5 Books for a Lenten Reading List
Lent is a season for slowing down, and few things slow us down like a good book. This year we’ve gathered five reads that hold space for both faith and honest questions — perfect for personal reflection or a small-group study in a mainline congregation.
Why these books
Each pick leans into the themes we care about most here at Forward Faithing: grace over judgment, justice as an act of faith, and room for doubt without shame. They’re accessible enough for a Sunday School circle and rich enough for a seminary-trained pastor.
- On grace — a tender look at how mercy reshapes a community.
- On justice — practical theology for congregations doing outreach.
- On doubt — permission to bring your whole, questioning self to the table.
How to use this list
Pick one title and read a chapter a week through Lent. Invite a few members to journal alongside you, then gather to share what surfaced. If your group finds a favorite, tag us — we’re always building the next list from what real communities are reading.
Have a recommendation of your own? Send it our way and we may feature it in a future post.