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

Bradley Gray
Bradley Gray
05/15/25

Why We Worship

“The fear of the Lord” is our heart’s awakening to and recognition of God’s outrageous goodness.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
05/09/25

Church Attendance Increases in New Study—But Can We Trust It?

We needn’t fear statistics and studies as palm readings into a certain future. God is God, and his Spirit is alive through his Word.
Chad Bird
Chad Bird
04/22/25

A Review of The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World

Dave weaves together music, movies, and documentaries to illustrate all the ways we seek relief—and then, full and free, he connects our need to Christ’s gift.
Bruce Hillman
Bruce Hillman
04/22/25

What does Pope Francis’ Death Mean to Protestants?

While I disagree with many things Francis did and believed, I think he deserves credit for this: Francis showed us what Christian leadership can look like.
1517 Staff
1517 Staff
04/09/25

Lenten Love Songs

Three Lenten songs express the same astonishing wonder of a Lord who willingly suffers and dies.
Amy Mantravadi
Amy Mantravadi
04/04/25

Albrecht Durer and the Reformation

Albrech Dürer is said to have brought the Renaissance north of the Alps and perfected the mass production and distribution of images.
Kathy Morales
Kathy Morales
04/01/25

A Review of "The Lord’s Supper: A Guide to the Heavenly Feast"

Kleinig continually directs the reader's attention to Christ and his gifts.
John Bombaro
John Bombaro
03/27/25

The Proclamation of Paint

How intentional will we be about utilizing gospel spaces that already inescapably communicate?
A.J. Vega
A.J. Vega
03/12/25

The “I” in Church

We are called to believe in the church even when we don’t believe in the church.
Caleb Keith
Caleb Keith
03/07/25

The Mistranslation That Sparked the Reformation

Is there a significant difference between changing your mind and doing penance? Absolutely.
Edward Killian
Edward Killian
02/18/25

We Are Beggars: Martin Luther’s Final Words and the Heart of the Gospel

Luther’s final thoughts were not meant to bum you out or lead you to despair.
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum
02/10/25

Martin Luther's Three Lights

Luther’s famous treatise contains great consolation for Christians struggling with grace, suffering, and hope.
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