27 Best Christian Books to Read in Your 20s
Your twenties are a significant and transformative period in your life. It’s a time when you’re exploring your identity, making important life decisions, and deepening your faith.
One way to navigate this crucial phase is by reading books that provide guidance, inspiration, and spiritual growth.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best Christian books to read in your 20s, which can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this decade.
Let’s begin.
Best Christian Books to Read in Your 20s
“Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis
This classic work, originally a series of radio talks during World War II, is a thoughtful and logical exploration of the Christian faith. C.S. Lewis, a former atheist, uses reason and philosophy to discuss the essence of Christianity, addressing topics like moral law, faith, and the Christian virtues.
Ideal for both believers and skeptics, this book provides a rational foundation for Christian beliefs.
“The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren
Rick Warren’s book is a 40-day spiritual journey that aims to answer the profound question, “What on earth am I here for?” It helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives and provides insights into finding one’s purpose and meaning in life.
This book has helped millions of people understand their identity and significance in God’s eyes.
“Blue Like Jazz” by Donald Miller
Donald Miller presents a refreshingly honest and non-traditional perspective on Christian spirituality in this book.
He shares personal stories and experiences, portraying his journey of faith and the lessons he learned along the way.
This book is particularly appealing to those who feel disconnected from traditional religious practices and are seeking a more authentic and personal relationship with faith.
“The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel
A former atheist and investigative journalist, Lee Strobel, takes readers on his personal journey to find evidence about the truth of Jesus Christ.
He interviews scholars, asks tough questions, and seeks concrete evidence to understand whether Jesus was truly the Son of God. This book is a compelling read for anyone looking for factual, historical, and academic perspectives on Jesus’s existence and divinity.
“Radical” by David Platt
David Platt challenges the modern Christian community to take a closer look at their practices and beliefs.
He calls for a radical shift in perspective, urging Christians to embrace an authentic faith that involves self-sacrifice and a true understanding of Jesus’s teachings. This book is an eye-opener for those who want to live a deeply committed and purposeful Christian life.
“Crazy Love” by Francis Chan
In “Crazy Love,” Francis Chan delves into the nature of God’s love – how overwhelming, powerful, and relentless it is.
The book encourages readers to respond to this love by making radical changes in their lives, urging them to live passionately and faithfully in light of this love. It’s an inspiring call to move beyond lukewarm Christianity and into a deeper, more genuine relationship with God.
“Boundaries” by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
This book is a comprehensive guide on how to set healthy boundaries in various aspects of life, including family, friends, work, and even oneself. It integrates biblical principles to show how setting limits can actually be a form of obedience to God.
It’s particularly helpful for those who struggle with saying no, dealing with controlling people, or maintaining their personal integrity.
“Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
Sarah Young offers a deeply spiritual experience in this devotional book. It comprises a year’s worth of daily readings, each written from Jesus’s point of view (based on Young’s personal journaling and prayer life).
These messages focus on finding peace in God’s presence and are designed to encourage, comfort, and reassure believers in their daily walk with Christ.
“The Ragamuffin Gospel” by Brennan Manning
Brennan Manning’s “The Ragamuffin Gospel” is a passionate exploration of the true nature of God’s grace and love.
It emphasizes that God’s love is unconditional, extending to all, irrespective of their flaws and failures. Manning challenges the notion that God’s grace is only for the ‘righteous,’ arguing instead that it’s especially for the broken, the ragamuffins of the world.
This book is a beacon of hope for anyone who feels unworthy of God’s love.
“Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge
In “Wild at Heart,” John Eldredge dives into the heart of a man, revealing the core desires that give men their passion.
He argues that every man yearns for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue.
This book is a guide to understanding what drives men and how they can channel this energy into living a fulfilling life. It’s a call to embrace masculinity in its true, raw form.
“Captivating” by John and Stasi Eldredge
Written by John and Stasi Eldredge, “Captivating” unveils the mystery of a woman’s soul.
The book explores the essence of feminine beauty and strength, revealing how women are designed to play an irreplaceable role in the story of life. It speaks to the desires of a woman’s heart to be loved, to play an irreplaceable role in a grand adventure, and to unveil beauty.
This book is a celebration of femininity and an invitation to understand the true identity of women in God’s eyes.
“Forgotten God” by Francis Chan
Francis Chan’s “Forgotten God” is a powerful call to rediscover the often-overlooked and misunderstood person of the Holy Spirit.
This book emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, urging believers to move beyond mere acknowledgment to a deep, personal relationship with the Spirit.
Chan challenges readers to embrace the Spirit’s work and guidance in their lives, fostering a deeper understanding of God’s presence and power.
“The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman
Gary Chapman’s “The Five Love Languages” is a groundbreaking exploration of love and communication in relationships.
Chapman identifies five primary ways people express and experience love, which he terms love languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.
This book helps individuals and couples understand and apply these languages, greatly improving the emotional and relational bonds in their partnerships.
“Knowing God” by J.I. Packer
In “Knowing God,” J.I. Packer presents a profound and challenging journey into the heart of Christianity: knowing God intimately.
This book delves deep into the attributes of God, exploring His character and nature through Scripture. Packer offers insights into how a true understanding of God can transform lives, encouraging readers to pursue a more serious and heartfelt knowledge of the Creator.
“Desiring God” by John Piper
John Piper’s “Desiring God” is a revolutionary book that turns conventional Christian thinking on its head. Piper suggests that the pursuit of pleasure is not only permissible but vital for a fulfilling Christian life, coining the term “Christian Hedonism.”
He argues that by finding ultimate pleasure in God, believers can glorify Him as they were meant to. This book invites readers to embark on a journey of finding joy and satisfaction in God above all else.
“Uninvited” by Lysa TerKeurst
Lysa TerKeurst’s “Uninvited” addresses the universal pain of rejection, providing guidance and solace to those who have felt sidelined, left out, or unloved.
This book is a deep exploration of the roots of rejection, offering biblical perspectives and personal insights to help readers find acceptance, belonging, and identity in God’s love.
TerKeurst’s compassionate voice and practical advice make this book a helpful companion for anyone struggling with feelings of rejection.
“The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
This insightful book offers a unique blend of personal growth and spiritual formation through the lens of the Enneagram, a powerful tool for understanding personality types and their implications in various life aspects.
Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile guide readers to self-discovery, helping them understand their behaviors, motivations, and how they see the world.
It’s an essential read for anyone interested in personal development and spiritual health.
“Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman
Kyle Idleman presents a challenging and thought-provoking perspective, urging readers to consider the difference between being a mere fan of Jesus and an actual follower.
He calls for a deeper commitment to faith, beyond superficial admiration, to a life fully devoted to Christ.
This book is particularly impactful for those contemplating the depth and sincerity of their relationship with Jesus.
“The Circle Maker” by Mark Batterson
In “The Circle Maker,” Mark Batterson discusses the power of prayer and how it can lead to significant changes in life.
Drawing inspiration from the legend of Honi the Circle Maker, a first-century Jewish sage, he encourages readers to be bold in their prayers and to trust God for the miraculous.
It’s a motivating read for anyone looking to deepen their prayer life and faith.
“Love Does” by Bob Goff
Bob Goff shares remarkable stories from his life, illustrating how simple acts of love can make a huge difference. He encourages readers to stop planning and start doing – to live a life characterized by love in action.
This book is an inspiring call to make your life count by doing things that matter, driven by love.
“Heaven” by Randy Alcorn
Randy Alcorn provides an extensive and biblically grounded study of Heaven, addressing common questions and misconceptions about the afterlife.
This book offers comfort and hope by painting a vivid picture of what Heaven will be like according to Scripture.
It’s a valuable resource for anyone curious about the Christian perspective of eternity.
“Kisses from Katie” by Katie Davis Majors
This moving autobiography tells the story of Katie Davis Majors, a young woman who followed God’s call to serve orphans in Uganda.
Her journey of faith, love, and the challenges of mothering more than a dozen adopted children is both inspiring and humbling. It’s a beautiful testament to how unconditional love and faith can transform lives.
“Everybody, Always” by Bob Goff
Bob Goff expands on the message of “Love Does,” encouraging readers to practice love without limits.
He shares stories and insights on how to love people, even the difficult ones, in our everyday lives.
This book is a call to love as Jesus did, freely and unconditionally, turning everyday interactions into extraordinary opportunities.
“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis
This classic by C.S. Lewis is a collection of imaginative letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew and understudy, Wormwood.
Through these letters, Lewis explores various Christian themes and moral issues from a unique perspective, offering insight into temptation, grace, and the human condition.
“The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis presents a profound allegory in which he explores concepts of heaven and hell, morality, and the choices we make.
The story takes readers on a bus ride from hell to heaven, providing a series of encounters and conversations that offer deep reflections on eternal consequences and divine love.
“Evidence That Demands a Verdict” by Josh McDowell
Josh McDowell’s book is a comprehensive compilation of historical and scriptural evidence supporting the truth claims of Christianity.
It’s designed for skeptics and believers alike, providing thorough research and logical arguments to defend the faith and encourage confident belief.
“Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper
John Piper challenges readers to reconsider their life’s purpose, warning against the pursuit of a life driven by comfort and earthly pleasures. He encourages a life devoted to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life for God.
This book is a compelling reminder to make every day count for eternity.
