Book for unbeliever?

I wasn't sure where to pose this question on the BB, but finally decided this might be the best place.

I've been emailing for about 6 or 7 yrs. with a young man in Ireland who is not a believer and has been very much into psychics, astrology, dreams, ghosts, Deepak Chopra, etc., etc. By God's grace, this young man has been gradually turning away from all this over the last few years , and he even bought 2 Bibles after I kept urging him to read the Bible. He now seems to be seeking more earnestly and is asking me if I know of a good book about Jesus. The fact that he has gone to a bookstore to look for such a book is a major turning point, imo.

He says this:
"...maybe you could recommend some books for me, maybe something about what Jesus taught and how to live my life by jesus-s teachings, or understanding human nature and why we sin."

Very important - even though he is 27, he seems to have the mind of someone younger. So I need a recommendation for something pretty basic (not academic, please), but not childish (or he will be insulted, I'm sure). I know he has self-worth issues and I think he has some emotional/social interaction issues as well. His mother died when he was 11 or 12 and his father is very abusive. He lives on his own, but is very scarred from the past. I am praising God that he is asking me about such a book.

Keep in mind he needs to be able to get this in Ireland. I assume he could order from the Amazon UK site. He needs something that gives the gospel but also tells about Jesus. It should not be too long. If it's really terrific, I could buy it for him and send it to him.

Please do not recommend websites or things like that. He does not always have access to a computer. And since he's asking for a book, that's what I think would work best.

Any ideas? Thanks for suggestions.

 

He already has 2 Bibles and has read through parts of the Bible. The type of translations available to him at the bookstore in his town or nearby are very limited. I don't think the ones you mention above are available at all.

Since he has 2 Bibles and is looking for a book, please recommend a book!

Someone told me it should More Than a Carpenter. What do you think?

 

Thanks, Rippon, but please read the OP. This is not a believer! He's still somewhat stuck into his New Age thinking and interests but is showing more interest in learning about Jesus. After 7 yrs. or so of emails, this is a huge step! Of course, I and many prayer partners have been praying steadily for him for years.

I found a book online by John Piper, 50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, and just ordered it from Amazon Marketplace (cheap price). What I saw online looked good. I'll look at it and may send it to him.

I also found a Bible called The Journey (NIV) especially designed for seekers. Is anyone familiar with it? There was even a customer review on Amazon by a skeptic who said he liked it! I may order it and look at this, too. If it looks helpful, I'll send it even though he as 2 Bibles. This one has a lot of notes and explanations. I looked at some of it online.

I appreciate all the suggestions so far, thanks! :thumbsup: :wavey:

I'll check out "Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?" (I once did a talk called "Will the Real God Please Stand Up" comparing the gods of Mormonism, Islam, Hinduism, and the New Age with the Christian God).

 

Thanks, C4K! :wavey:

He's in Sligo. Part of the address is Carrarore Co. Does that makes sense to you?

He's sent me 3 or 4 emails in the last few days asking about Jesus. He's asked before, but never this much in such a short time. I am praying that it is the HS working on him. He's very confused -- his thinking is not that clear, I'm not sure why. But I am convinced it is the Lord who has kept Sean emailing me all these years.

Please pray for him, C4K, and for me to have wisdom in what to say to him. I would appreciate that - thanks!

 

Thanks so much, C4K! I will wait until I hear from him again. He's very sporadic in emailing - sometimes emails me several times for a few days then nothing for a month or more. I think it's because he has computer problems.

I'll also be sending him a copy of my book (just out!! I'll make an announcement somewhere on the BB soon) since he asked for it, and the Piper book. Sean said that if I sent him my book, he would send me a book by Deepak Chopra that the has <groan>. He's also been reading other New Agers and I told him please don't read them! At least he tells me and asks me about things. He also listens to me.

His mother died when he was about 12 and his father was very abusive to him (beat him and called him names). So he's very scarred. He got away from home and lives in his own place now, but changes jobs frequently.

When he next emails me, I'll tell him I know someone in Ireland who has friends in his area and would he like to meet them. I'll tell him he can ask questions. He would not be receptive to a "hard sell" of the gospel but would be open, I think, to asking questions of someone very caring who would listen to him and try to answer the questions very gently. Then I'll PM you.

He's a musician and rather sensitive. Thanks again!

 

LeBuick, thanks so much for your encouraging words and prayers! :wavey:

Prayers are needed! C4K, thanks for your prayers as well! :thumbs: