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Top 10 Most Popular Christian Books

By Mary Fairchild, About.com

Are you wondering what other Christians are reading? Library Journal compiles a list of the most requested Christian and religious hardcover books borrowed from libraries in the United States. Also, the Christian Booksellers Association puts together a monthly list of the best-selling Christian books. I've combined these two sources to create this current top 10 most popular Christian books list:

1. The Shack by William P. Young

The Shack by William P. YoungImage: Cover Scan
This book has stirred a great deal of interest, both positive and negative. As a literary work, I don't think it compares to The Pilgrim's Progress, as some have said. It did challenge me spiritually and caused me to draw closer to God. Dealing with the question, Where is God? in the midst of tragedy, it presents the path to healing in a beautiful way. It made me think deeply about my false perceptions of God. It didn't revolutionize my life or change my course in a dramatic way. I questioned some of the theological concepts it conveys, but I took into account it is a work of fiction. In the end, I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. My conclusion: it's a good book, worth reading.
Windblown Media; Paperback; 256 Pages.
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2. Dead Heat by Joel C. Rosenberg

Dead Heat by Joel C. RosenbergImage: Cover Scan
Although I haven't read Dead Heat yet (it's next in line), I've read all of Rosenberg's previous novels (The Copper Scroll, Ezekiel Option, The Last Days, The Last Jihad), and his non-fiction book, Epicenter. Dead Heat is #5 in this series about the end times and how events foretold in Scripture might play out in today's geopolitical environment. Washington Times has called these novels "ripped from the headlines--next year's headlines." Eerily, as the author has completed each book, the fictional, future events he writes about in them have actually come true! Rosenberg bases the plot on his extensive study of Bible prophecy. Even more than the Left Behind series, I love these Rosenberg books!
Tyndale House; Hardcover; 350 Pages.
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3. Walking with God by John Eldredge

Walking With God by John EldredgeImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Walking with God reminds me of a very practical guidebook my pastor put together called Spending Time with God. Eldredge shares pure, practical, rubber-meets-the-road principles for developing a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. This is a wonderful peek into the year long journals of a man who has learned the secret of daily conversational intimacy with a very personal Lord. If you have yet to experience the supreme contentment of walking with God, this book explains how intimacy with the Lord is available to every believer, and helps you get started walking with him today.
Thomas Nelson; Hardcover; 240 Pages.
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4. Dawn's Light, Restoration Series #4 by Terri Blackstock

Dawn's Light by Terri BlackstockImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Accomplished in the suspense and intrigue genre, Terri Blackstock pleases her fans with this enjoyable conclusion to the powerful and popular Restoration series. What makes this Christian book more than just entertainment is the fact that the struggles and lessons learned by the Branning family characters are easily applicable to real life.
Zondervan; Paperback; 352 Pages.
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5. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

The Five Love LanguagesImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
In this book Gary Chapman studies the 5 ways in which couples communicate with each other. Understanding these primary love languages will help husbands and wives achieve more successful marriage relationships. The basic principles actually apply to all relationships. Incredibly, The Five Love Languages was first published in 1992 and still ranks in the top 10 best-selling Christian books!
Moody Publishers; Paperback; 208 Pages.

6. The Forbidden, The Courtship of Nellie Fisher #2 by Beverly Lewis

The Forbidden by Beverly LewisImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
Fans of Beverly Lewis won't be disappointed with this hot-off-the-press tale about Amish life. In book two of the continuing story of Nellie Mae Fisher, we find the main character torn between the faith of her family and the tug of love on her heart. Nellie's spirit is pulled toward the personal faith of her New Order family, but her heart is struggling with feelings of love toward Caleb Yoder, whose Old Order family has forbidden him to marry Nellie. With her usual skill, Lewis incorporates various plot lines, well-developed characters, romantic intrigue, conflicts of faith and personal tragedy. If you like this genre, you can't go wrong with The Forbidden.
Bethany House; Paperback; 352 Pages.
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7. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey

90 Minutes in HeavenImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
After a terrible car crash, Baptist minister Don Piper is pronounced dead at the scene. This inspiring story tells of his experiences during the next 90 minutes spent in heaven. Through prayer, he is suddenly brought back to physical life and eventually makes a full recovery. This book records his memories of heaven. Have you lost a loved one? Don Piper's words will comfort you and bring hope. Have you lost your zeal? This book will refuel your passion for life as well as your longing for heaven.
Baker Publishing Group; Paperback; 208 Pages.
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8. 3:16 - The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado

3:16 - The Numbers of Hope by Max LucadoImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
One of the most well-known verses in the Bible is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." NIV Max Lucado breaks down the verse phrase by phrase, exploring the message behind this passage which bears, what he calls, "the numbers of hope." The message is simple yet profound: God loves; He gave; We believe; We live. The book also contains a 40-day Bible study on the life of Jesus.
Thomas Nelson; Hardcover; 240 Pages.
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9. Adam by Ted Dekker

Adam by Ted DekkerImage: Cover Scan
Ted Dekker got his start as one of the best contemporary Christian writers of supernatural suspense fiction. I've read all of his early books and most of his recent ones. Though I haven't read Adam yet, I'm considering adding it to my reading list. The book explores the nature of good and evil and the world of spiritual warfare. Warning! Publisher's Weekly says, "Conservative faith-based readers may find this novel too graphic, while general market readers will be perplexed at the awkward attempts to sidestep profanity." While I believe Dekker's earliest novels are still his best, I keep reading with hopes that he will rediscover the skills he employed during his first labors in fiction.
Thomas Nelson; Hardcover; 400 Pages.
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10. Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge

CaptivatingImage Courtesy of Pricegrabber
This Christian-based view of feminine liberation encourages women to connect with their inner selves, and discover the strength and beauty to live fully. The book also calls on men to acknowledge, embrace, and fully explore the heart and soul of this gift from God.
Thomas Nelson; Hardcover; 243 Pages.
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