There are a lot of sources that have been formative in my personal development. Books, articles, music and art. This is a partial list of the works that have helped me understand myself and my calling better.
Cross-X by Joe Miller – Cross X profiles the debate team at Central High School, which is 2 blocks from where I work. It mixes story with history and educational philosophy and does a really good job of helping the reader understand what life in the city is like for young black students.
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn – Structure was the second book I read in college. (The first was Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, and I still wake up in cold sweats as a result) It’s a great read for those who wish to evoke paradigm shifts, and also for those who struggle with paradigm shifts.
Home Grown! The Beginners Guide to Understanding The Roots, Vol 1 & Vol 2 – Modern-day hip-hop prophets who play instruments and have heavy jazz influence to their music. The messages are both foretelling and forthtelling. If you aren’t going to go out and pick up the entire Roots anthology, this is a good sampling. However, it does not include any tracks from the very strong and recent Rising Down.
Cato Institute’s Policy Analysis on Desegregation in Kansas City – I know, I know. Policy analysis is not thrilling. However, this gives a good brief history of desegregation efforts in Kansas City, and outlines the reasons why the Kansas City School District has stayed criminally weak. The sad thing is that the article is 10 years old, and little has changed to this day.
Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 by Steve Stockman, U2: Into The Heart by Niall Stokes, U2 by U2 and The Complete U2 (from iTunes) – I love me some U2. The music is fantastic, but so are the stories behind a lot of the music.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare – My dad made me read the play the summer before my Freshman year in high school. That was the day I found out Mickey Mouse is a liar. Life isn’t full of happy endings with princes and princesses falling into each other’s arms. Sometimes kids get caught up in cycles of violence and everyone dies at the end, even though they were just trying to be in love. There’s a happy thought to get you through your day. And yes, contrary to popular trends, I liked the movie.
Ethical Realism by Anatol Lieven and John Hulsman – The best foreign policy document I have had the opportunity to read. An inspiring vision for what America could be and do in the world.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson – Peace through education. It’s a fantastic concept, though one that requires total commitment to the cause without ulterior motive. What continually struck me while reading his story is that a Christian missionary could never accomplish what Mortenson has accomplished because Mortenson was far more into local custom and tradition and respect of the people that he was accepted by the Muslim community and not viewed as a threat.
Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath and Real Sex by Lauren Winner – Winner knows how to tell her unique story well. She is also highly intelligent, very funny and convicting. Perhaps my favorite author.
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – American Evangelical Christian’s don’t get cost. We talk about discipleship, we talk about justice, we talk about a lot of things. But we don’t get cost. Bonhoeffer got it, and this book is hardcore. Dude can go hardcore on us though, because his life was hardcore. He was willing to give it all, which makes the read all that more convicting.
NT Wright – The Bishop of Durham’s theology has been very helpful to my understanding of God, faith and mission. He is well written, but there are (literally) tons of resources at this website.
An Indtroduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination by Walter Brueggemann – If you want to understand gospel, you had better understand the Hebrew Bible.
A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness by Gene Edwards – My favorite book on leadership. It’s a short and easy read, which makes it a good book to come back to on a regular basis.
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Wire: Season 1 – The most realistic depiction of what my boys are up against. Very graphic. Discussed on 1/12/09.
