Previous years: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018
I started this post a year ago but failed to publish it… Things got busy… but better late than never.
2022 was a slower year for reading––I failed to beat my 2021 record of 24 books. However, it was still a profitable year and some of this was due to reading longer books (some that I’m still working on such as the amazing yet lengthy “Lectures to My Students” by Charles Spurgeon). All and all, it was a fuller season of work and ministry than probably any previous year of my life. In addition to this, I am learning to slow down and focus more on retaining what I am reading even if it means reading fewer books per year.
So, without further ado, here goes 2022…
Non-fiction
The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis – Incredibly insightful and practically prophetic regarding gender ideology and education, considering it was written 80 years ago.
Jesus and Gender by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher – Very problematic, rife with faulty logic and misuse of Scripture. Sadly Fitzpatrick is no longer a trustworthy source of guidance for Christian women.
The Masculine Mandate by Richard Phillips – A wonderful book that made me weep and repent of ways I’ve failed as a husband and father, but also encouraged me to press on for the glory of God. A must-read for all young men… and my choice for book of the year!
Understanding Spiritual Warfare by Sam Storms – I have mixed feelings about this one. Much of the content is helpful and biblical, but the anecdotes at the end of each chapter seem incongruent with the rest of the book as they promote a fringe charismatic narrative detached from Biblical support. Still, it’s a worthwhile read on this important topic.
21 Leyes irrefutables del liderazgo (21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership) by J.C. Maxwell – Filled with inspiring stories and much-needed counsel for leaders. Some of the principles in this book have proven indispensable for me as my leadership influence continues to expand.
Plowing in Hope: Toward a Biblical Theology of Culture by David Bruce Hegeman – A very helpful and biblical approach to the unavoidable subject of culture, which the author describes as the “durable effects of human habitation,” and “The output of all human societies; The product of deliberate human activity.”
It’s Good to Be A Man by Michael Foster – Not as good or as thoroughly biblical as “The Masculine Mandate” by Phillips, but a very good book nonetheless. There are numerous helpful teachings here but at times Foster seems to overstate his case. If you’re a man, then it is certainly good to be a man, but most of all, it is good to be found in Christ and clothed in His righteousness, not that Foster would disagree but his emphasis may not be totally in proportion. Here are noteworthy quotes:
“It is possible for a man to be masculine without being virtuous, but it is impossible for him to be virtuous without being masculine.”
“Those who are mature can laugh at things that are truly funny but also consistently take serious things seriously. Calvin observes ‘Nothing is more shameful than for an old man to indulge in youthful wantonness and by his countenance to strengthen the impotence of the young.'”
“Individualism masquerades as masculinity. “
Anne Bradstreet: Passionate Femininity by Douglas Wilson – Well done. Discover the truth about (at least much of) Puritan life in 17th Century New England from original sources, and be inspired by the impact a godly woman can have on the world. Let’s just say that the Salem Witch Trials are not representative of the majority of Christians in that time and place. My daughter Eva and I enjoyed listening to this one on a road trip to Oaxaca City.
Leadership 101 by John C. Maxwell – Good practical advice.
Relationships 101 by John C. Maxwell – Nothing revolutionary but plenty of practical insights.
Fiction
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis – Always good. The younger kids enjoyed hearing me read even though they had unfortunately already seen the movie. I hadn’t previously noticed Lewis’ skillful jabs at feminism and egalitarianism in this timeless tale, but that’s one more reason to love it.
A Man Called Trent by Louis L’Amour – A good All-American Western. My son Caleb faithfully listened to this one on audio with me.
Three short books from “The Strong Land” by Louis L’Amour – Including ‘The One for the Mohave Kid,” ‘His Brother’s Debt,” and ”A Strong Land Growing” – These were all decently entertaining short story westerns.
Ride, Sally, Ride by Douglas Wilson – Not what many people would lead you to believe. In the spirit of C.S. Lewis, Wilson creatively exposes the darkness of sexual slavery in our culture without crossing the line of using it as a means of entertainment. I take issue with Wilson on some things, but I have found that many of the Christians who despise him commit a great hypocrisy by condemning (without actually having read) this book while simultaneously writing positive reviews for filth on Netflix and HBO with scenes far worse than anything here. I read it with Julissa, and I will admit there was at least one line that made me feel uncomfortable reading out loud, but, as a whole, many anti-Wilson folks would be pleasantly surprised by this unique work of futuristic fiction that ultimately points readers to the redeeming grace of the Gospel.
As always, I conclude with an encouragement to read twice as much Scripture as anything else. The Word of God abides forever.
Happy reading in the New Year!
Cedarland Family 