Christians...?

Question

What advice/recommendations/books/websites would you recommend for someone just starting on this path?


Thanks in advance for your kind assistance.

Answer 1

Well other than the Bible...:)

I'm a huge fan of classical theology but a lot of it is inaccessible for those who don't already have a good grasp on Christian concepts. I would say the best two books for people starting on the path would be Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Also, the Confession of St. Augustine is absolutely beautiful in its raw truth and brutal honesty.

I saw that you had posted this for atheists and Islam and went looking for the Christian one because I knew it'd be out there. Thank you for asking these questions! They are genuine and edifying and promote tolerance and understanding so much more than those which attack another religion.

Answer 2

Well,

Bible study is of course essential. I'd recommend an easy to read translation to start with like the new living translation.

I'd attend a small house church group or community church. I'd stay away from conservative ones. Don't want to get a one sided doctrine too soon in the walk.

Find someone who knows what they are talking about and ask questions.

As for books:

C.W. Lewis is good:
Mere Christianity
Screwtape letters

just about anything by him

Advice?

Be patient with growth
They won't figure it all over night
Don't feel like you have to change everything yourself all at once - its an evolution.

Answer 3

Well considering that I just became a Christian a few months ago I'll tell you what I've done.

I found a church and congregation that is wonderful and oh so welcoming. I've gotten involved in the church (helping out in the kitchen prior to fellowship and volunteering for committees and attending other church functions).

I read at least 2 devotionals each and every day ( and most days even more).

I've started reading the Bible from the very beginning and try to read if not every day then every other day.

I pray a long prayer once daily and several smaller prayers throughout the day.

I've started keeping a 3 ring binder with scriptures from the Bible, sermons from my Pastor, Christian song lyrics, devotionals, prayers, etc. This is to increase my knowledge of Christ and to help me through the rough patches.

I sincerely hope this helps you. May God Bless You.

Answer 4

Get an NIV Bible and read the book of James, Romans, 1&2 Cornithans, 1 John 2:3-11

Answer 5

I know it's gonna sound bad but, don't start w/ the Bible. If you set out to read the entire Bible and study from it without someone to help you through it, you're gonna say "Forget this." It can be a difficult read, and a lot of things are open to interpretation. If you do choose to start out w/ the Bible, make it a student's Bible, or teenager's Bible... Those sometimes have questions to ponder and facts and stuff for self-study to help understand the Bible better.

Other than that, I dont know... I went to Lutheran schools from preschool until I graduated high school so I feel that I know everything I need to about my religion so I don't read religious books anymore. I recommend finding a Christian bookstore and asking the clerks there for their suggestions.

Answer 6

If you are a Christian now you should have an appetite for the word of God... As a brother older in Christ I would advise you to read the Word. A good starting place is the Gospel of John. While Matthew shows Jesus' Kingship, John emphasizes God's love. Jim

Answer 7

...Um...The Bible would be a good start. :) I recommend a Dake annotated Bible simply b/c it's so chock-full of information. It might be a little too heavy for a beginner, but if the beginner has a real thirst for knowledge, it should work. I would also recommend books by C.S. Lewis. He seems to be really accessible to both "newbies" and people who have been Christians for a long time.

Answer 8

Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger - Whatever you do, do it well for the fat lady, everyone is the fat lady, (and the fat lady is really Jesus)

Jesus-The Teacher Within by Lawrence Freeman is good also, but much thicker. It looks at the verse in Luke where Jesus asks the disciples "Who do you say that I am". The overall message is the same as that in Franny and Zooey, its just more of an acedemic book than a recreational one.

Answer 9

Simply realize that Satan and/or the world are going to tempt you and try to lure you away. Jesus said that there is a certain type of person that gets the word snatched from them right away. I keep hearing that some of the lowest points in peoples lives were right when they accepted Christ and got baptized.

A book I would suggest is "When God doesnt make sense" by James Dobson. It doesnt literally mean that God doesnt make sense, but more when we dont understand what hes doing because in the coming years you will struggle for direction.

Answer 10

The Bible accompanied with a study Bible. There are also many books on prayer. The Praying Man, The Praying Woman, etc.