THE BOOKSHELF

Build Your Library

Would you like to start a good, solid library full of interesting and informative books? Here is where I would start if I were building my library again.

Get a good Bible app that has dozens of translations. Back that up with a couple of “parallel” Bibles. They have 2-4 translations on the same page so you can easily compare versions. Must-have versions include the NIV, NRSV, and CEV plus one paraphrase such as the TEV. If you can, also get a NASV but it isn’t quite as easy to find in print.
Reference books are a must. The internet is wonderful but there is more dross than gold out there. Two must-haves are the Oxford Bible Commentary and the Oxford Companion to the Bible (see below). They do not go into deep, deep waters but they are excellent to give you background information on every part of the Bible.
Prayer books are a must for me, but not necessary for others. I need help forming prayers and finding words that match what my heart is feeling or what my life needs. They also help serve as devotionals, another thing I am not good at doing by myself for myself.

Universal Reconciliation

Reading List Updated Sept 2024

“Heaven’s Doors” by George Sarris. (for the general reader, thorough but understandable)

“Universalism: the prevailing doctrine of the Christian Church for the first 500 years” by John Wesley Hanson (history, many quotes from early Christian leaders)

“Razing Hell” by Sharon L. Baker (highly readable, thorough)

“Destined for Joy” by Alvin F. Kimel (Eastern Orthodox perspective, many quotes from Eastern Church Fathers and Saints)

“The Inescapable Love of God” by Thomas Talbott (classic and very thorough study text. Very meaty)

“Grace Saves All: the necessity of Christian Universalism” by David Artman (thorough yet readable, a new classic in the field)

“Her Gates Will Never Be Shut” by Bradley Jersak (understandable by non- professionals, but quite thorough)

“That All Be Saved” by David Bentley Hart (the gold standard in argument for Christian Universalism, using philosophy and logic as well as scripture. Not as readable as some but very worth the effort)

“A Defense of Biblical Universalism” by George Sidney Hurd (a response to James DeYoung’s book against universalism. A short book with a great blend of history, scripture and logic)

Scripture Lists: There are many websites posting these. Here are a few for you to check out.

https://www.mercyonall.org/universalism-in-scripture

https://www.openbible.info/topics/universalism

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/2021/07/76-bible-verses-to-support-universal-reconciliation/