psychiatric hospital, where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. As the winter holidays progress, Josh and Nick—two very different patients, one with similarities to Jesus and the other Santa—find themselves on an unexpected journey of self-discovery and transformation. Their evolving friendship and shared experiences challenge them to reconcile their pasts, embrace their identities, and navigate the complexities of mental illness.…


Book cover of With Christ in the School of Prayer

Jodie Berndt Author Of Praying the Scriptures for Your Life: 31 Days of Abiding in the Presence, Provision, and Power of God

From my list on prayer and why it is so powerful.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m often introduced as a “prayer expert” but I’m not. I’m just someone who’s found herself praying a lot—for my family, my friends, and even sometimes complete strangers. And while there are all sorts of ways we can pray, I like praying the Scriptures—taking the actual words of the Bible and using them to shape our perspective as well as our prayers. Not only has that approach made my conversations with God more diverse and creative, but it has made them more powerful. Plus, praying this way has equipped me to trust God and experience freedom from worry or fear—even when things don’t happen the way, or in the timing, that I want them to.

Jodie's book list on prayer and why it is so powerful

Jodie Berndt Why did Jodie love this book?

If you’re looking for a well-loved prayer “classic,” you won’t find many books with more staying power than Andrew Murray’s With Christ in the School of Prayer. Murray doesn’t see prayer as one facet of the Christian life; rather, he says that it is the “root and strength” of all that we do. “Jesus never taught his disciples how to preach,” Murray writes, “only how to pray.” And the secret to a powerful prayer life is abiding in Christ—growing into his likeness—so that our lives (including our thoughts and desires) look more like his. As we enroll in Jesus’ “school of prayer", we will learn to pray in harmony with God, be equipped to impact our world, and discover the true purpose of prayer.

By Andrew Murray,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked With Christ in the School of Prayer as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Originally titled: 'With Christ In the School of Prayer: Thoughts on Our Training for the Ministry of Intercession,' to Include: Lord, Teach Us to Pray - In Spirit & Truth - Pray To Thy Father, Which Is In Secret - After This Manner Pray - Ask, & It Shall be Given You - How Much More? - How Much More the Holy Spirit - Because of His Importunity - Pray the Lord of the Harvest - What Wilt Thou? - Believe That Ye Have Received - Have Faith in God - Prayer & Fasting - When Ye Stand Praying, Forgive…


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Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 By Adam Strassberg,

December on 5C4 is a work of magical realism with a Christmas holiday focus in which many Jewish tales, New Testament stories, and Santa legends are all re-enacted in an urban psychiatric hospital setting. 

On locked ward 5C4, Josh and Nick—two very different patients, one with similarities to Jesus and…

Book cover of The Gospel and the Gospels: Christian Proclamation and Early Jesus Books

Craig L. Blomberg Author Of Jesus the Purifier: John`s Gospel and the Fourth Quest for the Historical Jesus

From Craig's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Scholar Professor Passionate Humorous

Craig's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Craig L. Blomberg Why did Craig love this book?

Many people claim these days that many gospels outside the New Testament are just as old and valuable as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, if not more so. 

Simon, a friend who is a professor at the University of Cambridge, analyzes these four books in detail alongside another seven that well represent ancient gospels not in the canon and shows that only the canonical four closely conform to the earliest known Christian creed (1 Corinthians 15:3-5), which stressed Jesus as the Jewish Messiah, his atoning death and bodily resurrection, both according to the Hebrew Scriptures.

The depth with which Simon knows these books and all the relevant scholarship is simply stunning, and the book is very faith-affirming.

By Simon J. Gathercole,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Gospel and the Gospels as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A robust scholarly defense of the distinctiveness of the canonical Gospels. 

Do the four New Testament gospels share some essence that distinguishes them from noncanonical early Gospels? The tendency among biblical scholars of late has been to declare the answer to this question no—that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were grouped together by happenstance and are defended as canonical today despite there being no essential commonalities between them. 

Simon Gathercole challenges this prevailing view and argues that in fact the theological content of the New Testament Gospels distinguishes them substantially from noncanonical Gospels. Gathercole shows how the Gospels of Matthew,…


Book cover of The Star in the Christmas Play

Linda Whalen Author Of Little Red Rolls Away

From my list on dealing with emotions and change.

Why am I passionate about this?

Often, people don’t understand the emotions of a child. The care and keeping of children have been my life focus as a mother of five, 4-H leader, Kindergarten aide, religious education teacher, and owner of Whalen’s Country Childcare. I hold dear the awe and wonder seen in the eyes of a child and hope to forever be inspired by the sight. Since my new book, Little Red Rolls Away was released, I have presented at schools, libraries, appeared in newspapers, magazines, and been featured on CBS Good Day Sacramento. Endorsements include filmmaker Joey Travolta, Founder and Creative Director, Inclusion Films, a company that aims to teach the art of filmmaking to people with developmental disabilities.

Linda's book list on dealing with emotions and change

Linda Whalen Why did Linda love this book?

“I wish I was any animal but a giraffe,” said Raffi. Disappointment melts through this little(or not so little) guy like butter in the sun. When children set up hope for something and it doesn’t work out, they are devastated. Raffi realizes that while he is not suited for some things, he is just the right answer for another. Where there is a will there is a way.

By Lynne Marie, Lorna Hussey (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Star in the Christmas Play as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

All of the savanna animals are excited to audition for the school Christmas Play, except Raffi the giraffe. He's too tall to play baby Jesus, or Joseph, or even a manger animal. He feels discouraged, until he realizes that he's just the right size to play the most important part.

This endearing Christmas story for ages 4 to 8 will resonate with children who are still learning to be comfortable in their own skin.


Book cover of Love That Lasts: How We Discovered God's Better Way for Love, Dating, Marriage, and Sex

Brittany Coburn Author Of Pray Together: A 6 Week Couples Prayer Guide

From my list on how to build a strong Christian relationship.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Christian author who loves to see when relationships, rooted in Christ, succeed. I have been married for 13 years and during that time we have had ups and downs and have found that our relationship would have never succeeded if it wasn’t for Christ and being grounded in his truths. I have sought out ways to cultivate healthy a marriage and often find myself studying and reading on how to best have our relationship reflect Christ and his love for the church. 

Brittany's book list on how to build a strong Christian relationship

Brittany Coburn Why did Brittany love this book?

As someone who has worked with many college students, I recommend this book quite often.

Jefferson and Alyssa Bethke approached dating and marriage from two different perspectives and lifestyles, proving that it does not matter what your past contains. As long as you put Christ first in all relationships, He alone can mend brokenness and help you to create a love that will last.

I have had many deep and meaningful conversations with those preparing for marriage because of this book. 

By Jefferson Bethke, Alyssa Bethke,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Love That Lasts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In Love That Lasts, New York Times bestselling author of Jesus > Religion Jefferson Bethke and his wife, Alyssa, expose the distorted views of love that permeate our culture and damage our hearts, minds, and souls.

Drawing from Jeff's "prodigal son" personal history and from Alyssa's "True Love Waits" experience, the Bethkes point to a third and better way. Blending personal storytelling with biblical teaching, they offer readers an inspiring, realistic vision of love, dating, marriage, and sex.

Young people today enter adulthood with expectations of blissful dating followed by a romantic, fulfilling marriage only to discover they've been duped.…


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Book cover of The Essence: A Guided Journey of Discovery through the Bible

The Essence By John Pasquet,

The Bible is the greatest mystery novel ever written. It begins in the Old Testament with seemingly random accounts of ancient people in far away places with strange customs. There’s the prophecy of a coming Hero who will conquer the villain and restore peace to the land. The mystery reaches…

Book cover of All My Knotted-Up Life

Marissa Burt Author Of Storybound

From Marissa's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Curious Analytical Educator Imaginative Bookish

Marissa's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Marissa Burt Why did Marissa love this book?

I’ve appreciated Beth Moore’s non-fiction over the years, but her memoir was a delightful surprise.

The description and setting dripped from the page and transported me across the decades and into the South. With her characteristic humor and depth, Beth told her story with vulnerability, kindness, and a posture that made it feel like I was having coffee with a friend.

I wanted to go slowly and linger with her words, but I also found myself turning the next page and the next because it was so hard to put down. Highly recommend!

By Beth Moore,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked All My Knotted-Up Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestseller!

An incredibly thoughtful, disarmingly funny, and intensely vulnerable glimpse into the life and ministry of a woman familiar to many but known by few.

“It’s a peculiar thing, this having lived long enough to take a good look back. We go from knowing each other better than we know ourselves to barely sure if we know each other at all, to precisely sure that we don’t. All my knotted-up life I’ve longed for the sanity and simplicity of knowing who’s good and who’s bad. I’ve wanted to know this about…


Book cover of Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination
Book cover of Slaves of the Volcano God
Book cover of Friendship with Jesus

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