Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors, speakers, and scholars are reading? What influences them? Which books do they re-read? Well, I hope to provide some insight here.
What’re They Reading? is going to make you privy to what’s being read by those you admire.
I corresponded with Dr. Michael Bird, Lecturer in Theology at Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry, about what’s on his bedside table, influential biographies, and more.
What’s on your bedside table?
My bedside table currently holds Clayton Jefford’s The Epistle of Diognetus; Ovid’s Metamorphoses; and N.T. Wright
‘s Paul and the Faithfulness of God.
What books do you regularly re-read and why?
Generally speaking I tend to re-read works by N.T. Wright – just so full of scholarly erudition, easy to read, and very enjoyable. I try to read Richard Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor every couple of years since it’s a great read about ministry. I also try to get into some devotional stuff by D.A. Carson like For the Love of God on a regular basis too.
What biographies or autobiographies have most influenced you and why?
I like biographies of biblical scholars and theologians, especially Adolf Schlatter, John Stott, Abraham Kuyper, F.F. Bruce, George Beasley-Murray, and George Eldon Ladd. These are encouraging and come with great warnings about how scholarship can mess you up and the danger of not having a life that matches up with one’s ministry.
What are your favorite fiction books and why?
I’ve been reading Harry Sidebottom’s series, beginning with Fire in the East, which is about a Roman commander. I like fiction that is either ancient or fantasy based.
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You can follow Michael Bird on Twitter.
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