The Institute for Faith and Culture is pleased to share our second annual summer reading list! This year, we looked for books that offer valuable insight for Christians who want to shape culture through faithful living, thoughtful engagement, and moral courage. Some are classics to revisit, and some are new contributions from today’s leaders. Each one explores the challenges of living in a world that often stands in opposition to the Christian faith.

Several of these authors have spoken at previous Kingdom Come Conferences (KCC), and others are scheduled to speak at next year’s conference in March 2026. KCC exists to equip Christians to make a difference in every part of life, and these books serve that same mission year-round by helping readers understand the moment we are in and consider how to respond with wisdom, conviction, and hope.

No matter where your summer plans take you, we hope you’ll consider bringing one or more of these books with you as you rest, recharge, and refocus on engaging the culture for Christ.

Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture

By: Aaron M. Renn

This book examines the evolving relationship between Christianity and American culture over the past seventy years. Renn offers strategies for individuals and institutions to live faithfully in this challenging environment, emphasizing the need for diverse approaches to maintain integrity and witness in a culture opposed to Christian values.

Renn is scheduled to speak at KCC 2026 and recently joined Rob Pacienza on the City of God podcast, which you can watch here.

Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution

By: Carl R. Trueman

This book offers a concise and accessible exploration of how Western culture has shifted toward expressive individualism and identity politics. It’s an approachable summary of the research in Trueman’s previous groundbreaking book, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.

A Christian Manifesto

By: Francis A. Schaeffer

In this 1981 classic, Schaeffer contends that the erosion of morality and freedom in society stems from a departure from America’s Judeo-Christian foundations. He emphasizes that true freedom is rooted in adherence to God’s law, and he calls for believers to engage in thoughtful, principled action to restore a society grounded in Christian principles.

Mere Christianity

By: C.S. Lewis

Adapted from his BBC radio talks during World War II, this book explains Christian doctrines, moral reasoning, and the nature of God in a way that appeals to both skeptics and believers. Lewis’s accessible style and logical approach have made it one of the most enduring works of Christian apologetics of the twentieth century.

12 Reasons Why I BELIEVE: Solid Evidence for the Christian Faith

By D. James Kennedy

Addressing foundational topics such as the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, the reality of heaven and hell, and the resurrection of Christ, Kennedy combines personal anecdotes with historical and theological insights to affirm that Christianity is grounded in reason and truth. This work serves as a valuable resource for believers seeking to deepen their understanding and articulate their faith confidently in the face of skepticism.

No Reason to Hide: Standing for Christ in a Collapsing Culture

By: Erwin W. Lutzer

In this book, Lutzer encourages believers to engage with confidence and compassion, offering a reminder to proclaim Scripture’s truth to a culture in desperate need of what only God can offer.

Lutzer was a featured speaker at KCC 2025, where he also preached at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. His sermon from that event can be viewed here.

It’s Not Like Being Black: How Sexual Activists Hijacked the Civil Rights Movement

By: Voddie T. Baucham Jr.

Drawing from his perspective as a Black pastor and theologian, Baucham argues that while race is an immutable characteristic, sexual behavior and identity are not, and thus should not be conflated. He is scheduled to speak at KCC 2026.

Letter to the American Church

By: Eric Metaxas

In this book, Metaxas delivers a fervent appeal to Christians, urging them to confront moral and cultural challenges with conviction. Drawing parallels between the American Church today and the German Church of the 1930s, he warns against the dangers of silence in the face of societal evils.

True, Good, & Beautiful: God’s Design for a Flourishing World

By: Dr. Robert J. Pacienza

IFC’s president, Rob Pacienza, explores how the biblical vision of truth, goodness, and beauty offers a path to human flourishing in a culture marked by confusion and disorder. Our sister organization, the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics (IFWE), has published an excerpt from the book, highlighting how remembering Jesus in our daily work can transform our understanding of vocation and purpose.

The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose for Your Life

By: Os Guinness

In this modern classic, Guinness explores the profound concept of vocation, emphasizing that true purpose is found in responding to God’s call. He distinguishes between the primary calling—to follow Christ—and secondary callings, such as career and personal roles, urging readers to align every aspect of their lives with their faith. He is scheduled to speak at KCC 2026.

Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity

By: Alisa Childers

Childers recounts her personal journey of faith after encountering a progressive pastor who challenged her long-held Christian beliefs. This experience led her to question foundational doctrines such as the authority of Scripture and the deity of Christ. Through rigorous study and reflection, Childers reaffirms the truths of historic Christianity, offering a compelling defense against the rise of progressive ideologies within the church. She joined us for KCC 2024, which you can watch here.

When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square

By: Natasha Crain

In this book, Crain examines contentious issues such as Christian nationalism, social justice, abortion, transgenderism, and sexuality, providing biblical insights and practical guidance for believers. She encourages Christians to advocate for the godly functioning of society with greater biblical, cultural, and civic understanding, offering practical ideas to help readers take concrete action for the common good. She is also scheduled to speak at KCC 2026.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out our 2024 summer reading list here!