Reading Recommendations

[weepingforloman]

Hey, to anyone who is familiar with Christian theologians... Does anyone have any books they think I should read? I am leaning towards becoming a pastor, and I would like to read up. I am in the process of reading Calvin's Institutes, and I have read just about every C.S. Lewis book out there, but if anyone has anything else, please let me know.

[Gorilla King]

Absolutely! Just off the top of my head and in no particular order:

1. Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
2. Summa Contra Gentiles by Thomas Aquinas
3. Confessions by St. Augustine
4. Holman Bible Dictionary
5. Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
6. The Promise and the Blessing (excellent survey of the bible)
7. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
8. Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton
9. Virtually anything by CS Lewis
10. The Oxford History of Christian Worship


I'm not studying to be a pastor (unless God has other plans) but I am a religion major and these have been some of the most valuable works for me as I've been studying. I don't know where you're at in terms of the depth of your study, but I would recommend starting in broad strokes and slowly working your way in. Most misconceptions about the faith stem from people who start with the intricate details while totally missing the bigger picture.

[chaplin]

Though not a theologian per se, and despite him being excommunicated by a Christian denomination, he still, I think, wrote some of the best insights about Christianity in modern times, and was probably the best overall writer to write about Christianity in the last several centuries. He is Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy.

I think both A Confession and The Kingdom of God is Within You are essential reading for a broader perception and appreciation for Christian thought.

[linz]

Thomas Merton is interesting, maybe 'Seven Story Mountain'.

[weepingforloman]

Absolutely! Just off the top of my head and in no particular order:

1. Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
2. Summa Contra Gentiles by Thomas Aquinas
3. Confessions by St. Augustine
4. Holman Bible Dictionary
5. Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis
6. The Promise and the Blessing (excellent survey of the bible)
7. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
8. Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton
9. Virtually anything by CS Lewis
10. The Oxford History of Christian Worship


I'm not studying to be a pastor (unless God has other plans) but I am a religion major and these have been some of the most valuable works for me as I've been studying. I don't know where you're at in terms of the depth of your study, but I would recommend starting in broad strokes and slowly working your way in. Most misconceptions about the faith stem from people who start with the intricate details while totally missing the bigger picture.

OK, thanks. I have a few follow-ups: 1.) I'm a little wary of Aquinas... Is he in line with modern Catholicism, because I have problems with the Catholic Church? 2.) How highly do you recommend Orthodoxy? I know C.S. Lewis (and I have read almost all his books) claims Chesterton as his "spiritual father..." Is the book like Lewis's (i.e. lots of apologetics), a personal testimony, or a truly theological book?

Thanks again. Grace and Peace.


Though not a theologian per se, and despite him being excommunicated by a Christian denomination, he still, I think, wrote some of the best insights about Christianity in modern times, and was probably the best overall writer to write about Christianity in the last several centuries. He is Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy.

I think both A Confession and The Kingdom of God is Within You are essential reading for a broader perception and appreciation for Christian thought.

Danke schoen, Chap.


Thomas Merton is interesting, maybe 'Seven Story Mountain'.

I'm a little wary of Merton as well, my "Religion" teacher (quotes are pretty much necessary, I go to a highly secularized "Catholic" school) raves about him, but he was a little off. However, I will check it out. Gracias.

[kilted exile]

If you are interested in the historical aspect/underlying theological problems of the reformation/counter reformation anything by Diarmid MacCulloch is a must read.

[jon1jt]

Henry Miller, Tropic of Cancer/Capricorn--(T. of Cancer is better, but read both)
The Painted Bird, Jerzy Koszinski (i think that's how you spell his name)
The Subterraneans (if you like poetic narratives) Jack Kerouac

[Logos]

A few mentioned available on the site :)

Augustine's Confessions: http://www.online-literature.com/saint-augustine/

Tolstoy's The Kingdom of God is Within You:
http://www.online-literature.com/tolstoy/kingdom-of-god/

[Gorilla King]

OK, thanks. I have a few follow-ups: 1.) I'm a little wary of Aquinas... Is he in line with modern Catholicism, because I have problems with the Catholic Church? 2.) How highly do you recommend Orthodoxy? I know C.S. Lewis (and I have read almost all his books) claims Chesterton as his "spiritual father..." Is the book like Lewis's (i.e. lots of apologetics), a personal testimony, or a truly theological book?

Thanks again. Grace and Peace.

Aquinas was Catholic and yes, some of his writings reflect that, but I think it would be a mistake to disregard perhaps the greatest Christian philosopher since the foundation of the church on account of denominational bias. In fact, if you discount the teaching in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy you'll find 1600 years of theological development missing. I've read your posts, you seem sound in the faith. Just use your discernment as you're reading through.

I think Orthodoxy is essential reading. It's not a direct apologetic by any means and is somewhat spiritually biographical, but Chesterton has one of the more unique voices in Christian thought and presents some arguments in interesting and perhaps even more convincing ways than traditional apologetics.

[Dark Star]

This may seem like a bit of an odd suggestion, however, you may wish to try Thomas Merton's Thoughts In Solitude.

EDIT: You may wish to check out the underrated Christian philosopher Montaigne's work.

[weepingforloman]

Thanks to: Gorilla King, Linz, Kilted Exile, jon1jt, Dark Star, chaplin, and Logos.
Quite a list.

[JGL57]

What about books by ex-christian philosophers and scholars - do you have any interest in those, or are you totally one-sided in your approach?

What about the process theology guys - any interest in their writings?

BTW, I read "Zen and the Birds of Appetite" by Merton - he seemed an interesting character.

[Gorilla King]

I have no hesitation in saying that the modern Christian church is the least educated in the history of the church. When asked about the reason for their faith, they inevitably delve into their testimony which though valuable, is in actuality little more than an emotional appeal. My purpose in starting this thread is to assemble a list of books that either directly or indirectly relate to the reason behind faith.

My first two that I submit are staples of mine:

The Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles by Thomas Aquinas


And just as a bit of an aside, what prompted this thread was me being questioned in another thread on the nature and reality of the soul. I realized that I don't have an answer, but it gave me a very good excuse to go looking for one! A healthy skepticism is necessary for a strong faith.

[NikolaiI]

I'd say you should read Descartes, Pascal and Kierkegaard. Of those three, I've read the least of Kierkegaard, just excerpts in a book on existentialism. My friend Cris recently bought a few of his books.

You should ask ministers of different congregations and denominations.

[weepingforloman]

I have no hesitation in saying that the modern Christian church is the least educated in the history of the church. When asked about the reason for their faith, they inevitably delve into their testimony which though valuable, is in actuality little more than an emotional appeal. My purpose in starting this thread is to assemble a list of books that either directly or indirectly relate to the reason behind faith.

My first two that I submit are staples of mine:

The Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles by Thomas Aquinas


And just as a bit of an aside, what prompted this thread was me being questioned in another thread on the nature and reality of the soul. I realized that I don't have an answer, but it gave me a very good excuse to go looking for one! A healthy skepticism is necessary for a strong faith.

Although I am only about 20% of the way through (they are long, dense books) I absolutely recommend The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. It is the most thorough and interesting examination of theology I have ever come across.

[Gorilla King]

Although I am only about 20% of the way through (they are long, dense books) I absolutely recommend The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. It is the most thorough and interesting examination of theology I have ever come across.

Thank you for that recommendation. I've added it to my list. turns out there's even a new edition being released in September which is around the time I'll get to it!

[weepingforloman]

Incidentally-- the first book is the one you may want to consider skipping/skimming. The real stuff begins in the second book of the first volume.

[Gorilla King]

I can't help but read books in their entirety even if they are dull. I am glad however that this new version coming out is all contained in one volume. I know something like the Summa theological could never be contained in a (usable) single volume, but man....those sets are expensive.

[weepingforloman]

I mentioned the relative dullness of the first book only because I am not familiar with your ability to withstand dense material. The second book, however, is fascinating, and begins the explanation of what could be called Calvinist theology.

[Pendragon]

I am going to suggest two books that on the surface may seem odd, but there is solid stuff beneath the storylines:

Pilgrims Progress
The Holy War

Both books are by John Bunyan. The second gives as good a discription of the war a person fights both against temtation of the body and of the spirit as I have ever came across. And the first part, I confess that I never got much from the second part of Pilgrims Progress, shows a lot about how a Christain should not expect his or her road to be easy, or that he or she will always make the correct choice.

God Bless

Pen

[weepingforloman]

I've read Pilgrim's, never even heard of Holy War. Thanks, Pen.

[Pendragon]

I've read Pilgrim's, never even heard of Holy War. Thanks, Pen.

Yes, it is a little rare, but any compentent religious bookstore should be able to get you a copy. Mine is paperback, but very nice. Another good choice for example work is Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard and its sequels. The lady pilgrim finds that Sorrow and Suffering are actually helping her become closer to her Lord. I have a nice copy of it as well. If I knew more about how you believe, I could suggest other books. They would mean nothing to some people, those heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, for example. I do not spead division. If it would help, OK. If it would just cause hard feelings and trouble, leave well enough alone. Souls are more important than denominational differences.

God bless.

Pen

[weepingforloman]

God bless.

Pen

And you.

[NikolaiI]

I retract my Kierkegaard endorsement, he is way overly negative.

[Unbeliever]

I would think that The Varieties of Religious Experience (http://www.psywww.com/psyrelig/james/toc.htm), by William James, would be a must-read.

[weepingforloman]

That sounds a little less theological and a little more general than I'm after, but thanks for the suggestion.

[mtpspur]

Well you might try Hodge's Body of Divinity and by all means Thomas Watson's Body of Divinity. Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole and Adam Clarke for commentaries. John Owen (not for the timid), Martin Luther's works certainly. Negelct Jonathan Edwards at your peril. A more modern author would be Arthur W. Pink. These alone will keep you busy and present God and the Lord Christ in their fullest glory. For edification and simple gospel worship and solid grounding the word Spurgeon's Treasury of David on the Psalms is unbeatable. I've sampled all the above but can say I have read the Treasury and Matthew Henry completely to great joy (and humilation at my lack of growth and spiriuality but that's my responsibility and no reflection on above authors.

[Pendragon]

Another, as friend Mtspur says, not for the timid, Revival Lectures by Charles G. Finney. Finney will "step on your toes" as they say, but you will come out a stronger person in Christ.

[Whifflingpin]

Does anybody read Bonhoeffer these days? "Cost of Discipleship" for instance.

[mtpspur]

Does anybody read Bonhoeffer these days? "Cost of Discipleship" for instance.

Aware of him but never read him. The Navigators endorsed this book strongly in the 70s but I was a rebel back then when it came to Chritian literature and was heavy into Alan Redpath back then. Young days young days.

[Gorilla King]

Yeah, Bonhoeffer is great! I would highly recommend him.