Books on Theology
Culture
Becoming Conversant With The Emergent Church
by: D. A. Carson
D. A. Carson is one of my favorite authors/theologians. What I like about him is his clarity of thought and commitment to the Bible. In this book, D. A. looks at and criticizes the "emergent church" movement. He does so with real compassion and insight. Carson looks at some of the positive attributes of the emergent movement, but then looks at some of its leading spokesmen. Even there he is even handed and gracious. However, he doesn't hold back from calling a spade a spade. This is a must read for anyone looking into or has concerns about the emergent movement.
Theology
The Portable Seminary
by: David Horton, General Editor
Convictions Without Compromise: Standing Strong in the Core Beliefs of the Christian Faith
by: Norman Geisler and Ron Rhodes
Conviction Without Compromise, is a welcomed addition to this list. In a day when doctrine is degraded to a non-necessary sidetrack, this book brings the importance of doctrine, explains it, refutes false doctrines, and instructs believers on important issues. Crucial doctrines on the Virgin Birth, Deity of Jesus Christ, His Humanity, Original Sin, are just a few of the non-negotiables.
Geisler and Rhodes lay out Salvation as Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. They then apply the 14 non-negotiable doctrines to them. Justification is "freedom from the penalty of sin." Sanctification is freedom from the power of sin. And, Glorification is freedom from the presence of sin.
The book is divided into two sections. The first section deals with essential, non-negotiable doctrines. These are the doctrines that are concerned with salvation in Jesus Christ. 14 essential, non-negotiable doctrines are covered with much detail. Each of these non-negotiables are traced through the early Christian creeds to support their biblical origin. This book is rich.
The second section covers doctrines that usually divide the church: Spiritual gifts, Women in ministry, The Sabbath, The Second Coming of Christ, etc. Although both Geisler and Rhodes hold beliefs in each of these areas, they are fair in explaining each position. They then discuss the extremes of each position and how that often leads to division in the church.
Their premise in this book is: In essentials - unity; in non-essentials - liberty; and, in all things - charity. This is definitely the theme of the book.
Convictions Without Compromise ought to be used as a textbook for Sunday School, Christian ed., or any high school, college, or adult education in the local church. This is not a lifeless book of boring doctrine. This is God's word, brought to life through the foundational beliefs that all Christians ought to know about.
Existence and Attributes of God
by: Stephen Charnock
This a classic work from a 17th Century pastor. These chapters are his sermons! Although, this is not light reading it is some of the best theology in print. Charnock approaches the subjects from a classical position. He is reformed, but also a Thomist - quite a quality.
The Knowledge of the Holy
by: A. W. Tozer
The Knowledge of the Holy is Tozer's finest work. Without sounding redundant, this book must read regularly. This is not just a "must read" book, this is a devotional to use throughout the year. Tozer knows his God.
