Following is an annotated bibliography of Christian devotional works as well asbooks and videos on the biker culture that may prove helpful in reaching bikers for the Lord Jesus Christ. This list is not exhaustive (and it will be supplemented as new offerings become available and known). Please note that the “biker” books and videos may have “adult only” content as they display and discuss facets within the outlaw culture. The “star” (*) ratings are from one to five–fair, good, very good, excellent, and outstanding.
CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONAL WORKS
MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST, Oswald Chambers. This is one of the very best daily devotionals of all time. Chambers is always biblical, doctrinally sound, timely, relevant, application-oriented, and refreshingly candid. This is a 5-star book that must be in every Christian’s library.*****
DAILY THOUGHTS FOR DISCIPLES, Oswald Chambers. Yet another devo from Oswald Chambers. This one is also a daily readings’ book that is taken from many of Chambers’ other works. It is intended for those who take their Christianity seriously (as are all his writings!). Chambers himself had heavily underlined a passage from James Denney’s Jesus and the Gospel which speaks loudly about the contents of this devo: “. . .no one is worthy of Jesus who does not follow Him, as it were, with the rope around his neck–ready to die the most ignominious death rather than prove untrue.” *****
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, Wayne Grudem. A present-day thelogian, Grudem is comprehensive in his presentation of the great themes in Christian theology. A highlight is his addition of devotional material at the conclusion of each chapter. *****
THE NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARIES: JOHN, William Hendriksen. The Gospel of John is one of the best books to use to present the doctrines of both the Person and Work of Jesus Christ and saving faith. This volume can be of significant help to the Christian biker in prepping to go into the outlaw culture with the Gospel. It’s the best commentary on John I’ve ever seen–scholarly yet down to earth in readability, you can go to the bank with this one! *****
WHAT’S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE? (Visual Edition), Philip Yancey. This “visual edition” is a wonderful companion to the original work. It is filled with images and short snippets on issues of God’s–and subsequently, our–grace in the lives of people of every type and kind. For all ministering in the biker culture, this work will both soften hearts and steel against the pervasive selfish sinfulness that generally occurs when one deals with the disenfranchised of our culture. Another must-have book. Terrific! *****
HOLINESS, J. C. Ryle. This is as fine a presentation of the biblical doctrine of holiness that is available. Ryle–a 19th century Anglican bishop, pastor, theologian, and author–addresses this topic with godly insight, rock-solid exegesis, and whole-hearted fervor. He is a straight-shooter who pulls no punches–both legalists and antinomians need to duck for cover; but he does it with a soulfulness for the pew-sitting Christian and common man. Highly readable. One of the top five books in my library. *****
MORE THAN CONQUERORS, William Hendriksen. If you’re interested in studying the book of Revelation, this is a dynamite volume. Quite concise and straight to the point, Hendriksen’s years of biblical studies are clearly evident. He is, wiithout doubt, one of the twentieth century’s great expositors of the Scriptures. The first quarter of the book is his introduction to studying apocalyptic literature (and is worth the price of the book by itself!). It’ll make a terrific companion to any study of Revelation (allowing the reader to deal with the biblical text itselfrather than with all the complicated permutations of the commentator). Start here with your commentaries of Revelation. *****
THE TRUTH WAR: FIGHTING FOR CERTAINTY IN AN AGE OF DECEPTION, John MacArthur. With”true Truth” under attack now more than ever before, MacArthur’s volume is a welcome resource for everywarrior of the Captain of our salvation. Inplain and powerful text, he lays out a defense for the Truth that cannot be denied. Dealing with such issues as identifying flaws in theso-called “emerging Church” movement as well addressing errors and false teachings which are being “smuggled” into local churches, MacArthur has done yeoman’s labor. We all need to defend the faith with such courage and information. This is a “must have” volume for 2007 and beyond. *****
THINK BIBLICALLY! RECOVERING A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW, John MacArthur, General Editor. This book is a compilation of writingsby Master’s Collegeprofesors on what it means to think biblically so as to be able to distinguish the truth about good and evil in the world today. Topics include biblical authority, creation, understanding the post-modern world in which we live, science, education, history, economics, and others. Well worth both the investment and time spent reading through it. *****
BIKER CULTURE WORKS
FALLEN ANGEL, Barry Mayson. This is Barry’s story from his pre-Angel days through the years as an HA to his conversion to Jesus Christ. It is fast-paced and filled with all sorts of insights into the PHer and 1%er lifestyle. An excellent start to a biker library. While this book was written for Christians, it does have themes that may be inappropriate for younger children–use discretion. ****
THE ORIGINAL WILD ONES: TALES OF THE BOOZEFIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, Bill Hayes. This is a really good historical recounting of the Boozefighters MC from interviews with original and present members. The archives are opened for a combo of facts and myth. One particularly interesting chapter deals with Irish Ed, the national chaplain. ****
THE BROTHERHOOD, Arthur Veno. One of the best accounts of biker culture on the market today. While it is from an Australian point of view, it neverthless documents outlaw biker culture in a vivid and easily read and digested way. A fast read, it keeps ones attention. Caution: profanity. ****
HELL’S ANGELS, Hunter S. Thompson. One of the classics on the outlaw culture, Thompson’s work continues to reveal core issues within both the Hells Angels, particularly, and the 1%er culture, generally. Reads like a narrative of his time with the HA’s. Caution: profanity, violence,andsexually explicitdescriptions. **1/2
THE REBELS, Daniel R. Wolf. Wolf wrote this as his doctoral dissertation in the early 1990’s. It is the most comprehensive and documented of all the works on the outlaw culture; however, it is a tougher read due to its thesis nature. Well-balanced in its presentation. Caution: profanity. ***1/2
HELL’S ANGELS, Yves Lavigne. This respected Canadian journalist takes his readers on a tour of the outlaw culture north of the border. Filled with many violent andsexually explicitaccounts of the HA’s quest for dominance in Canada. Caution: profanity. **1/2
OUT IN BAD STANDINGS, Edward Winterhalder. A former Bandido, Connecticutt Ed, details his life within the M/C. It is an interesting read and filled with many details on club life that is often overlooked in other works. Some nude pics. Caution: profanity. ***1/2
ANGELS OF DEATH, Julian Sher and William Marsden. The HA’s on three continents are surveyed with emphasis on the ruined lives that have resulted from contact with this M/C. A fairly quick read in spite of its length. Caution: violence and profanity. **1/2
UNDER AND ALONE, William Queen. ATF agent Bill Queen’s infiltration of the Mongols M/C is “riveting” and “packed with intensity.” Soon to be a major motion picture, it has all the elements required of such. Caution: violence,sexually explicitdescriptions,and profanity. ***
THE BIKERIDERS, Danny Lyon. Over forty years have passed since Danny Lyon rode with the Chicago Outlaws M/C and chronicled their existence. Filled with both pictures and text, it is an excellent presentation of early Outlaw life. Caution: profanity. ***
RIDERS FOR GOD, Rich Remsburg. This is a story of a Christian M/C, the “Unchained Gang,” of Indiana. It tells the stories about former outlaws who now profess faith in Jesus Christ and take His message into the biker culture. The text is mainly interviews with the Unchained Gang members. Some nude pics. Caution: somesexually explicitdescriptions and profanity. **1/2
HELLS ANGELS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, Andrew Shaylor. This is a “coffee table” book filled with photos of HA’s in England. Text is minimal but good. A few pics contain full nudity. Caution: profanity. ***
RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL, Kerrie Droban. A somewhat drab presentation of the 2002-03 infiltration by the ATFof the Arizona Hells Angels M/C which was treated previously in ANGELS OF DEATH (see above). Save your money or, better yet, give it to the Lord to use in some way. Caution: Profanity, violence, and sexual content. *1/2
ONE PERCENTER: THE LEGEND OF THE OUTLAW BIKER, Dave Nichols. Dave Nichols is the editor-in-chief of both Easy Rider and VTwin magazines, and, as such, has a credible background for his subject matter. Basic content is little different from other booksabout 1%ers and outlaws. He does present some interesting addendumsto his work such as a brief history of piracy (which aids his comparisons between that group and the outlaw bikers), a listing of all American motorcycle companies from the turn of the twentieth century till now, and reviews of the top twelve biker movies of all time (yeah, that was pretty good). Most of the rest of the reading was “second verse same as the first,” though. His style is easy to digest. Some content and profanity (to be expected in this genre) makes it adult fare. ***
HELL’S ANGELS, The History Channel (video). A good presentation of the HA’s that covers the club from its inception to the present day. Great footage, old and new, as well as interviews with club members including Sonny Barger. ***
ROAD WARRIORS: THE BIKER BROTHERHOOD, A & E (video). Another good presentation of 1%er club life. This time, a Brooklyn club, the Ching-a-lings, are documented. Interviews and film clips of club life and activities highlight. Caution: some semi-nudity and profanity. ***1/2
Copyright (c) 2008 CrossWind Ministry
