The Source - James Mitchner. Here is my fiction recommendation. Eugene Peterson once said that the mark of a great book is that it takes you in different directions as you are reading. You are reading the story but your mind is seeing other applications. The Source was one of those books for me. It's a vast fictional treatment of religion that spans thousands of years and while not particularly Christian in content, it opened up my world and gave me a picture of God that so transcended anything I had thought before. If I had to make a top ten list this one would certainly be on it.

Sacred Romance - John Eldredge/Brent Curtis. This book was written before Eldredge became a big name so it flew way under the radar. Truthfully I think this is his best work and it set the tone for us to realize that in the end the relationship that God has with us is a 'sacred romance' filled with adventure. After reading this book my prayer became, 'may I live with my eyes wide open and my heart unafraid.'

God in the Alley - Greg Paul. I'm sure this book may never be considered a classic but it makes my list because I have not been the same since I read it. Paul writes as an active pastor on the front lines of inner city Toronto and he captures our minds and hearts with humbling stories of disenfranchised people. Over the years I have literally begged people to read this one and still do today. Be prepared to be changed.

So in the end, a classic is individual. If it changes (or challenges) your thinking for good, then it just might qualify. And as time changes, so do these classics. I firmly believe that I will read a few more this year. Go ahead and launch out with one that I've recommended. I can't guarantee that it will do the same for you as it did for me, but the next classic might be closer then you think.

Read on!