Every year I read many good books, but some stand out above the rest. What follows is my annual recap of the best books I read during 2020.

As a disclaimer, not all of these books were published in 2020(though most of them were). I also am not putting the list in any particular order, they all stand out for particular reasons, and ranking them amongst one another is quite impossible. I also want to clarify that just because a book is listed here does not mean I agree 100% with it. These books simply stand out as the most enjoyable, helpful, and thought provoking I read this year.

Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavinck 

This newly published work of Bavinck’s was perhaps my favorite book of all in 2020. This one volume, accessible systematic theology was equal parts intellectually stimulating, as well as devotionally stirring. This is one of my favorite systematics now, and I have recommended it passionately all throughout the year to whomever would be interested. All christians should own, and read, this book.

Live Not by Lies by Rod Dreher 

I remember reading Dreher’s The Benedict Option in seminary, and while appreciating it, finding it to be a little on the alarmist side. Much of the world has changed since then, and now The Benedict Option looks to have been prophetic in encouraging christians to prepare for what was happening. In Dreher’s new work, Live Not by Lies, he helpfully points our attention to the changing social fabric around us, and offers us a sobering appraisal of what lies ahead for the church in western culture. Drawing on testimony from those under the Soviet Union, as well as leveraging history for our benefit, Dreher helpfully alerts us to the coming challenges the church is most surely to face. He offers christians practical means to begin now preparing for the increased opposition, and provides a handbook for how christians might remain faithful even in harsher times. This may be the most important book of the year.

Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose & James Lindsay 

Critical Theory, and all of its offshoots have been rapidly inserting itself into regular life and public discourse. This book is not a christian book, and the authors make affirmations which any christian cannot(support for homosexuality, for one). Still, the authors, who are classical liberals, offer a scathing critique to the postmodern ideology known as Critical Theory. If you want to understand the thought that is behind things you see in the news, and why ideologies such as Queer Theory, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and more are incredibly dangerous, this is an excellent book to get started on.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman 

Dr. Trueman has written a massive work towards understanding the underlying ways our culture perceives itself, and arrives at the conclusions it does. Working through major philosophers, Trueman demonstrates how the modern conception of identity came to be, and how it provided the room for things like the Sexual Revolution to take place. This thick book(400 pages) is one of the singularly most helpful books I have read on understanding the culture I live and minister in. Christians would be well served to read this, and take serious consideration into how our culture understands itself.

The Dynasty by Jeff Benedict

I rarely have as much fun reading a book as I did reading The Dynasty. As a lifelong patriots fan, who has literally watched the dynasty from its beginning, this book serves as a masterpiece of storytelling. Drawing on main sources like Robert Kraft, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and other key coaches, staff, and executives, Benedict offers an unparalleled behind the scenes look into the 20 year run between Kraft, Brady, and Belichick. The writing of this is phenomenal, and the level of detail is unmatched. Patriots fans are now calling this the equivalent to the Bible of patriots literature, and any fan of football would find this immensely entertaining.

Covenant Theology by The Faculty of Reformed Theological Seminary

This massive work on Covenant Theology is a delight for any who have come to know the beauty of Covenant Theology. The faculty of RTS came together to create this incredibly helpful resource which spans several aspects of Covenant Theology. Both insightful, and practical, this volume will be consulted often whenever I need to teach or refresh on the topic.

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson

I love Winston Churchill. I own most of the major biographies done on Churchill, and this new volume by Larson is a real treat. Larson recounts the events that took place during World War II, and puts Churchill’s leadership on full display. Larson, known for his skill as a storyteller, has written a truly engaging account of what took place not long ago. I’d recommend this highly, as an incredible account of Churchill’s leadership, excellent history, and enticing storytelling.

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Few books have the ability to stir your affections while you read them quite like this one does. Dane, who is a fellow pastor in my Presbytery, has done the church an incredible service with this book. I have given copies out to church members, and will continue to hand this out liberally. Working out of the inspiration of Puritan Thomas Goodwin’s The Heart of Christ, Dane helpfully displays for us what Christ’s heart is towards his own. Your heart will be touched by the tenderness of Christ shown for us in this work. Buy this, read it, and share it– it’s really that good.

Tactics by Gregory Koukl 

This is one of two books on my list that was not published in 2020. I have owned this book for many years, but finally got around to reading it this summer. Few books have had a bigger impact on me than this one. Koukl is masterful in his ways to teach christians how to have evangelistic conversations with unbelievers. Using incredibly practical techniques, that are so easy you will find yourself excited for your next evangelistic opportunity, Koukl equips the reader with the skills necessary to be confident going into any conversation. If you find yourself nervous at the thought of evangelism, or perhaps struggle to know how to discuss your christian convictions with friends and family, this book is the best tool you can have. A+.

The American Spirit By David McCullough

This, the second book which was not published in 2020 on my list, is a collection of speeches given by McCullough over the years. McCullough is a master historian, and his speech writing is tremendous. Each of these have their own unique character and interest to them. I found them to be creative, engaging, and inspiring. If you’d like something a bit on the brighter side, amidst so much turmoil in our nation currently, this book is an encouraging collections of great U.S. stories.

Honorable Mentions

Pastors and their Critics by Joel Beeke

Does God care how we worship? by Ligon Duncan

Crucified and Risen by John Calvin

The Gathering Storm by Albert Mohler

The 10 commandments of progressive christianity by  Michael Kruger