Christian Classics

This list is by no means exhaustive and, in fact, is rather limited, but it should serve as an introduction to many of the well-known classics. Several notable works were excluded because they were no longer in print.

(c. 400) Augustine

Long considered the classic of all time, many modern readers will find this book difficult to read with scattered wisdom. The genre itself will seem unfamiliar and slightly wordy to many evangelicals. While every Christian should eventually read this book--it's a literary classic as much as a spiritual one--it's not the one we'd recommend you begin with, though it is the most easy to locate.

Baker (abridged version), 1977, $5.99 (paperback)
Catholic University Press, translated by Vernon J. Bourke, 1953, $34.95
Hackett, translated by F.J. Sheed, 1993, $29.95 (paperback, $5.95)
Harvard University Press (Loeb Classical Library), $15.95 per volume (2 volumes)
Macmillan, translated by Edward B. Pusey, 1961, $6.95 (paperback)
Oxford University Press, translated by Henry Chadwick, 1991, $24.95 (paperback $6.95)
Paraclete Press, edited by Hal Helms (modern English version),1986, $9.95 (paperback)
Viking Penguin, translated by R.S. Pine-Coffin, 1961, $6.95 (paperback)

(c. 400) Augustine

Very lengthy, but with some incredibly rich passages. Augustine challenges neo-paganism by discussing religious lore, philosophy, theology, and history. This classic is widely recognized by all traditions, and, like Confessions, is one that most Christians should aspire to read at some point.

Catholic University Press, translated by Gerald Walsh and Grace Monahan, various prices (3 volumes)
Doubleday, 1958, $8.00 (paperback)
Harvard University Press (Loeb Classical Library Series), $15.50 per volume (7 volumes)
Random House (Modern Library series), translated by Marcus Dods, 1977, $12.95
Viking Penguin, edited by David Knowles, 1984, $13.95 (paperback)

(c. 640) John Climacus

The classic of eastern Christendom, written for monks, this book calls for a high Christian commitment. It's an ascetic handbook, so at times the message may seem harsh, but, read in context, the book is definitely worthy of the attention it has received.

Paulist Press, translated by Colm Lubheid, 1982, $13.95 (paperback)

(c. 1126-1141) Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux was a giant among his peers. In many ways, his spiritual journey was stereotypical: harsh asceticism and legalism in his youth, maturing to great love and intimacy with God in his later years. You can't go wrong with a classic that bases the spiritual life on loving God.

Cistercian Publications, Volume 13 of Cistercian Fathers Series: The Works of Bernard of Clairvaux, 1974
Greenwood Publishers, edited by Hugh Martin, 1981 (reprint of 1959 ed.), $49.50

(late 14th c.) Author Unknown

This work is considered a classic of mystical spirituality, and evangelicals may find the full "program" completely unattainable, of little interest or benefit. However, there are many gems scattered throughout for those who take the time to read it. I once remarked that I read The Cloud more for the quotes than for the general concepts.

Doubleday, Ira Progoff, 1989, $10.95 (paperback)
Paulist Press, James Walsh, 1981, $14.95 (paperback)
Source Books CA, translated by Robert Way, 1994, $12.95
Viking Penguin, Clifton Wolters, 1978, $6.95 (paperback)

(c. 1418) Thomas a Kempis

This is probably one of the most popular spiritual classics of all time and for good reason. It's a treasure house of insights. A' Kempis focused on rigorous spiritual training as a necessary part of Christian living. His work is thus a good counter to "soft" Christianity, but others might say it goes too far in this regard.

Barbour & Company, $7.99
Catholic Book Publishers, Clare Fitzpatrick (large type), 1976, $4.95
Doubleday, 1955, $7.00 (paperback)
Moody Press, edited by Paul Bechtel, $4.99 (paperback)
Paraclete Press, edited by Hal Helms, 1982, $9.95 (paperback)
Templegate, translated by John Rooney, 1980, $9.95 (paperback)
Viking Penguin, translated by Leo Sherley-Price, 1952, $6.95 (paperback)

(1548) Ignatius Loyola

Full of very practical advice for monks, this book also offers many helpful insights for evangelicals. With some modifications, evangelicals can benefit by systematically going through the exercises.

Doubleday, translated by Anthony Mottola, 1964, $8.00 (paperback)
Institute of Jesuit Sources, rev. ed. by David Fleming, 1980, $12.95
Loyola, translated by George Ganss, 1922, $11.95 (paperback)
Source Books CA, translated by Thomas Corbishley, 1991, $10.95
[also see Spiritual Exercises for Today: A Contemporary Presentation of the Classic Exercises of Ignatius Loyola, published by Harper San Francisco, edited by Tad Dunne, 1991, $9.95 (paperback)]

(c. 1587) John of the Cross

A mystical classic. John was recognized as a highly gifted spiritual director (he was a follower of Teresa of Avila, but also served as her spiritual director during a three year period). In this work John provides many helpful insights, particularly into the dry stages of the Christian life. One of my favorite authors, John wrote with an unparalleled passion for God.

Doubleday, 1959, $7.95 (paperback)
Paulist Press, (John of the Cross: Selected Writings), edited by Kiernan Kavanaugh, 1987, $14.95 (paperback)

(late sixteenth century) John of the Cross

Another classic by John of the Cross. Though published under a different title than Dark Night of the Soul, the two volumes are really companions and should be read together for maximum benefit and understanding. Abridged versions of both works appear in th Paulist Press edition mentioned above.

Liguori Publishers, translated by E. Allison Peers, 1991, $9.95 (paperback)
[see also, John of the Cross for Today: The Ascent, published by Ave Maria, translated by Susan Muto, 1991, $6.95 (paperback)]

(1588) Teresa of Avila

This is a relatively short book on prayer, emphasizing spiritual visions leading to spiritual betrothal and marriage. A recognized classic on the devotional life and prayer.

Doubleday, 1972, $10.00 (paperback)
Morehouse Publications, 1991, $8.95 (paperback)
Paulist Press, translated by Kieran Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodriguez, 1979, $14.95 (paperback)

(1609) Francis de Sales

A fantastic, very readable work. This was a unique spiritual book for its time, in that Francis wrote it for laypeople, not for those living in a religious community. His desire was to help the ordinary tradesman grow, recognizing that such a person needed different advice than that generally given to members of a religious community. This book is very practical with several helpful meditations, but some of these meditations will seem very "Roman Catholic" and evangelicals may choose to skip over these.

Alba Books, edited by Charles Dollen, 1992, $10.95 (paperback)
Crossroads Publishing, edited by Wendy Wright, 1992, $10.95 (paperback)
Doubleday, edited by John K. Ryan, 1972, $11.00 (paperback)
TAN Books, (an abridgement by Yvonne Stephan), 1990, $10.00 (paperback)

(1656-1667) John Owen

This is actually a compilation of three of John Owen's treatises, now brought together by Dr. James Houston. John Owen was a leading reformer, and the primary systematizer of Calvin's thought. His teaching on sin and temptation is must reading for every Christian, perhaps the very best I've ever read on this subject.

Regent College Reprints, $15.00 (Coilbind) [Write Regent Bookstore, 5800 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6T 2E4. Telephone and Fax orders, call 1-800-663-8664. Enclose $2.00 shipping/handling]

(1670) Blaise Pascal

Pascal was a brilliant man, excelling in science, devotion, and his understanding of human nature. The Pensees is actually an unfinished collection of his thoughts, intended to be completed later as an exhaustive apology of the Christian life. It's current form is thus somewhat haphazard, but there is some incredibly rich material for those willing to wade through the collection.

French & European Publications, $5.95 (paperback)
Viking Penguin, translated by Alban Krailsheimer, 1966, $7.95 (paperback)

(1678) John Bunyon

This has been an enormously popular work of fiction (allegory) from the day it was first published.

Airmont, 1968, $1.95 (paperback)
Baker, 1984, $9.99 (paperback)
Banner of Truth, 1979, $28.95 (reproduction)
Barbour & Co., $14.95 (deluxe gift edition)
Keats, 1983, $16.95 (large type)
Moody, 1960, $4.99 (paperback--pictorial)
Moody, 1984, $3.99 (paperback)
Viking Penguin, edited by Roger Shattuck, 1965, $4.95, (paperback)

(1685) Madame Guyon

Originally published as Short and Very Easy Method of Prayer, this book has impacted many influential Christians. It's one of the books I'd recommend people begin with if they haven't read the classics before. Jeanne Guyon focuses on abandonment to the Lord's will, and she knew what she was writing about--she lived a difficult, persecuted life. This book was actually banned by the Church of Rome in 1699, and then became very popular among the Protestants, including John Wesley.

Seedsowers, abridged and rewritten by Gene Edwards, 1975, $7.95 (paperback)
[see also Whitaker House's Experiencing God through Prayer, 1984, $3.99 (paperback)]

(1692) Brother Lawrence

Brother Lawrence was a very humble man with an extraordinary sense of living in God's presence. This little book is a treasure house of devotion and includes several letters and conversations regarding his wonderful awareness of God's presence. It's an excellent book with which to begin reading the classics.

Barbour & Company, 1993, $1.49 (paperback)
Doubleday, translated by John Delany, 1977, $5.00 (paperback--this is the edition I use; the translation is very well done)
Revell, 1980, $3.99 (paperback)
Templegate, translated by Donald Attwater, 1981, $8.95
Walker & Company, 1985, $7.95 (paperback--large type)
WAT Braille, 1991, $8.00 (in braille)

(1704-1717) Fenelon

Fenelon is definitely one of my favorites. He wrote as a wealthy mystic living in the upper strata of French society. The temptations and spiritual struggles faced by the early eighteenth century French elite were remarkably similar to those faced by middle-class evangelicals today. This is one of the most helpful spiritual classics I've read. It's one you'll likely want to read over and over.

Bethany House, edited by Charles Whiston, translated by Mildred Stillman, $5.99 (paperback)

(1728) William Law

This is a rigorous treatise written by a devout Puritan (he emphasizes grace a bit more in a later work entitled The Spirit of Love). It is very helpful, challenging and practical, and also one of my favorites, but it could be somewhat dangerous for a person who isn't rooted in grace and who may be prone to legalism.

John Knox, edited by John Meister, 1968, $9.99 (paperback)
Paulist Press, edited by Paul Stanwood and Austin Warren, 1978, $9.95 (paperback--nate: the actual title of this edition is William Law: A Serious Call to a Devout & Holy Life and The Spirit of Love)

(1746) Jonathan Edwards

Discusses those who are "truly pious" by examining and discussing various religious affections.

Reprint Service (Notable American Authors Series), 1992, $75.00
Yale University Press, edited by John Smith, 1959, $70.00

I have found very few Christian bookstores that actually stock these works. However, armed with the information contained in this list, any bookstore (including a "secular" one) should be able to order the classics of your choice. The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. has a fairly extensive collection for a bookstore its size.

Around the country, if your favorite Christian bookstore doesn't carry a desired title, look for: Roman Catholic bookstores, which are more likely to carry many of these titles; University bookstores with Catholic affiliations (Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., for instance, carries many titles); monasteries, which sometimes run small bookstores that carry many of the classics; Christian Book Distributors, a discount buying club, also carries many of these titles (particularly the Paulist Press editions) at reduced prices.

If you don't wish to purchase the book, inter-library loans are helpful. I've found few public libraries that actually carry more than one or two of these titles, but through inter-library loan, you can obtain most of them.

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