Over the last 10 years, I’ve reviewed, recommended, or rated more than 600 books here at So What Faith. Starting in 2011, I have provided a list of the top ten books I reviewed that year that were published during that year. To date, only 12 authors have appeared on more than one Top 10 List:
- Diana Butler Bass, 2012, 2015, 2018
- Marcus Borg, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017
- Joan Chittister, 2011, 2017
- John Dominic Crossan, 2010, 2012, 2015
- Lillian Daniel, 2013, 2016
- Tenzin Gyatso (the 14th Dalai Lama), 2012, 2016
- Eric Klinenberg, 2012, 2018
- Scot McKnight, 2010, 2011
- Stephen Prothero, 2010, 2016
- Alan J. Roxburgh, 2011, 2015
- John Shelby Spong, 2011, 2013, 2016
- Jim Wallis, 2013, 2016
Best of the Best
8 authors have appeared on two lists.
3 authors have appeared on three lists:
- Diana Butler Bass, 2012, 2015, 2018
- John Dominic Crossan, 2010, 2012, 2015
- John Shelby Spong, 2011, 2013, 2016
And, only one author has made more than three lists. Marcus Borg has appeared five times: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2017.
So What?
These great authors and the books they’ve penned listed above are ones I’ve shared widely.
- All received significant consideration here on So What Faith and through my various social media channels
- At least one of the books listed for 10 of the top 12 authors was used in a book study I organized, facilitated or coordinated in congregations I’ve served (and multiple books received this attention for 4 of the top 4 authors)
- 3 of the top 4 authors served as guest lecturers and preachers in one congregation I served (John Dominic Crossan was excluded from this distinction only because he spoke in a congregation just a few miles from the one I served)
I cannot begin to count the number of conversations I’ve had about the books listed above much less about all of the writings penned by these authors that I’ve read over the years.
Share your thoughts
- Which of the authors on my top 12 list are you most familiar with? least familiar with? Would any be likely to appear on your list of top authors of books published between 2009-2019?
- Share one or more books you’ve read in the last decade that had a significant impact on your faith journey.