OpenTheo

John Piper Talks Books

January 6, 2021
Life and Books and Everything
Life and Books and EverythingClearly Reformed

John Piper sits down with Kevin DeYoung to discuss human purpose, pastoral leadership, the advantages of reading slowly. And of course they discuss books, too. So many books. Reading them; writing them; loving them; but most of all desiring God through them. (See the full list below.) And in this conversation you will get a picture of what will perhaps be John Piper’s magnum opus.  

Life and Books and Everything is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.

New Morning Mercies is great for people looking for a devotional in the new year—featuring 365 gospel-centered devotions. Each reading leads with a compelling, gospel-centered thought, followed by an extended meditation for the day. It equips you with the good news that you need to trust in God’s goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory—day in and day out. 

For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/LBE

Timestamps: 

An Excellent Book for 2021 [1:11 – 2:37] 

What did John Piper do for Christmas during coronavirus? [2:37 – 4:58] 

Why Piper doesn’t like the word ‘retirement’ [4:58 – 12:45] 

Especially Formative Books for John Piper [12:45 – 19:57] 

On the Pros and Cons of Reading Slowly [19:57 – 34:48] 

Books to Kickstart Pastoral Ministry [34:48 – 43:54] 

Favorite Biographies [43:54 – 46:32] 

Books to Return To [46:32 – 51:59] 

The Hardest Book John Piper Had to Write and His Favorite [51:59 – 57:38] 

Providence: John Piper’s Latest Book [57:38 – 1:03:15] 

Enjoying the Process of Writing; Praise for Pastors Who Don’t Write Books[1:03:15 – 1:09:33] 

More Questions on Providence and Providence [1:09:33 – 1:20:40] 

The Most Important Verse in the Bible [1:20:40 – 1:25:08] 

Books and More Books: 

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp (get 30% off) 

Thinking God’s Thoughts: The Hermeneutics of Humility, by Daniel P. Fuller 

The Unity of the Bible: Unfolding God's Plan for Humanity, by Daniel P.Fuller 

Freedom of the Will, by Jonathan Edwards 

The End for Which God Created the World, by Jonathan Edwards 

The Religious Affections, by Jonathan Edwards 

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditCopy Link

Transcript

More on OpenTheo

Is Doing the Right Thing a Sin If You Truly Believe It’s Wrong?
Is Doing the Right Thing a Sin If You Truly Believe It’s Wrong?
#STRask
September 22, 2025
Questions about whether Romans 14:23 means that doing the right thing is a sin if you truly believe it’s wrong, and how to reconcile Hebrews 10:16, wh
How Can I Showcase God’s Goodness When I’m Struggling in My Suffering?
How Can I Showcase God’s Goodness When I’m Struggling in My Suffering?
#STRask
September 8, 2025
Questions about how to showcase God’s goodness when we’re really struggling in our suffering, an explanation of God’s response at the end of the book
Why Do We Say Someone Was Saved on a Particular Date If It Was Part of an Eternal Plan?
Why Do We Say Someone Was Saved on a Particular Date If It Was Part of an Eternal Plan?
#STRask
November 24, 2025
Questions about why we say someone was saved on a particular date if it was part of an eternal plan, the Roman Catholic view of the gospel vs. the Bib
How Would You Convince Someone That Evil Exists?
How Would You Convince Someone That Evil Exists?
#STRask
November 17, 2025
Questions about how to convince someone that evil exists, whether Charlie Kirk’s murder was part of God’s plan, whether that would mean the murderer d
Faith Journeys: Similar Road, Different Conclusions - A Licona Ehrman Discussion
Faith Journeys: Similar Road, Different Conclusions - A Licona Ehrman Discussion
Risen Jesus
September 24, 2025
On the Risen Jesus podcast today, Dr. Michael Licona and Dr. Bart Ehrman join Justin Brierly on his Unbelievable podcast to discuss their faith journe
How Do These Passages Fit with Your View on How God Speaks?
How Do These Passages Fit with Your View on How God Speaks?
#STRask
September 15, 2025
Questions about why, if it’s impossible to miss God’s voice, the disciples incorrectly told Paul “through the Spirit” not to go to Jerusalem, people m
The Historical Perspective vs. The Theological Perspective on the Resurrection: Are Both Valid?
The Historical Perspective vs. The Theological Perspective on the Resurrection: Are Both Valid?
Risen Jesus
October 1, 2025
This episode is a discussion between Dr. Mike Licona and then PhD candidate Laura Robinson on the Capturing Christianity podcast. While both scholars
John Thomson and the Shaping of American Presbyterianism with Stephen A. Fix
John Thomson and the Shaping of American Presbyterianism with Stephen A. Fix
Life and Books and Everything
September 29, 2025
If you are looking for a deep dive into the history of early American Presbyterianism, you have come to the right place! Listen in as Kevin talks with
What Are Some Good Ways to Start a Conversation About God with Family Members?
What Are Some Good Ways to Start a Conversation About God with Family Members?
#STRask
October 30, 2025
Questions about how to start a conversation about God with non-Christian family members, how to keep from becoming emotional when discussing faith iss
How Do We Advocate for Christian Policy Without Making the Government Interfere in Every Area of Life?
How Do We Advocate for Christian Policy Without Making the Government Interfere in Every Area of Life?
#STRask
November 20, 2025
Questions about how to advocate for Christian policy without making the government interfere in every area of life, and the differences between the mo
When Is It Time to Walk Away from a Conversation?
When Is It Time to Walk Away from a Conversation?
#STRask
September 1, 2025
Questions about how to discern when it’s time to walk away from a conversation, and how to cope with people charging you with being prideful and legal
Mike Takes on World Ranked Debator on the Topic of Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead
Mike Takes on World Ranked Debator on the Topic of Jesus' Resurrection from the Dead
Risen Jesus
August 27, 2025
Dr. Shane Pucket was ranked the 32nd best debater in the world in 2012. That year, he faced off against Dr. Michael Licona at Monroe Baptist Church in
“Christians Care More About Ideology than People”
“Christians Care More About Ideology than People”
#STRask
October 13, 2025
Questions about how to respond to the critique that Christians care more about ideology than people, and whether we have freedom in America because Ch
Could the Writers of Scripture Have Been Influenced by Their Fallen Nature?
Could the Writers of Scripture Have Been Influenced by Their Fallen Nature?
#STRask
October 23, 2025
Questions about whether or not it’s reasonable to worry that some of our current doctrines were influenced by the fallen nature of the apostles, and h
Should I Leave a Church That Refuses to Preach on Divisive Topics?
Should I Leave a Church That Refuses to Preach on Divisive Topics?
#STRask
August 21, 2025
Questions about leaving a church with biblical theology because they refuse to preach on divisive topics, whether it’s okay to write an apologetics bo