5 books that changed who I am: a meme

Ally has tagged me in a meme. To play along, I need to share five books that changed who I am.  Rules are:

• Tag between 3 and 5 people

• link back to this post.

• call the post '5 books that changed who I am'
• enjoy.

It was tough to narrow it down to five, but here we go:

The Bible - the only book that has completely changed me with its good news about the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee - I read this book in year 7. Atticus Finch was the reason I decided to study law when I finished high school.

Knowing God, by J.I. Packer - I read this book years ago, as a young adult, at a time when I was suffering from depression. It's solid stuff, focussing on who God is as revealed in the Bible. I took my time reading it, a chapter at a time, and taking the time to sink my teeth into what the Bible tells us about God was so helpful. I really felt that I did have a deeper knowledge and understanding of God by the end of it. I wouldn't say it was the thing that 'cured' my depression, but it certainly helped (unlike some of the other books lent to me at the time!!).

When I don't desire God - How to Fight for Joy, by John Piper - This was another book I read at a time when I needed encouragement as a Christian - in fact I blogged through it.  I felt quite dry in my Christian life and this book reminded me of how vital it is to cling onto the gospel of the glory of Christ and persevere in the Christian disciplines of daily Bible reading and prayer.  A real life changer.

Women and the Word of God, by Susan Foh. Before I read this book, I was an egalitarian in my views on what the Bible said about men and women. This book, with its careful arguments from the Bible, convinced me to adopt a complementarian position. (See Rachael's recent posts from 'in tandem' which explain the meanings of these two positions). I've read many more books on the subject since then, some of which are probably better in quality of writing and argument, but this was the book that originally swung my position, so it has to go on this list.

I'm going to tag: Jean, Rachael, and Wendy.

Pic from stock.xchng