From time to time I visit an outstanding website or hear an album, watch a movie or read a book that I would like to recommend… hence this page. Enjoy!
(Note: All recommendations are Christian or faith-based… even the death metal stuff )

Books

Fiction
Angelwalk by Roger Elwood | I read this a few days after becoming a Christian and is by far the best work of Christian fiction I have ever read. Sequels include Fallen Angel, Stedfast, Darien, Where Angels Dare, Wendy’s Pheonix, and On Holy Ground, though none topped the brilliance of the original.
Judas Ride, The by Peggy Sue Yarber | Teen angst, violence, rage… this book is one that should be read by teens and their parents to show them that there are consequences to our actions and yet there hope for the disenchanted. Oh, and I have a little say-so in the “what others are saying” section… my first time in print.
Oath, The by Frank Peretti | One of the best novels I have ever read. Creepy and thrilling from beginning to end. A modern classic.

Non-Fiction
Cost of Discipleship, The by Dietrich Bonhoeffer | A true classic. Next to CS Lewis Bonhoeffer was probably the best Christian thinker in the 20th century.
Joni by Joni Eareckson Tada | The heart wrenching, yet inspiring, story of a young girl trying to adapt to live after a freak accident leaves her paralyzed from the neck down.
Why Mike’s Not A Christian by Ben Young | An intro to Christian apologetics without all of the usual theologically heavy words. An important book for Christian’s who want to make a difference.
Why Not Woman? by Loren Cunningham & David Joel Hamilton | A lot of people in the church (especially men) struggle with women preachers, teachers, and leaders within the church context. This book challenges the patriarchal mindset that is unfortunately still alive and active in the Body.

Movies

Amazing Grace | The true story of William Wilberforce, the man who was instrumental in bringing about the abolition of the slave trade in Great Britain. Inspiring, challenging, and well made.
End of the Spear | A truly inspiring and powerful movie based on the true story of five Christian missionaries speared to death in the Amazon jungle in 1956 and the forgiveness that followed.
Fiddler on the Roof | I’m not usually a fan of musicals, but this movie is something special. Set in 1905 Tsarist Russia, this tale of a simple man and his family as they try and maintain family values and religious traditions amidst life changing events that are headed their way. Truly a classic on all counts.
I Am Sam | Sean Penn is fantastic in this sweet tale of a fathers love. Highly recommended.
Knowing | Nic Cage in one of my favorite Hollywood movies for some time. Loved the premise and the ending is awesome. Angels or aliens… I’ll go with angels!
Life is Beautiful | Without doubt in my top 3 movies. An outstanding tale of life during the Holocaust of WW2. A tragicom that is both delightful and sad, uplifting and yet thought provoking. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, go now and get it!
Postman, The | Kevin Costner’s tale of a simple man who finds himself in a fight against a madman and his army in post-apocalyptic America. Many critics slated this movie and I must admit it is a little “Americanized” but a great movie nonetheless.
Pride | Who’d have thought that the true story of a black swim team would make for an excellent and inspiring movie? If you enjoyed Remember the Titans and Facing the Giants you should like this.
Signs | I know this is an older release, but it is one of my faves. Not so much an alien invasion movie, more a movie about the journey of faith through tragedy. Brilliant!
Valkyrie | Alright I know… Tom Cruise is a Scientologist. But this movie is good. A true story set in WW2 which acts as a parable on not putting things off. And to think they came that close…

Music

Praise & Worship
Chris Tomlin – Arriving | A modern classic featuring many songs that are used by many churches during their worship times.
Todd Agnew – Grace Like Rain | One of the finest worship albums ever. Has a couple of fillers, but most of the tracks are awesome.

Rock & Metal
Amaseffer – Slaves for Life | All I can say about this is remarkable. Imagine Dream Theater did an album about the Exodus… Prog Rock at it’s very best.
Awakening, The – The Fountain | Fans of Marilyn Manson and goth rock in general will love this blend of electro, grunge, doom, and goth.
blessthefall – Witness | The sophomore album from this screamo/metal band. Highly produced but still has lots of boundless raw energy.
Line of Fire – Line of Fire | Christian AOR in the style of Alias and The Storm. BIG choruses.
Fires of Babylon – Fires of Babylon | The voice of metal Rob Rock heads up this new band that is flat out power metal.
Human Fortress – Eternal Empire | This is one insanely good album. Strong vocals (both clean and growling), plenty of chugging guitars, and haunting melodies make this a metal album that stands out from the rest.
Jet Circus – Look At Death Now | Bit of a mixed bag – Metal crossed with sleeze, 70’s, 80’s and motorcycle rock (let’s call it hybrid rock). A fun album.
Scelerata – Darkness and Light | Fans of European neo-classical metal in the vein of Dragonforce rejoice. This album may not be as “produced” as many albums out there but the talent is what counts!
Theocracy – Mirror of Souls | One of the best albums of 2008. Epic progressive metal that has to be heard to be believed. I’m sure glad these guys are on our side coz it gives me a good reason to listen to ‘em again and again! Doubly recommended.
Thy Bleeding Skies – Chapters of Downfall | Solid death metal and one heavy album! Sounds like a more doom laden, heavier version of Cradle of Filth but with Christ centered lyrics.

Websites

DeathIsGain.com – The website of my friend and digital artist, Robert Wilson. He has created covers for albums by Theocracy, Bride, and others. His artwork is real good.
Christian Spotlight on the Movies – Movie reviews from a Christian perspective with comments by readers. If unsure I usually check movies out here. Reviewers can be a little fundamental at times, but on the whole good.