January 2017 through December 2017
The short version of this challenge requires that you read non-fiction by a dead Christian author. The long version is taken from Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV):
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.My plan is to read at least four books for this challenge:
1. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
2. Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
3. The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
4. The City of God by Augustine
Possible Additions:
The History of the Church by Euseubius
Whoa! City of God is quite the challenge all by itself.
ReplyDeleteI know. I'm totally intimidated, but it is one title that I am anticipating. : )
DeleteWill you be using a study guide or anything that, or taking it on directly? I know annotations are always helpful in understanding Dante and Shakespeare, let alone Augustine!
DeleteI haven't even opened my copy to see what is in store for me. Knowing me, I will attempt to read it directly, but if I struggle, I may use online helps.
DeleteI really want to read City of God. I haven't bought it yet, but, every day I think...will this be the day I commit to reading it?!
ReplyDeleteA few of us are reading it for The Well-Educated Mind Histories a little later this year, if you want some reading encouragement. Otherwise, have you read Confessions by Augustine? It was excellent. Plus it is like 1/3 the size of City of God.
DeleteWow, this challenge looks interesting. I wonder if I could swing it? I've so overloaded myself for 2017 though, it might be putting another nail in the coffin. We'll see ....
ReplyDeleteAre there any C. S. Lewis' you haven't tackled?
DeleteWell, I've read most of his popular books except for The Four Loves and Reflections on the Psalms. But I have some of his scholastic works such as The Discarded Image and The Allegory of Love to read and I've bought compilations of some of his more obscure essays and reviews to read. Also those three huge volumes of his collected letters. Then I'll be finished. Oh, now you've reminded me about my C.S. Lewis Project. I really should participate in this challenge, shouldn't I?
DeleteYou want me to drag you in, huh? You should just do it! I will say this: the rules are really lenient. You can read ANYTHING - so letters, essays, etc. - and you can read 2-3 or 5-6 or more. And you can add City of God, which hopefully we get to this year. That would cover the whole challenge in itself, I think. : )
DeleteYou have to stop doing this Ruth! I'm signing up for this one, the Russian Lit, Reading the Histories (I might only manage one!)and Back to the Classics. Also reading through David Hick's Norms & Nobility over the year & Brona's Australia month in November. I should be able to cross list most of my choices or I won't get them done. And I'm not going to sign up for any more...
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. You already committed to five challenges, though it helps when you can use one book for several challenges. I signed up for too many in 2016 and ended up dropping two challenges and falling short in two others; so at this time, I'm sticking with my three: TWEM Histories, Russian, and now this.
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