The hot days of summer call for the cool shade of reading and reflecting. Here are a few recommended possibilities for you as you head to the beach or the mountains.

Breaking the Da Vinci Code, written by Darrell L. Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary, is a thorough, analytical presentation of a defense of orthodox Christianity, which is assailed by the growing contemporary Gnosticism, as represented by the popular novel, The DaVinci Code. Bock doesn't approach the task in an antagonistic way but rather almost like a quiet defense attorney who affirms the case for Christ in a clear and understandable way. In the mind of Dr. Bock, the most important code of all is “The Jesus Code.” With a proper understanding of who Jesus Christ is, a person has broken the greatest code of life.

Erwin W. Lutzer, pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, has joined the list of Christian authors who are seeking to expose the myths of the so-called DaVinci Code. His book, DaVinci Deception, is a clearly presented treatise on the defense of orthodox Christianity and the irrationality of the Gnostic views espoused in the popular novel by Dan Brown. Lutzer is a veteran author and a capable preacher. This book gives testimony to his profound theological study as well as his practical insights concerning the crucial issues of the faith. Both ministers and lay people will be challenged by this basic look at the heart of this theological discussion.

Desire of the Everlasting Hills is the third work in a multi-volume presentation by Thomas Cahill. The first two works were How the Irish Saved Civilization and The Gifts of the Jews. Desire of the Everlasting Hills has its focus on the early Christian community. Evangelical Christians will disagree at points with Cahill, but his approach is most intriguing. His most recent work has been devoted to the contributions of the Greek culture. All four of the works have a unique harmony to them. Despite any potential disagreement, Cahill has offered evangelical Christians an opportunity to dialogue about antiquity and what the events mean in our contemporary lives.

Think Like Jesus: Make the Right Decision Every Time is the latest work from Christian research specialist George Barna. This may well be his best book written to date. Although the material contains research analysis, Barna spends most of the time outlining a Christian worldview from a biblical perspective. After an introductory section Barna poses six salient questions that form the basis of what he believes to be a worldview. His last section focuses essentially on application of these questions. Barna has served us well in writing this work. He calls the church to a sense of accountability concerning our understanding of what being a Christian means in the 21st century.

Booknotes: On American Character, by Brian Lamb, is a compilation of interviews with current authors who have been interviewed by him on C-Span. This is rather lengthy and broad in scope, but it is helpful to the reader in several ways. Obviously, the book can serve as a teaser or an overview of a particular work. Equally helpful is the general knowledge of current events that comes by reflecting on the printed interviews. In a day of special effects and computerized technology I am constantly amazed at the relatively strong popularity of this approach to communications.

Noted author Brennan Manning has teamed up with the award-winning songwriter and singer Michael W. Smith to produce Above All: He Took the Fall and Thought of Me, a devotional guide to the lyrics of the popular tune. Brennan Manning has written more than few books. Perhaps the best known was The Ragamuffin Gospel. But this work is different; it follows chapter by chapter the main lyrical message of the song. The focus is on the cross and the gift of eternal life. Michael W. Smith penned the foreword and Manning, in his usual style, wrote insightfully about the message of the song. The book is heartwarming and challenging. Those who want to know something of the message behind the song will find this work very uplifting.