Articles & Essays Archives - Justin Ariel Bailey

Bailey’s Book Awards: Favorite Reads from 2024

For the last few years I've been keeping a record of my reading and making note of the most important books that I read that year. To be honest, I'm feeling a bit burnt out on reading at the moment, and have felt that way…

Justin BaileyDecember 21, 2024

Book Reviews Books

Bailey’s Book Awards: Favorite Reads from 2023

This is the week that various outlets publish lists of the "best books of the year," the "books most likely to shape life, thought, and culture.” I always feel for the authors whose books didn't even make the shortlist, as well for those who have…

Justin BaileyDecember 8, 2023

Articles & Essays Confessional Short Articles

In gratitude for Tim Keller (1950-2023)

Tim Keller passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023. I cried when I learned about it. This is my tribute, in gratitude for his ministry. I first heard about Tim Keller about 20 years ago, during my first year in seminary. To contextualize the connection,…

Justin BaileyMay 20, 2023

Articles & Essays Book Reviews

On Suspicion: A Reply to Mike Wagenman

I thank Mike Wagenman for taking the time to review my book. He offers two critiques, but it seems that the heart of his concern is my consistent language of “outsider” and “insider.” I admit to some surprise at his reading of these terms, and…

Justin BaileyFebruary 11, 2021

Articles & Essays

On Starting Points and Sharp Edges: A Response to Ted Turnau

I thank Ted Turnau for taking the time to read and review my book for Christianity Today. I think I would enjoy a coffee conversation with Ted (I hope it’s ok to be familiar). I get the sense we are kindred spirits, even if we…

Justin BaileyFebruary 8, 2021

Book Reviews In All Things

The Gift of the Artist: A Review of Art and Faith

A few years ago, our university had the privilege of hosting accomplished artist Makoto Fujimura. He spoke eloquently to the student body, exhibited his work in our gallery, and took questions at a smaller gathering in the evening. At the latter event, the first question…

Justin BaileyFebruary 4, 2021

Articles & Essays Confessional Short Articles

“Jesus Saves”: Fragments on the Storming of the Capitol

The last few days I had scheduled large blocks of time for a major writing project. But I can't seem to write. Instead I find myself glued to the news. I normally do my best to moderate the amount of news I read: an email…

Justin BaileyJanuary 8, 2021

Costly Hope Gospel of Matthew Short Articles

Birds and Branches: A Blessing for 2021

A couple of years ago, I was asked to share a short devotional at the faculty assembly. I found it the other day while cleaning out my files. It seemed appropriate as a blessing for the beginning of the year. Photo by Ross Stone on…

Justin BaileyJanuary 4, 2021

Articles & Essays Christian Witness & Apologetics Imagination

Reimagining “Pre-Apologetics”? Responding to Trevin Wax’s TGC Review

Being a first time author is a series of wonderful firsts. Signing a first book contract. Seeing the cover art for the first time. Holding the first physical copy in your hand. Finally, the novel surprise that people are actually buying, reading, and taking your work…

Justin BaileyDecember 11, 2020

Book Reviews In All Things

Exercising Hope: A Review of Reading While Black

This summer I found myself as disappointed with the church as I have ever been. I say this as a person who loves the church deeply, who is thoroughly embedded in the church, and who preaches most Sundays. But this summer it seemed to me…

Justin BaileyDecember 1, 2020