Christian evangelicalism has influenced U.S. culture and Christians everywhere for decades. Somewhere along the line (around the 1970s), evangelicalism came to be associated with political and social conservatism, which led a small group of evangelicals to break away from the majority to pursue social justice, inclusivity, and intellectual honesty.

I'd tell you the rest of the story, but I'll let you read about it for yourself in the books below (especially "Rescuing Jesus").

These 12 books are just a few of my favorites in a growing field of progressive evangelicalism. They challenge the status quo, calling to mind some of the things that have given Christians a bad rep: consumerism, power structures, privilege, a lack of diversity, and an obsession with certainty.

Some of the authors would self-identify as evangelicals, while others would not. I intentionally chose books that cover a wide range of topics, so I hope you'll find something on here to pick up and challenge yourself with. If you do, let me know so we can have a discussion about it!

1. UnChristian, David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons

The book is pretty mild, as far as most of this list goes. However, it is a great introduction into the world of evangelical critique, as it presents some of the reasons culture has negative perceptions of Christianity. Read this one to generate some questions and then check out the others for...well, more questions.

2. Velvet Elvis, Rob Bell

Written over a decade ago, this was a Rob Bell unscathed by the ostracization he faces today. In it, he demonstrates what it means to have humility in the face of a God we can only attempt to understand. He's hopeful about the Church and the world. Another great starting point.

3. Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller

Blue Like Jazz is one of my favorite books of all time. Rather than a systemtic approach to theology or faith, Miller writes autobiographically, offering candid reflections on life, faith, relationships, and hope, all in the same breath.

4. Faith Unraveled, Rachel Held Evans

Another autobiographical piece, Faith Unraveled tells the story of a theologian's daughter who learned to question the inconsistencies she had always accepted as fact, especially in terms of morality and science.

5. The Bible Tells Me So, Peter Enns

Enns tackles a very academic topic in a very accessible way: is the Bible really true? He'll convince you of both the beauty of Scripture and the absurdity of some of its modern interpretations...and manages to be entertaining along the way.

6. Torn, Justin Lee

This one addresses one of the most divise issues in evangelicalism: the morality of LGBTQ+ relationships and identity. Lee handles it with grace, patience, and his own personal story of coming out and trusting God. Minimally political and easy to read, this is my go-to recommendation for Christians who want to learn more about LGBTQ+ ideas within the Church.

7. The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne

Consumerism may be an American value, but that doesn't mean it's a Christian value. Claiborne is a voice of desperation for the Church to get back to the flesh-and-blood service we were always called to. This is definitely a challenge for those of us who have gotten used to a comfortable faith.

8. Pagan Christianity?, Frank Viola & George Barna

Where do our liturgies and traditions come from? You may be surprised to find out, not from Jesus. Not even from the early church. Most of the practices of contemporary evangelicalism come from Pagan sources - and many of them are weighing us down, not building us up. (If you read this one, follow it up with the sequel, Reimagining Church. That book reconstructs what this one breaks down.)

9. The Myth of a Christian Nation, Greg Boyd

I haven't finished reading this gem yet, but I think it's important, especially given that it's an election year. Where did the rhetoric of "Christian nation" come from? Is it biblical? How do our politics inform our faith and vice versa? You might want to pick this one up before November.

10. Rescuing Jesus, Deborah Jian Lee

If I wish I could have written one book on this list, it would probably be Rescuing Jesus. Written from the persepective of a journalist, this book traces the stories of minorities in the Church: women, people of color, and queer Christians. It's informative and an encouraging testament to inclusivity. Highly recommended.

11. A Fellowship of Differents, Scot McKnight

Denominations, communities, and political groups are often born from like-minded groups of people. We like to hang around people like us. But Jesus didn't work like that - people from all colors and creeds were united as one body because of his message. Why should the contemporary church be any different?

12. The Upside-Down Kingdom, Donald Kraybill

Most of these books are fairly new, so I thought I'd include a classic. If you're tired of a Christianity that looks so much like the world and nothing like Jesus, read this book. It's a beautiful picture of the upside-down, crazy faith that Christianity really is.

This is just a brief introduction into a deep well of bright thinkers and innovators - there are many more to speak of. What books have influenced your faith or thinking?

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