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Five faith-themed classics to celebrate International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day (8 September) raises awareness of the vital role literacy plays in achieving global development and social justice. From finding employment to understanding health information, literacy skills are the keys to unlocking a better future.

To get people thinking about the written word and the enjoyment reading can bring, Trinity Theological Library has put together a list of five faith-themed classics to get your eyes away from the television and into a book.

1Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard

Published in 1843 under the pseudonym Johannes de Silentio, Fear and Trembling restages the wonder and horror of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Through creative re-interpretation and lyrical staging of a familiar biblical story, the book explores the limits of ethics, the difficulty of faith, and the silence of the self’s relation to God.

2The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

The classic loved by children and adults alike, C.S. Lewis’ series of seven fantasy novels uses the adventures of children to explore good and evil. Through this series, the author significantly influenced the development of post-WWII literature for children.

3In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership by Henri Nouwen

Countless people have experienced the spiritual discernment of Nouwen. Arguably his most widely read book, his understanding of leadership as a community calling has made this a go-to guide for all in ministry.

4The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

The insight with which Bunyan explored the topic of pastoral ministry through the narrative of a Christian allegory makes this book as relevant today as it was when Bunyan wrote it in his prison cell in 1678.

5The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This 1937 publication by the German theologian during the Nazi regime details his understanding of what it means to follow Christ through the context of the Sermon on the Mount. Considered one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century, Bonhoeffer’s writings on ethics, humanism, and social responsibility push readers to consider a Gospel-inspired style of leadership for today’s church.

All titles are available from Trinity Theological Library: library.trinity.qld.edu.au

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