The magazine,Christianity Today, ran an article where they asked various authors, theologians and editors this question: What was the most significant change in Christianity over the past decade?. Cathy Lynn Grossman, religion reporter, for USA TODAY, gave this answer:

"A widespread abandonment of Christian doctrinal commitment — even doctrinal knowledge. Forget the rising number of people with no religious identity; the news to me is the vast number of self-identified Christians who have no real knowledge of, or deep commitment to, a specific Christian faith. You could say they were watering down Christianity's teachings, but I question if they even know those core teachings."

I find this very troubling and I agree with her. The number of people that were Christian in name only and are dropping the name is not that troubling. But when the faithful can tell you what their faith is all about, then you have a problem. Christians are letting the core doctrines be completely changed not because they don't care, but because they don't understand what is essential and what is not.

It is ironic that we who live in a literate society and have access to more Christian books than anyone have an inadequate understanding of what the faith is about.

I wonder, what books have you read that have really helped you understand and follow Christ better? If you send me your recommendations, I will share them with others so they know where to turn.