1517's Favorite Books from 2025
By 1517 Staff
12/29/25
17mins

1517's Favorite Books from 2025

Below is a list of our favorite theological books - across all categories - from 2025. A special thanks to our contributors who submitted titles, wrote summaries and full reviews for these books and more throughout the year.
The Scandal and Splendor of the Savior’s Birth
Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
12/26/25

The Scandal and Splendor of the Savior’s Birth

Every sinner can trace their salvation back to this moment when the Savior was born in accordance with the Word of God so that all of God’s words would be realized.
What to Preach and Not to Preach at Christmas
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
12/25/25

What to Preach and Not to Preach at Christmas

Christmas is not for remembering, thinking, pondering, trying to make sure you are really celebrating it properly, or for wondering whether you truly have faith.

All Articles

Seth Moorman
Seth Moorman
12/22/25

Comfort During a Blue Christmas

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” That word isn't just for Israel; it's also for you.
Philip Bartelt
Philip Bartelt
12/12/25

A Review of "Life Under the Cross: A Biography of the Reformer Matthias Flacius Illyricus" by Wade Johnston

Wade Johnston, Life Under the Cross: A Biography of the Reformer Matthias Flacius Illyricus, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis: MO, 2025.
Matthew L. Rubinstein
Matthew L. Rubinstein
12/05/25

Death and the Maiden

It is death that deserves derision, not the disciple who reaches through sorrow for his Lord.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
12/04/25

The God Who Moves When You Cannot

Illness is not romantic. It is not a test, a metaphor, nor a blessing in disguise.
Adam Francisco
Adam Francisco
12/03/25

Did the Church Replace Israel?

The unity of God’s people is grounded not in lineage nor land but in the promise of the coming Christ.
Luke Kjolhaug
Luke Kjolhaug
11/18/25

Why AI Avatars Can’t Conquer Death

The Christian answer to death is not a disembodied app, but a bodily resurrection.
Ryan Couch
Ryan Couch
11/10/25

Happy Birthday Martin Luther: How a 16th Century Monk Helped Me Rediscover the Gospel

On this, the birthday of Martin Luther, I will pause to thank God for his birth.
Sam P. Schuldheisz
Sam P. Schuldheisz
11/03/25

All Saints’ Day: A Holy Band of Brothers and Sisters in Christ

All Saints’ Day is a war story. And in Christ crucified and risen, it’s also a victory story.
Brian W. Thomas
Brian W. Thomas
10/31/25

The Reformation for the Rest of Us

The Reformation isn’t just a chapter in church history. It’s a reminder that the gospel remains forever good news.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
10/20/25

How and Why Martin Luther Received His Doctorate

On October 19, 1512, Martin Luther formally graduated with his doctorate in theology.
Donavon Riley
Donavon Riley
10/17/25

An Introduction to the Bondage of the Will: The Good News That Our Wills Are Bound

This is the sixth installment in our article series, “An Introduction to the Bondage of the Will,” written to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s Bondage of the Will.
Steven Paulson
Steven Paulson
10/16/25

An Introduction to The Bondage of the Will: The Preached and Unpreached God

This is the fifth installment in our article series, “An Introduction to the Bondage of the Will,” written to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s Bondage of the Will.
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