Books

10 Dead Guys You Should Know: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

While Christians have always prized the Bible as our ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice, we also recognize that the Christian life is an intergenerational and communal activity. This collection of ten short biographies will introduce you to Christians from a variety of places and times, who all boldly preached the gospel, despite the risk to personal reputations and safety. How short–sighted it would be not to glean insights from our ancestors, whether that entails learning how to walk in their steps – or else avoiding their missteps.

Edited by:
Ian J. Maddock

Other Contributors:
Stuart Coulton, Rachel Ciano

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Athanasius: Against the World

Augustine: The Grace of God Defeated Me

Anselm: Faith Seeking Understanding

Martin Luther: Here I Stand

Thomas Cranmer: Lord Jesus, Receive My Spirit

Richard Baxter: Keep These Hearts Above

John Wesley: A Brand Plucked From the Burning

Hudson Taylor: Those I must Bring Also

Charles Spurgeon: Preaching, Prayer and Perseverance

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Discipleship

Reviews:

"This insightful collection of ten Christian leaders from different times and places reveal that knowing the past can be both liberating and illuminating. Maddock, Coulton and Ciano ably demonstrated how earlier theologians, pastors, martyrs and missionaries sought to live out the gospel and challenges contemporary readers to be faithful disciples of Jesus as well. This welcome introduction is well-researched, reflective, warm-hearted and witty." – Tom Schwanda, Associate Professor Emeritus, Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College, Illinois

"Famous names become interesting characters and big ideas are explained simply and clearly in a way that shows why they are still important today." – Clare Heath-Whyte, speaker and author

"...delightful ...if readers are not familiar with these ten towering figures from the past, this book will bring them alive for today!" – Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky

"...an excellent read to stir the passion for Church history and to encourage the development of historical awareness for our faith." – Leonardo De Chirico, Director of the Reformanda Initiative

"I warmly commend this page-turner, not least as an appetizer which will encourage you to delve more deeply into various aspects of Church (including missionary) history across the centuries." – Hector Morrison, Principal, Highland Theological College, Scotland