Here are 100 books that The Modern Christ fans have personally recommended if you like The Modern Christ. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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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 Elizabeth loves 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…


If you love The Modern Christ...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Book cover of Bones

William M. Hayes Author Of Save Him

From my list on “what if” books that will have you thinking “WTF”.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love reading and writing "what if" stories. When I came up with the idea for my book, I thought, that's one whopper of an idea. Then I thought, how the heck will I pull this off? An elite military unit sent back in time to when Jesus walked the earth. And one of the members of the unit decides to save Christ. With that crazy concept, the result is my book Save Him, which has won seven writing awards as I write this. As a kid, I always tried to tell the best stories around the campfire, and I guess that's what I'm still trying to do now.

William's book list on “what if” books that will have you thinking “WTF”

William M. Hayes Why William loves this book

What if the remains of Jesus Christ were discovered? What would happen to everyone involved in the archaeological discovery? And this premise is what makes for such an enticing read when it comes to Bones by Bob Springett. Everyone involved from a scientific, religious, and even a political point of view would have clashing opinions if the news got out about such a discovery. And Springett sets up all these scenarios amazingly. A terrific story by a very gifted author.

By Bob Springett ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

An archaeological dig in Palestine unearths a document. But this is a document with a difference! Could this be one of the eye-witness accounts' that Luke used when writing his Gospel?


Another dig finds two skeletons. Could one of these be the bones of Jesus of Nazareth?


Christians of all persuasions, Muslims, Israelis, archaeologists, atheist politicians, all try to bend the evidence to suit their own agendas. Conspiracy theories abound and war is imminent.


What is the truth here? Or is seeking the 'Truth' the most elusive agenda of them all?


Book cover of This Is Me

Anna Anderson Author Of Survival Without Roots: Memoir of an Adopted Englishwoman

From my list on growing up adopted.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am adopted. I am a birth mother and also a mother through adoption. I have lived through all ‘three faces’ of adoption and know how each ‘face’ affects millions of people's lives all over the world. I am passionate that conversations around adoption need to come out of the closet and the secrecy surrounding the subject must disappear. By writing my books, I am on a mission to support adoptees, birth mothers, and adoptive parents and help them realise they are not alone. After publication of my first book in the Survival Without Roots trilogy, I am humbled that people are reaching out to say that reading Book One has helped them so much.  

Anna's book list on growing up adopted

Anna Anderson Why Anna loves this book

Fiona leaves no stone unturned as she describes the journey of her years dabbling with drugs and alcohol brought on by the trauma of growing up adopted. Fiona shows a true spirit of determination to fight through her adoption traumas of rejection and abandonment. I wondered all the way through this book whether she would succeed or if her experiences would eventually be too much for one person to bear.

By Fiona Myles ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked This Is Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The true-life story of Fiona who always felt displaced, a girl looking for belonging and security. This is Me No Darkness Too Deep, explores the ups and downs when as a young woman she roller-coasted, travelling from city to city and meeting trouble at every stop. Fiona spent many years in the depths of dark and desolate places, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She was beaten, she slept rough and was used and abused and endured the horrors of rape. Carrying the weight of being an adoptee meant that she struggled through abandonment and rejection issues.

The author is not ashamed…


If you love Dan Hambright...

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

Book cover of The Yoga of Jesus - Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels

Vic Manzo Jr. Author Of Decoding the Matrix: Powerful Tips for Unleashing Your Potential and Accelerating Your Spiritual Awakening

From my list on self-help on personal development.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I was 12 years old, I told my mom I would figure out this thing called, “life.” It wasn't until 7 years later that I started my journey to dive deep to find the deep profound truths of this world, our life, and how it all works. I've read over 1,000 books on many topics that span from mindset, psychology, neuroscience, near-death experiences, spirituality, universal laws, and much more. I wanted to find out how this all works so I can help myself which in return, can help the ones I love and help the world. Since then, I've written 3 books that have been the accumulation of this journey so far.

Vic's book list on self-help on personal development

Vic Manzo Jr. Why Vic loves this book

This book was what I needed at the time of my life at 19. It shared the teachings of Jesus in such a simple way that is well beyond what I was ever taught for 18 years being a Catholic and had me see Jesus more in the human form than how he is normally perceived.  

By Paramahansa Yogananda ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Yoga of Jesus - Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this remarkable book, Paramahansa Yogananda reveals the hidden yoga of the Gospels and confirms that Jesus, like the ancient sages and masters of the East, not only knew yoga but taught this universal science of God-realization to his closest disciples. Compiled from the author's highly praised two-volume work, The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, this insightful and compact book transcends the centuries of dogma and misunderstanding that have obscured the original teachings of Jesus, showing that he taught a unifying path by which seekers of all faiths can enter the kingdom of God.…


Book cover of He Chose the Nails: What God Did to Win Your Heart

Ashley DeMarcos Author Of Jesus Loves ALL of Us.: 100 Days of Divine Acceptance, Unconditional Love and Superabounding Grace for Everyone within the Body of Christ

From my list on Christians that teach unconditional inclusivity.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a child of God, an heir to the throne through Jesus Christ, and a living testimony to the great I Am. I have 4 children who keep me young. I have been with my spouse for 20 years (married for 10). I run a Facebook page called “Jesus Loves All of Us,” where I share daily devotionals. I opened a publishing company called Stewardship Press a few years ago, which is linked to this page. I have written over 20 books, journals, coloring books, and devotionals, most of which are Christ-centered. The others that do not have Christian content are still morally and ethically upstanding secular content.

Ashley's book list on Christians that teach unconditional inclusivity

Ashley DeMarcos Why Ashley loves this book

This book reshaped my understanding of faith during a pivotal moment in my life. I was right smack dab in the middle of giving my life over to Christ. I was looking forward to being baptized and doing a lot of studying on my own, but I couldn't quite wrap my head around what “exactly” Jesus’ death did for me on the cross. This book opened my eyes. 

This book was not just about learning the facts of Jesus' sacrifice; it was about experiencing the profound love and acceptance that comes with it. By the last page, I completely understood what happened at the cross and what it meant to me.

Lucado's ability to unravel the Easter story in a way that's both deeply insightful and surprisingly light-hearted. It's like he's peeling back the layers of Scripture to reveal the heart of God in a whole new light. Highly recommend!

By Max Lucado ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked He Chose the Nails as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Is your heart unsettled by the chaos of the world? Are you heavy-laden with bad moments, mad moments, or anxious moments? Today, rest in God's self-giving love and leave all your troubles at the foot of the cross.

There were no accidents on the days surrounding Jesus' death. Jesus' last moments were not left up to chance. God chose the path; he selected the nails. Our Lord planted the trio of crosses and painted the sign. God was never more sovereign than in the details of the death of his Son. God didn't have to do all these things, you…


Book cover of Faith on the Edge: Daring to Follow Jesus

Robbie Castleman Author Of Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children Into the Joy of Worship

From my list on building faith through intergenerational experiences.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve had the joy of “making disciples” for a long time. From the time I became a Christian while in college, to raising my own sons as disciples, to 15 years of work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship on secular campuses, to the last third of my life as a Professor of Bible and Theology at a Christian University, I have responded to Jesus’ Great Commission to “make disciples” with both the joys and sorrows that calling includes. I have experienced the richness of intergenerational congregations that my pastor-husband has led, and seen our sons grow and mature as Christians through “parenting in the pew” before it was a book!

Robbie's book list on building faith through intergenerational experiences

Robbie Castleman Why Robbie loves this book

This multi-author book is a terrific resource for older teens and college students to navigate “growing up” well and maturing in their own faith commitment and practices. Chapters offer good advice and the reasons behind the advice for faith challenges, dealing with failure, forgiving parents as a part of loving them, finding a new congregation for worship, work, and witness, as well as dealing with sexuality, morals, justice issues, vision for missions, and creation care and much more! This book is a practical as well as a biblically faithful guide for the transformation of a lifetime as children empty the nest into adulthood. I give this book as a graduation gift to every high-schooler I know!

By Paul Tokunaga (editor) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Faith on the Edge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Do you want to live for Jesus but struggle with what that means day by day? The deep desire of our hearts to be close to God is so easily sidetracked by daily realities. This book is designed to cover the areas of faith and life that you most want to bring together under God's leadership: decision-making dating and relationships racial reconciliation suffering experiencing God loving your parents emotional healing time management everyday evangelism hope for times of failure Following Jesus is a wild and wonderful journey. It is perhaps the riskiest choice you will ever make. And the most…


If you love The Modern Christ...

Book cover of Girl in the Ashes

Girl in the Ashes by Douglas Weissman,

Odette Lefebvre is a serial killer stalking the shadows of Nazi-occupied Paris and must confront both the evils of those she murders and the darkness of her own past.

This young woman's childhood trauma shapes her complex journey through World War II France, where she walks a razor's edge…

Book cover of Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity?

Craig L. Blomberg Author Of Making Sense of the New Testament

From my list on making sense of the New Testament.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have just retired after teaching 35 years in the New Testament department at Denver Seminary. I have authored, co-authored, or co-edited thirty books related to New Testament studies and more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles or chapters in multi-author books. I have learned that most of the reasons people don’t believe in part or all of the Bible is because they don’t understand it properly, so my passion is to try to rectify that. The New Testament changed my life for the better, as it has hundreds of millions of other people. I just want to help that number continue to grow.

Craig's book list on making sense of the New Testament

Craig L. Blomberg Why Craig loves this book

Nothing has superseded this in the twenty-seven years since it was published. Wenham has spent his entire career returning again and again to the issue of Jesus and Paul, showing that despite many superficial differences, the core messages of these two crucial figures at the beginning of Christianity mesh well with each other. It contains discussions as well of all the places where Paul actually quotes or alludes to Jesus’ teaching, though many scholars have not always recognized these. Despite frequent claims to the contrary, Paul is most decidedly not the true founder of Christianity but a faithful follower of Jesus. Now retired, Wenham has been a great encouragement to me at key stages of my scholarly career.

By David Wenham ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This book provides a broad, popular look at the relationship between Paul and Jesus. Wenham studies the Gospels and Paul's letters, systematically compares the teachings of Jesus and Paul, and reveals the intriguing connections and differences between the two. His conclusions make this volume a ground-breaking work with exciting implications.


Book cover of Quarantine

Jonathan Trigell Author Of The Tongues of Men or Angels

From my list on fiction with Jesus as a character.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m the author of five extremely different novels: Boy A (which was made into an award-winning film), Cham, Genus, The Tongues of Men or Angels, and Under Country. They share almost nothing in subject or setting. Ranging from first-century Judaea to a future London. From ski resort workers in France to young offender prisons in Britain. My latest work - Under Country - is about the 1984 Miners’ Strike and its still lingering scars in the North East pit villages. Yet, I suppose, if there were a unifying theme between them, it would be that each, in its own way, is influenced by and fascinated with Christianity.

Jonathan's book list on fiction with Jesus as a character

Jonathan Trigell Why Jonathan loves this book

Written long before quarantines became so fashionable, Jesus in Jim Crace’s novel is an almost peripheral player, because set during Christ’s forty days in the wilderness six other people share in the inhospitable desert caves, miracles, and hallucinations. Each character has their own troubles and trials; their own battles with demons to resolve; which they hope isolation and fasting will accomplish. And for each, in ingenious ways, it does… I am a big fan of Crace’s style, rhythm, and invention, and this is one of his finest works.

By Jim Crace ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Quarantine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With an introduction by Stuart Evers

So this is happiness, she thought. Or this, at least, is what adds up to happiness. The prospect of never running after men and camels any more, of being Miri without shame or hesitation, of letting drop her headscarf for a change so that nothing intervened between her and the sky.

Five travellers venture into the Judean wilderness in search of redemption. Instead, amidst the barren rocks, they are met by a dangerous man, Musa, and fall under his dark influence. As the unforgiving days and bitter nights erode their resolve, it becomes clear…


Book cover of Kingdom Identity: Heal Your Soul & Step Into Your Destiny

Polly Betzner Walshin Author Of You Got Daddy Issues?

From my list on books that restore your soul and let you know you are not alone.

Why am I passionate about this?

The reason why I recommended these books is they all have the constant theme of freedom. Each one is very unique, and they all have adventure, romance, tragedy, and fantasy. Every single book is a different journey of healing for your soul that I feel anyone would enjoy. We have two biographies that are so raw; they will rock your soul, and you can relate to them. We have one on how not to get offended, which is amazing, and another that is sci-fi, which is way better than Harry Potter ever thought about being. If you like me as an author, you will love the books that I have recommended. 

Polly's book list on books that restore your soul and let you know you are not alone

Polly Betzner Walshin Why Polly loves this book

This jaw-dropping autobiography from Lisa will leave you wanting more on every page.

She bears her soul with everything that she went through being on the streets, dealing drugs, running away from home, being abused, and going to prison.

Throughout the book, her transparency of what she felt will guide you on an adventure and ultimately will show you who your true identity is with with Jesus.

If you love Dan Hambright...

Book cover of Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles

Courting the Sun by Peggy Joque Williams,

Can a free-spirited country girl navigate the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that is the court of Louis XIV—the Sun King--and still keep her head?

France, 1670. Sixteen-year-old Sylvienne d’Aubert receives an invitation to attend the court of King Louis XIV. She eagerly accepts, unaware of her mother’s…

Book cover of Lamb of the Free: Recovering the Varied Sacrificial Understandings of Jesus's Death

Robin A. Parry Author Of The Biblical Cosmos: A Pilgrim's Guide to the Weird and Wonderful World of the Bible

From my list on the Bible that bend your brain.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been a thinker, asking big questions and playing around with crazy ideas. That’s why I’ve been fascinated by the Bible since I was fourteen, reading it cover-to-cover multiple times and studying it academically for—approaching four decades now. It’s a classic for a reason! At first, I read it because I became a Christian, and it’s part of the package, but within a short time, I was hooked. I was especially interested in the tough parts, the bits I didn’t like or couldn’t make sense of. They were invitations to explore, think, and learn. It never ceases to surprise me with new ideas and inspirational insights.

Robin's book list on the Bible that bend your brain

Robin A. Parry Why Robin loves this book

To my mind, this one is a game-changer. It seems a niche subject—the ways that Jesus’ death is interpreted in NT texts as a sacrifice—but, Man Alive, it was one of the most eye-opening and engrossing books I’ve read in years.

Rillera argues that many Christians have significantly misunderstood Jesus’ death. All that stuff about Jesus taking the punishment for our sins and dying so we don’t have to, he says, is not in the Bible! Sounds nuts, right? That’s why I found it such an arresting book.

And the resulting teaching on Jesus’ death makes a heck of a lot more sense to me. I love books that make me rethink stuff I took for granted. This is one. (Warning: a tightly argued book, so demands some concentration.)

By Andrew Remington Rillera ,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Lamb of the Free analyzes the different sacrificial imagery applied to Jesus in the NT in light of the facts that (a) there is no such thing as substitutionary death sacrifice in the Torah—neither death nor suffering nor punishment of the animal has any place in the sacrificial system—and (b) there are both atoning and non-atoning sacrifices. Surprisingly, the earliest and most common sacrifices associated with Jesus’s death are the non-atoning ones. Nevertheless, when considering the whole NT, Jesus is said to accomplish all the benefits of the entire Levitical system, from both atoning and non-atoning sacrifices and purification. Moreover,…


Book cover of Friendship with Jesus
Book cover of Bones
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