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How do we know ourselves? How do we define ourselves? These books explore identity from a Christian viewpoint.
Finding and displaying identity has become part of everything we do. Since the boom of the internet and digital life, every small opinion now has a platform. And with that, all our choices become so heightened that we are falling into ever more distinct political, cultural, socio-economic, religious and secular tribes.
Despite the recent passion for all things relating to identity, how much do we really know of who we are?
These books offer a variety of paths to understand more of ourselves. From books that explore emotional identity to our identity as Christians to the false selves we put on, you’ll find insight and understanding throughout this list.
Here are some of our picks of the best Christian books about identity.
An Identity to Die For by Paul Mallard
Paul Mallard shows us what the Bible teaches us about our identity as human beings and, more specifically, as Christians. We look at our relationship with God, with the church, with our family and in the workplace. The starting point is the NT book of Ephesians, which is far more relevant than we might think.
Be True to Yourself by Matt Fuller
Our culture tells us that the way to be happy is to "be true to yourself". It's posted on social media, promoted in adverts, taught in schools and, even, expressed in churches. But what does that mean, and does it actually work?
Matt Fuller explores how true happiness, wholeness and freedom can be found in embracing who God has created us to be; allowing ourselves to be shaped by who the Bible says we are, rather than our own fluctuating feelings, or the voices around us. In the process, this book draws on a broad range of fascinating research and examples to give us a fresh biblical take on some of today's biggest hot-button issues.
Untangling Emotions by Winston T. Smith & J. Alasdair Groves
How do you feel about how you feel?
Our emotions are complex. Some of us seem able to ignore our feelings, while others feel controlled by them. But most of us would admit that we don't always know what to do with how we feel.
The Bible teaches us that our emotions are an indispensable part of what makes us human—and play a crucial role in our relationships with God and others. Exploring how God designed emotions for our good, this book shows us how to properly engage with our emotions—even the more difficult ones like fear, anger, shame, guilt, and sorrow—so we can better understand what they reveal about our hearts and handle them wisely in everyday moments.
Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr
In Falling Upward (and in many of his other teachings), Richard Rohr talks at length about ego (or the False Self) and how it gets in the way of spiritual maturity, especially if its preoccupations continue into the second half of life.
But if there's a False Self, is there also a True Self? What is it? How is it found? Why does it matter? And what does it have to do with the spiritual journey?
In his book, the author likens True Self to a diamond, buried deep within us, formed under the intense pressure of our lives and needing to be searched for, uncovered, and separated from all the debris of ego that surrounds it. In a sense, True Self must, like Jesus, be resurrected, and that process involves not resuscitation but transformation.
Fearfully and Wonderfully by Paul Brand & Philip Yancey
An internationally renowned surgeon and an award-winning writer of faith take readers on a tour of wonder through the human body - from the micro-view of cells to the macro-view of our connectedness as people made in God's image.
Mysterious, intricate, pulsing with energy ... the human body is an endlessly fascinating repository of incredible secrets. In this new work, comprising two classics (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image) edited together and updated, renowned surgeon Dr Paul Brand and award-winning writer Philip Yancey take us on a tour of wonder through the human body.
Soul Keeping by John Ortberg
The soul is the key to our lives, binding our heart, our mind, and our spirit together… but what is it… really?
Jesus said that your soul is worth more than the world… so maybe it’s time to learn exactly what it is, discover how to strengthen it, and begin giving it your attention.
In Soul Keeping, John Ortberg takes his trademark, story-filled approach to this fascinating theme of the soul and how we can care for it in a world which often forgets it exists in each one of us, waiting to be nurtured.
Being Human by Rowan Williams
What is consciousness? Is the mind a machine? What makes us persons? How can we find the path to human maturity?
These are among the fundamental questions that Rowan Williams helps us to think about in this deeply engaging exploration of what it means to be human.
The book ends with a brief but profound meditation on the person of Christ, inviting us to consider how, through him, 'our humanity in all its variety, in all its vulnerability, has been taken into the heart of the divine life'.
Long Story Short by Andy Frost
'The universe is made of stories, not of atoms,' said American poet Muriel Rukeyser. Whether you agree with this sentiment or not, the fact is: your life tells a story. From beginning to end, your life will create a unique narrative, shaped by the wider stories you find yourself living in.
So what story are you living in?
Exploring the importance of such stories and how these shape our identity, Share Jesus International's Andy Frost humbly presents the ultimate narrative of life, the universe and everything: the God Story.
Altar Ego by Craig Groeschel
Empowering readers to grow in spiritual boldness, deepen in Christ-centred identity and live out of rich, life-directing values - from bestselling author Craig Groeschel.
In Altar Ego, readers discover they are not who they think they are. According to Craig Groeschel, readers need to take their idea of their own identity, lay it down on the altar and sacrifice it. Give it to God. Offer it up.
Why? Because people are who God says they are. And until they've sacrificed their broken concept of their identity based on outward-driven, approval-based egos, they won't yet become who they are meant to be.
In Altar Ego Groeschel reveals how to trade in a broken ego and unleash an altar ego to become a living sacrifice.
All Together Different by J. Brian Tucker & John Koessler
Can we all just get along?
E Pluribus Unum: "Out of many, one." This motto is emblazoned on the Great Seal of the United States, but it could be the church's model, too. Unfortunately, the daily experience of many Christians and churches feels like the opposite: out of one, many. We are increasingly aware of what makes us different from others, and it is hurting the church and its witness.
All Together Different will help readers understand why we find it so difficult "to just get along." Drawing from research on personal and group identity, it equips readers to navigate a culture that often pays lip service to the value of diversity, but struggles to foster constructive dialogue and mutual respect. With clear writing and real-life stories, All Together Different translates social identity theory for pastors, church leaders, and ministry practitioners, exposing it to the light of biblical and theological reflection.
