For Reading...
The Gift of Being Yourself by David G. Benner
This is one of the most impactful books I’ve read as a Christian, and as a spiritual director. Benner shares the importance of reflecting on your true-self, while recognizing the ways that we adapt to the world around us, and how they impact our false-self. A follow up to this book is I Am the Love That Flows Through Me, and it takes you even deeper into understanding who you are, and who you were created to be.
Shaped By The Word by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.
This is a pivotal read if you’d like to engage Scripture in a new, and formational, way. Mulholland discusses the difference between informational reading (what we’ve been taught to do), and formational reading, as well as how to recognize when you come to the text to control it, instead of being shaped by it. He offers a few different methods to help you interact with Scripture in more fruitful ways.
The Discerning Heart by Wilkie Au & Noreen Cannon Au
Au and Au walk the reader through the process of discernment from understanding the Christian tradition, to the impact of desires on discernment, and finishes with embracing your personal path. It’s full of information about how discernment has been impacted by Western Evangelical beliefs, and how to become more aware of the impact we ourselves have on discernment. I especially liked the practices at the end of each chapter
Armas shares an understanding of theology from a decolonizing perspective. This beautifully worded devotional integrates different teachings from her Cuban heritage, as well as her experience, and what she has learned through her biblical education. I really appreciated the thought she put into each devotion. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the Christian perspective, I can’t recommend this book enough.
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For Prayer Apps...
Lectio 365 was created by 24-7 Prayer International in the UK. It offers a morning, and evening reflection. The evening reflection guides you through the prayer of examen which is a great way to reflect on God’s movement through the day.
Pray As You Go, created by the Jesuits in Britain, provides a daily prayer reflection that includes music. I love the different types of music included - from contemporary worship music to Taize. If you’d like to explore more types of prayers, they have a great resource for you to explore.
Centering Prayer, created by Contemplative Outreach, helps you enter into silence in however you choose. You may wish to include Scripture, or traditional prayers, which they have options for. There are different options for length of time, with different sounds leading into, and out of silence.
Common Prayer, based in the Anglican tradition of the daily offices, is shared by The Prayer Book Society of Canada. There are many options that are full of information that will help you as you engage with the APP. I appreciate how the daily offices lead you through liturgical prayer, which can be helpful when you’re feeling stuck.
For Listening...
This is by far one of my favourite podcasts when it comes to theology, critical thinking, and addressing key concerns. I always enjoy listening to the different guests they have on, but if you scroll back to the beginning there's an episode on How to Disagree and it was amazing!
Sheila, and team, tackle all things sex and marriage. They have guest speakers, cover big topics, and share the findings of their groundbreaking research of over 22,000 Christian women.
Researched and produced by Mike Cosper of Christianity Today, this podcast takes a deep dive into the Satanic Panic. It covers topics such a "The West Memphis Three," Josh Duggar, and the rise of the Moral Majority.
Honourable Mentions:
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The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill
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Promised Land
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Sons of Patriarchy
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Holy/Hurt
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Spiritual Misfits
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Dangerous Dogma
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Heaven Bent
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The Bible for Normal People