The Christian Theologian’s Reading List: Important Books
Christian theology is a rich and complex topic of study. Throughout history, many scholars have attempted to distill the words of the Bible and the works of earlier theologians to understand the growth and meaning of the faith. No current scholar could possibly read all of the significant books that are relevant to Christian theology. However, there are a few books that have achieved such insight and lucidity that anyone interested in Christian theology should take the time to read them.
The books here could not possibly represent all of the important works for Christian theologians to read. But it is a start. This is not a ranking of these books, but a starting place for Christian theologians who want a deep understanding of both historic and modern theology.
Exegesis & Hermeneutics
Exegesis and hermeneutics involve the interpretation of texts, especially scripture, to try to understand their meaning and how they apply to the broader context of Christian theology.
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Philosophical Hermeneutics
This excellent collection contains 13 essays from Gadamer’s Kleine Schriften, dealing with hermeneutical reflection, phenomenology, existential philosophy, and philosophical hermeneutics. Gadamer applies hermeneutical analysis to Heidegger and Husserl’s phenomenology, an approach that proves critical and instructive.
Author: Hans Georg Gadamer
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Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors
This substantial revision of a highly successful textbook takes into account the latest advances in methodology and resources. For more than two decades, Stuart has been providing a reliable step-by-step guide on how to write an exegetical paper on the Old Testament.
Author: Douglas K. Stuart
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Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation
This accessible text, which combines hermeneutical theory with practical steps for exegesis, has been translated into eight languages and has been used in a variety of settings to teach students how to study the Bible responsibly.
Author: Henry A. Virkler
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The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Interpretation
This book provides the first complete guide for students to the present state of biblical studies. The twenty-one specially commissioned chapters are written by established scholars from North America and Britain, and represent both traditional and contemporary points of view.
Author: John Barton
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Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics
Protestant Biblical Interpretation: A Textbook of Hermeneutics was published in 1950 and since then, over 100,000 copies have been put into circulation. The book helps readers get to the root of theological issues and gain a better understanding of Biblical interpretation.
Author: Bernard L. Ramm
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Evangelical Hermeneutics: The New Versus the Old
Evangelical Hermeneutics: The New Versus the Old helps to detail the varying hermeneutical methods used in today’s world. By detailing the views typically held by evangelicals in the past, the book is aptly equipped to contrast them to contemporaries.
Author: Robert L. Thomas
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Introduction to Philosophical Hermeneutics
Introduction to Philosophical Hermeneutics looks at all the important figures in this field. The book is also known for its intent focus on pre-Romantic figures, a subject breached on a much less frequent basis.
Author: Jean Grondin
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Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters
Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters goes in-depth to explain the various differences associated with Paul’s views on women and other interesting topics that are relevant. The book also looks at Paul’s influences, his work as a church leader, and other interesting insights.
Author: Philip Barton Payne
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Exegetical Fallacies
Exegetical Fallacies offers a thorough set of principles by which to analyze the content of the Bible. The accurate interpretation of theological and historical issues in the bible depends on rigorous adherence to correct translation, grammatical and lexical veracity, and conscientious scholarship.
Author: D. A. Carson
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Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible
The Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible has been an impressive resource for those looking to reaffirm their knowledge relevant to Christianity. The book has helped by including all the most important names, theories, and concepts in biblical interpretation.
Author: Kevin Vanhoozer
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Invitation to Biblical Interpretation
Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology is written by a pair of prominent Bible scholars that have authored this engaging read that helps advanced-level students get the guidance needed. The book helps reinforce the material by ending each chapter with useful exercises and assignments.
Author: Andreas Kostenberger
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New Horizons in Hermeneutics
New Horizons in Hermeneutics is an important read for gaining an understanding of hermeneutics, specifically looking at the implications related to the Old and New Testaments. The book expresses impressive depth and elaborates so extensively on subjects that it requires an advanced understanding of hermeneutics to be the most effective.
Author: Anthony C. Thiselton
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A Short Introduction to Hermeneutics
A Short Introduction to Hermeneutics looks what guidelines are typically followed for finding the meaning of Scripture. Since there have been a variety of methods used to approach biblical interpretation, this book gives unparalleled insight into how conclusions are made on interpretations.
Author: David Jasper
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The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation
The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation has long been heralded as one of the preeminent reads on hermeneutics. It won the Critics Choice Award in 1993, so has significant support as a renowned read.
Author: Grant R. Osborne
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Hermeneutics
Hermeneutics breaks down the topic of hermeneutics by extensively discussing various aspects of phenomenology and existential philosophy.
Author: Richard E. Palmer
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A Guide to Old Testament Theology and Exegesis
A Guide to Old testament Theology and Exegesis is regarded for its brevity in addressing some of the hardest topics to dissect in the Old Testament. The award-winning book has been used as a study resource for countless students, reinforcing its established use.
Author: Willem A. VanGemeren
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Christian Apologetics
Christian apologetics is the use of rational arguments, historical documents and artifacts, and other objective information to defend the faith against criticism and objection.
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Christian Apologetics
Christian Apologetics focuses on a systematic approach to methods for defending Christianity, while also supplementing with sound reasoning.
Author: Norman L. Geisler
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God and Other Minds: A Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God
God and Other Minds is the name of a 1967 book by Alvin Plantinga which re-kindled serious philosophical debate on the existence of God in Anglophone philosophical circles by arguing that belief in God was like belief in other minds: although neither could be demonstrated conclusively against a determined sceptic both were fundamentally rational. The philosophical argument has been developed and criticized by Plantinga and others in the succeeding 40 years.
Author: Alvin Plantinga
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Finding God at Harvard
Finding God at Harvard is the response to the best-selling book, The Search for God at Harvard. The book aims to combat some of the views presented in the publication and maintain that Christian faith can be maintained in such a rigorous environment as Harvard.
Author: Kelly Monroe Kullberg
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Fundamentals of the Faith: Essays in Christian Apologetics
Fundamentals of the Faith: Essays in Christian Apologetics details how Christianity and Catholicism are able to further explain the relevance in our lives and how to aptly apply it to the ever-changing circumstances of contemporary living.
Author: Peter Kreeft
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Handbook of Christian Apologetics
The Handbook of Christian Apologetics was voted one of Christianity Today’s Books of the Year in 1995 and it’s easy to understand why, with this publication having an impressive readability and making a wonderful guide for Christians of all walks of life. Topics in the book look at faith, the existence of God, God’s nature, creation, and many others.
Author: Peter Kreeft & Ronald K. Tacelli
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God, Reason and Theistic Proofs
God, Reason, and Theistic Proofs (Reason & Religion) is a crucial read when it comes to the philosophy of religion and how we can become the most informed related to the existence of God. By examining the fundamental questions from some of the most acclaimed thinkers, the book is able to best illustrate a wealth of points on the subject matter.
Author: Stephen T. Davis
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God and the Philosophers: The Reconciliation of Faith and Reason
God and the Philosophers: The Reconciliation of Faith and Reason is a notable philosophy of religion text that explains how two seemingly opposing elements are able to actually work in harmony to produce astonishing results within each of us and a society. The book is dense with intellectually rigorous essays that aim to dissect some of the most important issues of today.
Author: Thomas V. Morris
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Perceiving God: The Epistemology of Religious Experience
Perceiving God: The Epistemology of Religious Experience is a fascinating read that explains how the “perception of God” really equates to the direct experiential awareness of God, which opens the door for a wealth of breakthroughs regarding knowledge.
Author: William P. Alston
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Church History, Doctrine, & Ecclesiology
Church history plays a vital role in our modern understanding of theology and Christian doctrine. The word ecclesiology can be used to mean the study of the literal structures of church buildings, but is also used more broadly to discuss the metaphorical structure and nature of the church.
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Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings
Martin Luther’s Basic Theological Writings is a crash-course on his most influential works, lush with excerpts and sermons. The book gives a wonderful view about what exactly it means to foster a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Author: Martin Luther
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The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: An Extraordinary Guide to Understanding the New Testament
The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: An Extraordinary Guide to Understanding the New Testament gives a fascinating new perspective to some parts of the New Testament that have been misinterpreted over time.
Author: Frank Viola
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Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry
Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry is the perfect read for those interested in becoming involved in the leadership of a church. It details what the exact purpose of a pastor is and how to best work into the role.
Author: William H. Willimon
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The Formation of Christian Doctrine
The Formation of Christine Doctrine is a groundbreaking publication designed to assist those involved in high-level academic study. It’s a necessity for anyone attempting to refine their current understanding of the Christian doctrine.
Author: Malcolm B. Yarnell III
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Church Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus
Church Discipline: How the church Protects the Name of Jesus is perfect for those church officials looking to gain a better understanding of how to foster a stronger connection between Jesus and a congregation.
Author: Jonathan Leeman
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Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism
Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism is an interesting read that explains how evangelicals are often presented with ideological dilemma that is particularly hard to resolve, namely due to contradictory beliefs. The book tries to define the problem and guide readers toward a solution.
Author: Molly Worthen
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History of Christian Doctrines
History of Christian Doctrines is a read that soars from the beginning as it explains various components of Christian doctrines that have changed and been developed over time.
Author: Louis Berkhof
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Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine
n Historical Theology, Gregg Allison offers students the opportunity to study the historical development of theology according to a topical-chronological arrangement, setting out the history of Christian doctrine one theological element at a time.
Author: Gregg Allison
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Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine has been a wonderful read for those looking to gain a more thorough understanding of the Word of God, redemption, Jesus Christ, and many other areas. The book makes it easier than ever to apply the concepts to modern-day life.
Author: Wayne Grudem
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An Essay On The Development Of Christian Doctrine
An Essay on Development of Christian Doctrine was originally published in 1888, the book explains how developments in doctrine actually occur and how to best be prepared to create more moments such as those. The book is heralded as a classic when it comes to theology and being a well-versed theologian.
Author: John Henry Newman
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The Foundations of Christian Doctrine
The Foundations of Christian Doctrine best acknowledge the best approach to developing a strong understanding of Christianity and how to apply it to everyday life. The book is merely situated to provide a strong foundation so that the reader can use it to frame various problems in their own life.
Author: Kevin J. Conner
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After the New Testament: A Reader in Early Christianity
To help readers recognize and experience the rich diversity of the early Christian movement, After the New Testament provides a wide range of texts from the second and third centuries, both “orthodox” and “heterodox.” Rather than providing only fragments of texts, this collection prints large excerpts.
Author: Bart D. Ehrman
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From Jesus to the Church: The First Christian Generation
In this study, best-selling author Craig A. Evans looks at how a tumultuous chain of events from 30-70 CE–beginning with Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem and subsequent crucifixion and ending with the destruction of the temple–led to the separation between the followers of Jesus and other Jews.
Author: Craig A. Evans
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Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years
A product of electrifying scholarship conveyed with commanding skill, Diarmaid MacCulloch’s book goes back to the origins of the Hebrew Bible and encompasses the globe.
Author: Diarmaid MacCulloch
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The Gnostic Gospels
The Gnostic Gospels is a landmark study of the long-buried roots of Christianity, a work of luminous scholarship and wide popular appeal. First published in 1979 to critical acclaim, winning the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, The Gnostic Gospels has continued to grow in reputation and influence over the past two decades. It is now widely recognized as one of the most brilliant and accessible histories of early Christian spirituality published in our time.
Author: Elaine Pagels
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The First Jesuits
John O’Malley gives us the most comprehensive account ever written of the Society of Jesus in its founding years, one that heightens and transforms our understanding of the Jesuits in history and today. Following the Society from 1540 through 1565, O’Malley shows how this sense of mission evolved. He looks at everything–the Jesuits’ teaching, their preaching, their casuistry, their work with orphans and prostitutes, their attitudes toward Jews and “New Christians,” and their relationship to the Reformation. All are taken in by the sweep of O’Malley’s story as he details the Society’s manifold activities in Europe, Brazil and India.
Author: John W. O’Malley
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Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity
Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity looks at all the moments that have defined Christianity today and ultimately what it says the religion and culture as a whole. This edition features a wealth of updates designed to bring readers closer to God through a more comprehensive understanding of the religion.
Author: Mark A. Noll
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There’s Hope for Your Church: First Steps to Restoring Health and Growth
A startling 85% of churches in the Us are plateaued or declining, a trend that has been building for the past fifty years. In the face of shrinking attendance and lagging spiritual growth, pastors and church leaders are understandably discouraged and demoralized. But the first step to turning things around is hope. Church health expert Gary McIntosh offers this hope by showing church leaders the first things they need to do to make a new start for their church.
Author: Gary L. McIntosh
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Letters to a Diminished Church: Passionate Arguments for the Relevance of Christian Doctrine
What must a person believe to be a Christian? Dorothy Sayers lays out age-old doctrines without prettying-up or watering-down. She brings them vividly to life by showing how the Bible, history, literature, and modern science fit together to make religion not only possible but necessary in our time. So whether you are reading the great works of Western literature, thinking about your place in God’s universe, or simply dealing with the thousand-and-one problems of daily living, this powerful book has words of both challenge and comfort for you.
Author: Dorothy Sayers
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Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology
Most North American churches take a pragmatic approach to church life. We are concerned with being relevant to the culture and ultimately growing at a steady rate. While these issues are certainly legitimate, they also create a danger that our churches will be shaped more by these extrabiblical goals than by the biblical mandate of God. Utilizing the Scriptures, theology, and Baptist history, this comprehensive work addresses all aspects of the church—both theological and practical.
Author: John S. Hammett
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Re-Visioning the Church: An Experiment in Systematic-Historical Ecclesiology
Re-Visioning the Church: an Experiment in Systematic-Historical Ecclesiology helps examine what exactly it means to be a church and how to operate within those elements while finding ways to be effective moving forward.
Author: Neil Ormerod
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Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence, and Power
Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence, and Power details how a church can best align themselves with God and claim its blessing. Not only does the book empower individuals to find Christ, but also expand on this to allow it to flow through a congregation.
Author: N. Graham Standish
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The Gift of the Church: A Textbook on Ecclesiology
The Gift of the Church: A Textbook on Ecclesiology outline the most crucial issues the church is facing today and how to best go about addressing them. The essays touch on wide-ranging subjects, which can prove surprisingly insightful.
Author: Peter C. Phan
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Saving Jesus from the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus
Saving Jesus from the Church: How to Stop Worshiping Christ and Start Following Jesus explains how the integrity of biblical scholarship has been eroded in recent years. The book looks to reframe Christianity away from personal salvation and back onto core concepts.
Author: Robin R. Meyers
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An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical & Global Perspectives
An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical, and Global Perspectives is an essential read for understand exactly what the church is and what components comprise it and define it. The book is comprehensive and details expressions of the Christian church in both contemporary and traditional contexts.
Author: Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen
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Living into Community: Cultivating Practices That Sustain Us
Living into Community: Cultivating Practices That Sustain Us explains how churches and other organizations can use Christian values to nurture communities and create environments intuitive to growth. By examining gratitude, promise-keeping, truth-telling, and hospitality, they’re able to pain a beautiful picture of how to enrich those around us and the world.
Author: Christine Pohl
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The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition (100-600)
The Christian Tradition: A history of the Development of Doctrine is a massive book that chronicles how the Christian doctrine has developed from the first century to the twentieth. Its attention to detail is what makes it such an impressive read and is a wonderful reference tool.
Author: Pelikan Jaroslav
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A Concise History of the Catholic Church
A Concise History of the Catholic Church has been refined many times, most notably to maintain clarity for contemporaries reading it. The book touches on the life of Christ, while then touching on every notable event up to the present.
Author: Thomas Bokenkotter
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A Concise Lexicon to the Biblical Languages
A Concise Lexicon to the Biblical Languages is a must-have for students of the Bible. Including all original Hebrew words, it also has the Greek words and scriptures to help paint a thorough picture of the Bible.
Author: Jay Patrick Sr. Green
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A Primer for Christian Doctrine
A Primer for Christian Doctrine was written by a Christian teacher who helped others through his analysis of systematic theology. The book gives overviews on important topics, which makes it a good read to supplement other reads.
Author: Jonathan R. Wilson
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In the Footsteps of Jesus: A Chronicle of His Life and the Origins of Christianity
In the Footsteps of Jesus starts with discussions about Jesus and his birth to various travels, along with his trial and death. It’s a great read for a broad overview of this pivotal historical and religious figure.
Author: Jean-Pierre Isbouts
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New Testament Theology
A scholar could dedicate his or her entire life to understanding the New Testament and its ramifications for modern theology. This is an unbelievably dense topic, and the books in this category are a good place to start digging into it.
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Making Sense of New Testament Theology: “”Modern”” Problems and Prospects
Critics have tried to revitalize the discipline of New Testament theology. The results of their labors are often disappointing. A. K. M. Adam suggests the problems many sense in New Testament theology arise from a mismatch of method and goals.
Author: A. K. M. Adam
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New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (4 Volume Set)
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology was originally published in German, but expanded on when translated to English. The book goes in-depth to explain some of the broad-sweeping concepts of the Bible, while aiding those who do not have knowledge of Greek or Hebrew.
Author: Colin Brown
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The New Testament: A Historical and Theological Introduction
This capstone work from widely respected senior evangelical scholar Donald Hagner offers a substantial introduction to the New Testament.
Author: Donald A. Hagner
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A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New
In this comprehensive exposition, a leading New Testament scholar explores the unfolding theological unity of the entire Bible from the vantage point of the New Testament. G. K. Beale examines how the New Testament storyline relates to and develops the Old Testament storyline.
Author: G. K. Beale
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New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ
New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ is a significant study of the latter half of the Bible, namely as they search for themes that concern redemptive history and the kingdom of God.
Author: Thomas R. Schreiner
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Beyond New Testament Theology
Beyond New Testament Theology is written by Heikki Raisanen and examines how attempts have been made regarding the theology behind the New Testament over the last 200 years. The book focuses extensively on how religions have been created over time to inform the reader on other aspects of Christianity.
Author: Heikki Raisanen
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Theology of the New Testament: A Canonical and Synthetic Approach
Theology of the New Testament: A Canonical and Synthetic Approach understands the undertaking that studying the New Testament can be and makes it easier to understand by breaking down various components of it. The book is very tactful when it comes to cultural and historical circumstances, which helps solidify this book’s importance.
Author: Frank S. Thielman
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Old Testament Theology
The contents of the old testament have been the subject of scholarly scrutiny for thousands of years, and attempting to understand the faith and the context of Christianity as revealed in the old testament is a worthwhile pursuit for any biblical scholar.
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Contours of Old Testament Theology
Contours of Old Testament Theology is written be the renowned Bernhard Anderson and looks at three Old Testament covenants with God. It gives valuable insight, while expressing notable brevity.
Author:
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Old Testament Theology: Israel’s Gospel (Vol. 1)
In this first volume of a proposed three-volume Old Testament theology, John Goldingay focuses on narrative. Examining the biblical order of God’s creation of and interactions with the world and Israel, he tells the story of Israel’s gospel as a series of divine acts. It was also a winner of a 2004 ECPA Gold Medallion Award.
Author: John E. Goldingay
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Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Survey
Theological Interpretation of the Old Testament: A Book-by-Book Survey is the supplementary book designed to accompany the Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. This book features notable articles from leading Christian scholars and is perfect for refining one’s knowledge of these issues.
Author: Kevin J. Vanhoozer
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God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation
God and World in the Old Testament: A Relational Theology of Creation starts with the Old Testament view of God, particularly as a creator, and explains the world’s place in creation as well.
Author: Terence E. Fretheim
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The Theology of the Book of Genesis
The Theology of the Book of Genesis details how important the book of Genesis is to Jewish and Christian doctrines and explains why this book is such an important read. The book also detail why it’s so important for an intent understanding and use of Genesis in everyday life.
Author: R. W. L. Moberly
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Everlasting Dominion: A Theology of the Old Testament
Everlasting Dominion: A Theology of the Old Testament gives a refined perspective on theology related to the Old Testament. The book casts wonderful light on some of the most pressing issues of our time, which opens the door for lasting truths.
Author: Eugene H. Merrill
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Women & Theology
The role of women in the development of theology has been substantial, but often hidden or underappreciated. Many scholars have now taken it on themselves to record and explain the historic significance of the many women of the Bible.
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The Female Face of God in Auschwitz: A Jewish Feminist Theology of the Holocaust
The Female Face of God in Auschwitz: A Jewish Feminist Theology of the Holocaust is the first book of its kind to confront notions of feminism, while discussing Judaism and the Holocaust.
Author: Melissa Raphael
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Women, Writing, Theology: Transforming a Tradition of Exclusion
In the past forty years, women have claimed theology for themselves and others as womanists, feminists, mujeristas, Asian, third-world, disabled, and queer women. Yet in most academic and ecclesial theology, the contributions of women skirt the borders of the written tradition. This unique volume asks about the conditions of women writing theology.
Author: Emily A. Holmes
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Women and Redemption: A Theological History
Women and Redemption: A Theological History is integral to understanding how women have been given an unjust standing in the church and it looks at the challenges related to patriarchal reform. It gives valuable context to some of the biggest issues from the past.
Author: Rosemary Radford Ruether
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Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives
Practical Theology for Women: How Knowing God Makes a Difference in Our Daily Lives is a book the explicates the relationship women have with God and details why it’s so crucial. The book presents some of the most fundamental theological issues and helps create a concise understanding.
Author: Wendy Horger Alsup
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The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity
The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity dissects one of the most significant influences related to the Bible. The book is crucial for depicting how the religion can be revitalized in modern day.
Author: Cynthia Bourgeault
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Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil (Black Religion/Womanist Thought/Social Justice)
This groundbreaking book provides an analytical tool to understand how and why evil works in the world as it does. Deconstructing memory, history, and myth as received wisdom, the volume critically examines racism, sexism, poverty, and stereotypes.
Author: Emilie M. Townes
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Women in the Church: A Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry
Women in the Church: A Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry pulls biblical passages to emphasize women’s roles in the church and it makes for an enlightening read. The book is also empowering for women to understand their place in moving the church forward.
Author: Stanley J. Grenz
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Modern Theology and Other Topics
There will always be more to learn from studying scriptures and the works of learned theologians. The combination of ancient works and new analysis makes theology a vibrant and stimulating subject to study for people of any denomination.
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The Trinity
The Trinity is a largely explorative publication that examines how to make sense of what a Christian believes. The book breaks down the first seven books, then the latter eight books to try to discern some of the largest problems faced.
Author: St. Augustine
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Healing the Jewish-Christian Rift: Growing Beyond Our Wounded History
This book ambitiously aims to contribute “to a much needed healing of the two-thousand-year rift between Christians and Jews.”
Authors: Ron Miller and Laura Bernstein
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Torah of the Earth: Exploring 4,000 Years of Ecology in Jewish Thought
Both intelligent and accessible, Torah of the Earth is an essential resource and a reminder to us that humans and the earth are intertwined.
Author: Reb. Arthur Waskow
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THE OTHER TALMUD—THE YERUSHALMI
The Other Talmud: The Yerushalmi: Unlocking the Secrets of Israel for Judaism Today is a crucial read for understanding how current Jewish law codes are based on Bavli and what the societal differences would be if they were instead based on the Yerushalmi.
Author: Rabbi Judith Z. Abrams
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The Chutzpah Imperative: Empowering Today’s Jews for a Life That Matters
The Chutzpah Imperative: Empowering Today’s Jews for a Life That Matters provides wonderful context to how Jewish individuals adhere to a wide variety of traditions, but mostly due to ethnic identity and culture. The book helps to redefine the Jewish national narrative through biblical law.
Author: Rabbi Edward Feinstein
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Approaching the End: Eschatological Reflections on Church, Politics, and Life
In this book Stanley Hauerwas explores the significance of eschatological reflection for helping the church negotiate the contemporary world.
Author: Stanley Hauerwas
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Kantian Reason and Hegelian Spirit: The Idealistic Logic of Modern Theology
In this thought-provoking work, the world renowned theologian Gary Dorrien reveals how Kantian and post-Kantian idealism were instrumental in the foundation and development of modern Christian theology.
Author: Gary Dorrien
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Torture Is a Moral Issue: Christians, Jews, Muslims, and People of Conscience Speak Out
Twenty-one scholars, activists, military officers, and religious leaders have come together here to underscore that torture is a moral issue, beyond all partisan politics, but also to help religious communities mobilize against it, so that all loopholes permitting torture by any U.S. agencies, whether military or intelligence, might be eliminated. Torture Is a Moral Issue begins with background material, including accounts from a torture survivor and a former U.S. interrogator in Iraq. Parts two, three, and four encompass the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim responses respectively. Part five offers solutions to this horrific problem and considers what would need to be achieved for specifically U.S. torture to be brought to an end.
Author: George Hunsinger
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God, Sexuality, and the Self
God, Sexuality, and the Self: An Essay ‘On the Trinity’ helps to integrate traditions from the past into the contemporary scope of Christianity, while also bringing about doctrinal reflection. The book maintains its compelling nature by also discussing elements of sexuality and gender.
Author: Sarah Coakley
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The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race
The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race delves into the issues related to why Christianity has not been able to mend social divisions, while also detailing contemporary society. It’s an interesting read, particularly concerning contemporary racism.
Author: Willie James Jennings
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Theology of Hope
The Theology of Hope is a book that explains how hope can be used as a vessel for theologians to navigate their own lives and faith with. The book prompts readers to use hope not only in thought, but in action as well.
Author: Jurgen Moltmann
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Delighting in the Trinity
Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith made the 2012 Preaching Survey of the Year’s Best Book for Preachers and details how to operate our lives and faith through the lens of the trinity and what can be done with the insights associated with this information.
Author: Michael Reeves
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Method in Theology
Method in Theology is regarded as author Bernard Lonergan’s most significant work and makes a useful read for understanding how religion can work in harmony with society to create a contemporary guide for life. Lonergan acknowledges the constant struggle to cut through the static of multiple theologies and presents this refined guide on how to approach it.
Author: Bernard Lonergan
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Community and Growth
Community and Growth explains how one is able to grow concerning living in a community and why selfless principles are integral to a happier life.
Author: Jean Vanier
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Paradigm Shift
Paradigm Shift: From the Jewish Renewal Teachings of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi is a book of teaching from this acclaimed Rabbi. The author is also a large proponent for Jewish Renewal, which has seen a significant increase in popularity over recent years.
Author: Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi
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Religious Affections
Religious Affections, the renowned work by Jonathan Edwards, explains how to foster a better environment internally for spiritual growth. The book displays impressive depth and shouldn’t be missed.
Author: Jonathan Edwards
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Seven Pillars of Creation
The Seven Pillars of Creation looks at the various biblical perspectives on creation, seven of which are at least prevalent. This opens the door to multiple interpretations of creation and gives creationists some further room to defend their beliefs against scientists.
Author: William Brown
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Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels – 2nd ed.
The Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels was originally published in 1992 and has been great for gaining an understanding of the various ways that Jesus has been presented in society. It gives an important timeline to how various views have evolved over time and what can be done with this information.
Author: Joel B. Green, Jeannine K. Brown & Nicholas Perrin
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The Church: The Gospel Made Visible
The Church: The Gospel Made Visible elaborates on the differences individuals have, specifically when people preach the same gospel, but answer the same questions differently. The book explains how these differences empower individuals to better define their own beliefs.
Author: Mark Dever
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The Age of Atheists: How We Have Sought to Live Since the Death of God
The Age of Atheists: How We Have Sought to Live Since the Death of God, is a historical take on secular philosophy. Anyone truly interested in theology cannot turn a blind eye to the atheist movement, and this book provides a well-researched account of some of the most important figures and events in the history of atheism.
Author: Peter Watson
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A Living Covenant
A Living Constant: The Innovative Spirit in Traditional Judaism has won the National Jewish Book Award and explains how important the relationship between divine demand and the human response is, while also underlining religious tradition and modernity. The book gives some unique perspective concerning Judaism, notably how the relationship with God should be focused more on love and not dependency.
Author: David Hartman
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Systematic Theology
Systematic Theology is written by Robert Lewis Dabney, a sometimes controversial author, whose work, while substantive still expressed backwards views concerning race and slavery. Churches still find value in his work with this notion set aside and what’s left has lasting value.
Author: Robert Lewis Dabney
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The American Evangelical Story
The American Evangelical Story: A History of the Movement examines how American evangelicals have been able to shape the global evangelical history. By briefly discussing the past to give useful context to the present, the book is able to give users a useful perspective on this unique story.
Author: Doug Sweeney
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The Journey of Modern Theology: From Reconstruction to Deconstruction
The Journey of Modern Theology looks at how revolutions in theology have taken place, notably in the last century. The book is perfect for seeing how Christianity is able to operate in the face of modernity.
Author: Roger E. Olson
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