Reddit mentions: The best systematic theology books

Hello fellow ENTJ human being with unrealized emotional needs,

First off, don't feel pressured to reply quickly because I do. There isn't much to do here as of late, so that's why I always kick off my replies promptly. Not that any of this correspondence should come with pressure or expectation anyway, but looking back at the monolith of text from our messages on this thread, it looks like this has turned into something unlikely on Reddit. Not really sure how to label it. It's like email and Reddit got together for a party.

> Serious Question: Where are the sixteen parts? :)

Serious answer: who said there were sixteen parts? Perhaps I would have segmented my reply artificially and at random. Or maybe I would have employed a Hollywood cliffhanger just before I was about to finish every really deep thought. Or maybe I would have conjured a sixteen word sentence and replied one word at a time. Perhaps an amalgamation of the above! ... if I wanted to.

But since I wrote everything above and below this sentence and can't submit because it's too long, I'm going to have to play your little game anyway. But if this were a battle of wills, I'd win. This is a technicality. :P

> I am sure the experience would have been magnified if I were to have actually heard this sermon at a church - so I can definitely imagine what a profound experience it must have been for you.

I thought it was just going to be an ordinary (which is an elevated term when I use it for my old church) Sunday sermon. It was like watching a really well produced film of which I had never seen a preview. And afterward, amidst all the mental and spiritual processing, I was constantly asking myself, "What just happened?"

> Growing up in church, the saying - Christ died for my sins - caused me to feel sorry, guilty, and a little like a ball and chain obligation.

Completely! Again, I felt exactly the same way.

> I think it should go under Christianity 101. I wonder what the Orthodox perspective on this is...which is why I asked if your pastor has published a book or essay on it.

I agree, it absolutely should! I played it at my last study group. Good things. Dan did mention early on in the message it's commonly referred to as the eternal covenant. I know Calvinists believe this. And even (shudder) Church of Christ (who are a different bunch than I believe you have in Canada -- ours have questionable theology).

I just did a Google search and found this entry on CARM (which I have never heard of before but am now bookmarking for further investigation), this book on Amazon of which the author is someone I am unfamiliar with, this reformed Catholic entry which seems to kind of dismiss it, and this promising video by R.C. Sproul which I look forward to watching after I send this to you!

Looks like the theology we are talking about really came to light in the reformed churches, and the orthodox ones may not have such a broad view of things. But I dunno. I do have a few friends I can bounce this off of though if you're interested to get their perspectives!

>... the first time I listened to the sermon, I was hungry for more...

So. Was. I. But the satiety is in the slow absorption and God's timing.

> Does that mean people who were born in Christian families but chose to leave the religion are also included, even against their will? And does that mean that Christians can sin (consciously or unconsciously) and still remain among the chosen? What are the parameters? Or perhaps "God's Elect" are only those true believers who have the Holy Spirit and experience a deeper level of faith?

Excellent questions; and questions which have seen significant discussion over the ages by scores of theologians no doubt. Many of my friends are able to present complete arguments, schools of thought, etc. But where they have done their homework, I am lazy. Much in the same way I find peace with the paradox of God's sovereignty and the free agency of man, I find paradox here as well but see no use in keeping a detailed record of resources and history. This is likely where NJs shine like no other. I think there's something inherent about Ni that allows paradox and tension to just make sense to us with just the most basic pieces of information. But I'm getting off point here.

To answer your first question, being born into anything doesn't make you subject to a collective belief. To put it anecdotally (and perhaps start another tangent [I love those]), one of my missionary buddies was telling me about a couple he's friends with who do ministry in South America. One day they got a knock at their door from a man whose unreached, polytheistic village they hadn't been to. Something compelled that man to leave and find this couple. You see, the man had grown up under the influence of witch doctors and gods to explain away the each of the elements -- the whole bit. But he knew it was amiss. As it says in Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse," this villager knew from nature his village's beliefs were false. Not long after this, the entire village came to the knowledge of Christ. This is the theory of general revelation, and while it's not explicitly proven in scripture, it is implied, and many reputable theologians subscribe to this theory. So, to bring the answer to your question to conclusion: being born into a Christian home doesn't make you a Christian inasmuch as your family gluing feathers to your body doesn't make you a peacock.

> And does that mean that Christians can sin (consciously or unconsciously) and still remain among the chosen?

Yes. This much is clear in scripture.

> What are the parameters?

This looks like something you need to determine at the intersection many believers find themselves: the Calvinist/Arminianist dichotomy. Only I don't see it as a dichotomy. I mentioned paradox above, and I think it applies here. Both extremes of Calvinism and Arminianism are heretical. Both of their respectively sensible ilks find their basis in scripture. But to believe this is a continuum is to believe God is constrained to four dimensions. He is not. I said before when we briefly grazed the topic of free will that both God and man have their agencies intact, and God is able to exercise sovereignty at the same time we can exercise free will. This isn't a place-a-dot-on-the-line-where-it-feels-most-comfortable thing even though it seems >80% of the church treats it that way; it's a God thing. And once again, we are apart of it!

> Or perhaps "God's Elect" are only those true believers who have the Holy Spirit and experience a deeper level of faith?

I don't want to answer this question until I get a little more on your church background and where you are coming from with this. There are a couple different ways for me to ascribe meaning here and I want to be clear on where you're coming from.

> 1) everything we do has to be (not for our own glory) but for the glory of God 2) We should serve in the best way we know how, using the skills and talents that come naturally to us 3) Try to be humble in our own way... We must be true to ourselves in the way we live our faith.

I love being special and all, but I think that applies to everyone! :P

> Thank you also for linking 1 Corinthians 1:25 - I don't believe I've come across that particular verse before...

I highly encourage you to read the epistles. If you aren't familiar with Paul's writings, get a study Bible or concordance for cultural context, and prepare to be blown away.

--End of Part One--

Hi /u/iwillyes, I'm glad you're here! Let me start by talking a bit about what the Reformed tradition of Christianity is.

The Reformed Tradition is a branch of Protestant Christianity that developed during the Reformation in Switzerland, Scotland, France and the low countries. John Calvin was (and is) the most influential theologian in the Reformed tradition. While we share many similarities with Anglicans, Baptists and Lutherans we are usually seen as a distinct strand. We disagree on the meaning of both Baptism and the Eucharist, for example (in both regards Lutherans are closer to Catholics). Pentecostals and Anabaptist are quite different.

In terms of what makes the Reformed different from other Protestant groups, I love this quote by Cornelius Plantinga:

>>Our accents lie more on the sovereignty of God, on the authority of Scripture, on the need for disciplined holiness in personal Christian life, and finally, on Christianity as a religion of the Kingdom.

That emphasis on the sovereignty of God over all things is in my mind what most clearly distinguishes the reformed tradition. Part of that is understanding God to be sovereign in salvation - what is commonly known as the five points of Calvinism. Basically we believe that because of we are dead in our sin, man is utterly unable to do anything to save himself - even unable to turn to God. It is only through God's grace of drawing us to him that we are able to have the faith that saves us. This means that we contribute nothing to our own salvation - it is entirely a work of God.

In the U.S. there are two main groups of Reformed churches: Presbyterians (the Scottish Reformed) and the Dutch Reformed. Historically Scottish Reformed have put a bit more emphasis on personal piety (the Puritans are part of this group) while the Dutch Reformed have put slightly more emphasis on declaring the Lordship of Christ over all creation. But, we are very, very similar. The Reformed tradition is a deeply confessional one. We hold to historic documents that describe what we understand scripture to teach on a wide range of matters. The Presbyterians hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Dutch Reformed hold to the Three Forms of Unity. While different documents, the two sets of confessions essentially teach the same doctrine.

In terms of churches the large (100k+ members) Presbyterian denominations in the US are the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Presbyterian Chrurch in America. the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and ECO: A Covenant Order of Presbyterians. The PC(USA) is a more "liberal" church while the others are more "conservative" to varying degrees. The two large Dutch Reformed denominations are the Reformed Church in America and the Christian Reformed Church. There are also many smaller Presbyterian and Reformed denominations. Many of them are part of the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council.

What complicates things a bit is that in recent years, many Christians in other traditions have started using "reformed" to mean they have a Calvinistic view of salvation, even if they don't fit into the broader reformed tradition in other ways. You will find a lot of Baptists who have a Calvinistic view of salvation, but not of the sacraments or the church, for example. This sub tends to attract both the more conservative branch of the Reformed tradition as well as those who just have a Calvinistic view of salvation.

In terms of books, my number one recommendation for you is Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition by Jamie Smith. It's a quick easy read best digested in small parts. It does a great job of providing an overview of the Reformed tradition that is accessible, theological, and pastoral. It's aimed at those who have a 'come-to-Calvin' moment from within other theological traditions (Smith was pentecostal), but would benefit everyone.

Also read through some of the Reformed Confessions. The best place to start is with the Heidelberg Catechim and the Belgic Confession. If you want a more modern approach, I'd encourage you to also read the Christian Reformed Church's Contemporary Testimony Our World Belongs To God, too.

Other good "intro" level books:

• Reformed: What It Means, Why It Matters by Bob DeMoor. This is more of a booklet that a full book. It'd be a great option for a newcomers class at church.
  
  
• Deep Down Faith by Cornelius Plantinga. This one is a devotional aimed at young adults, but an excellent explanation of Reformed Faith.
  
  
• Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul. This is the book that made me a Calvinist. Best explanation and defense of TULIP out there. Sproul's The Holiness of God is anothe excellent choice, as are all of his books.
  
  
• Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport: Making Connections in Today's World by Richard Mouw. Another book focused on TULIP. This one's goal is to show how the doctrines of Grace affect the way we live out our lives and correcting common misunderstandings about Calvinism.
  
  
  Once you feel ready for higher level stuff, I recommend:
  
  
• Reformed Theology by Michael Allen. If you want a book that covers the breadth of Reformed Theology at a deep level than Smith or DeMoor, this is for you (think intro college level).
  
  
• Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation by Michael Allen and Scott Swain. This book is a clarion call: “to be Reformed means to go deeper into true catholicity, not to move away from catholicity.” A must read.
  
  
• Reformed Dogmatics (Abridged) by Herman Bavink. My appreciation for Bavink grows every time I read him. This abridged version is much cheaper and more accessible than the full four volume edition.
  
  
• Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. This one needs no explanation. Get this one if you want to splurge for a nice reference edition, the Beveridge Translation is available for much less (and free online).
  

I overall agree with most of the suggestions here. I have some suggestions on what to read following, but I wanted to say one thing first:

The best way to learn to write is to write. If you don't start writing you won't ever start writing. Don't be afraid to write, but:

1. Remember humility. You might have an idea or a question or a suggestion. That's fine. Keep them that when you are writing: ideas, questions, suggestions. Every article, paper and book doesn't have to be an authoritative statement of history, theology and law - we have the Bible for that. What you're trying to do is explore and expound the faith, and to expose this to the attention of other Christians who may have other ideas or knowledge. In the same vein you might write something which you think is a good idea. Someone might point out that it has problems, and scripture doesn't support it the way you've put it up. If the criticisms are sound just take them up, engage them and write something back acknowledging the problems, and expanding on the implications of it.
   
2. Before/while/after you write continue to do research, to consult scripture, to pray and to do your best. If you are going to discuss the faith do not take it lightly - this is not a video game review or a Facebook post. When you write try to do your best, commit it to the honor of God, and see what other men of the faith past and present have had to say on this question. It is impossible to read everything and ever get anything done, but just keep yourself honest - if there is something that seems pertinent to read before going into a topic, then read it. If you write something but later read something that you think modifies your conclusions then use that as a reason to write again.
   
   Four of my favorite teachers and writers in the Reformation tradition are John Calvin, R. J. Rushdooney, Gary North and R. C. Sproul. All of these men wrote and read voluminously, on a wide variety of topics; almost always a consideration of God and his laws enters the picture - whether it's music, movies, war or marriage it is its relationship to the proper Christian life in obedience to God. While writing and reading never saved anyone's soul it can be a profound vehicle for proclaiming the good news and sharing the truth of God to those who have ears to hear it.
   
   Always keep the faith, the mission and works of Jesus Christ, and the Word of God in Scripture foremost in any proposal or statement regarding the church and the Christian individual. This doesn't mean you have to give verse and chapter citations for every paragraph, but keep your perspective and goal fixed by these things. If you are going to dispute something you need to dispute it according to the laws of God's truth, you need to do it with a Christian objective of charity and gospel - and this should be true even if you're just writing sports articles, much less actually looking into things Holy and speaking on scriptural matters.
   
   Recommended Reading:
   
   The Three Forms of Unity, the Heidleberg Catechism, the Canons of Dort. This is my church's creedal declaration. They are very important in continental Reformed churches for defining what it meant to be Christian and Reformed.
   
   The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin. If you're going to write on theology and systematic points of Christian doctrine this book is an essential starting point.
   
   Turretin's Elentic Theology if you're SRS.
   
   On specific topics you want to research or write on it is often beneficial to start by visiting Ligonier Ministries and trying to find a book, article, sermon or lecture on it. These will give a good introduction and what the Reformed perspective is usually understood as, and you can get authors, books, scriptural references to look into further.
   
   ​

Well, I actually grew up in the Pentecostal tradition. I converted to Southern Baptist about two years ago, and made the switch to reformed theology about one year ago.

It really depends on the church with Baptists; they're highly variable. Some groups, like free-will baptists, are emphatically opposed to Calvin and the like. Others, like self-proclaimed reformed baptists, welcome and celebrate Calvin and his contemporaries' contributions to Protestantism. I've never attended a baptist church that wasn't at least implicitly Calvinist, though I only recently started attending a properly reformed Church that observed the 2nd London Baptist Confession. Hence, it's kind of difficult to give much advice, as I've always been in friendly territory.

If you just want to get a better feel for reformed theology in-general, there are a couple of routes. Depending on your reading comprehension and Biblical competence, I would recommend a few books.

Novice: Bible Doctrine, Grudem.

This is a decent, modern introduction to systematic theology in-general. Grudem is not what many would call reformed, but he leans that way. Whatever the case, it is a helpful look into the terminology that theologians have utilized over the years. Good place to get your feet wet.

Adept: Systematic Theology, Grudem

Reformed Dogmatics, Bavinck

These ones are a bit more academically oriented, so if you're not used to reading this sort of thing, they might be difficult to read. Bavinck's work is highly recommended, and is properly reformed, though it takes a greater reading comprehension than Grudem.

Advanced: Institutes of the Christian Religion, Calvin

Anything else earlier than the 20th Century (Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, etc.)

This is the bedrock of reformed theology, which I'm sure you're probably aware of. The only problem is that it can be very difficult to read. In some cases, much more than the content of modern academia. This is really a very very distilled list. There is literally so much good material out there, but these are some of the big names that I hear often.

As regards general advice, two things come to mind:

1. I would keep in mind the primacy of the text of Scripture itself. This might seem obvious, but one of the pitfalls of the reformation is the romance with systematic theology. Though ST is a wonderful thing, some reformed guys do it at the expense of the textual significance of the Scriptures themselves. We must always ask ourselves if we, in our exposition, are doing justice to what the Scriptures themselves are saying. Again, this seems obvious, but it is rarely borne out the praxis of our theology and exegesis.
   
   
2. Do not make Calvinism or Reformed theology the locus of your Christianity or your identity. Though reformed soteriology is seminal to our faith and practice, we must ultimately identify ourselves as the covenant people of God; those united to Christ through faith in His death and resurrection. Rest in the substance of your faith, not in its explanation.
   
   I'll be praying that you heed the Scriptures in all things, and that your life coheres with the will of God. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions or concerns as relates the reformation, theology, Scripture, or anything!
   
   Soli deo Gloria

God bless you! :) I love how you have shared your testimony.

I'm a young Christian guy and, unfortunately, struggle with porn and masturbation as well. So I do relate to your troubles there.

As someone who is new to the Christian faith, you might find this book REALLY helpful:

https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473987989&sr=8-1&keywords=mere+christianity

It is called "Mere Christianity" by C.S Lewis, who, fun fact, is also the auther of the "Chronicals of Narnia" fiction series.

C.S Lewis was a devout Christian and has wrote many great books on the Christian faith. I would also reccomend his book "the Screwtape Letters" which is a book about demons. And it might help you with temptation, as you shall realise the spiritual reality of what happens whan you go through that tempation.

You also mentioned that your parents are Catholic, so they might appreciate that you learn Theology from the renowned Theologian,

Thomas Aquinas: https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Aquinas-Selected-Writings-Classics/dp/0140436324/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473988742&sr=1-1&keywords=thomas+aquinas

https://www.amazon.com/Aquinass-Shorter-Summa-Thomass-Theologica/dp/1928832431/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473989822&sr=1-7&keywords=thomas+aquinas

https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Aquinas-50-Pages-Laymans/dp/0988442515/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473989867&sr=1-3&keywords=thomism

https://www.amazon.com/Aquinas-Beginners-Guide-Edward-Feser/dp/1851686908/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1473989924&sr=1-6&keywords=thomism

Thomos Aquinas is not only one of the greatest philosophers of Christianity, but one of the greatest philosophers PERIOD.

Just by reading, you can really learn a lot about the nature of God, what it means to

pray, how to properly interpret Scripture, understanding your

sexuality, the proper use of meditation etc.

Just reading one book can inform you a LOT.

I say this because, a lot of times, new Christians ask how or where

they can learn more about Christianity. Which is funny because the

answer is right in front of them. :) You learn more about religion

just as you learn more about everything else iln life. Through books.

)

Anyways. God bless you in your newfound relationship with Him.
May you grow in faith and find righteous abstinence from sin.
Pray for me as I shall pray for you.

Deo Gratias! +++

Here's some novels with some very interesting themes: Timothy Findley's Pilgrim (about a man that cannot die, about the nature of man and, to some extent, divinity and religion), David Adams Richards' The Friends of Meager Fortune (about sin/evil and gossip in the context of a small lumber town), Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum (the nature of truth and the power of text wrapped up in a massive, world-changing conspiracy involving the Knights Templar), George Orwell's 1984 (totalitarianism, language, and politics in general? this was very formative to my grade 7 self), Ayn Rand's Anthem (think of it as the anti-Animal Farm, except even less subtle and Rand is never a very strong writer or [IMO] political thinker, still offers a relevant counter-balance and much more readable than Atlas Shrugged due to this books shorter length and less ambitious scope).

As a theology graduate, I recommend these books on modern Christian thought: Stanley Hauerwas' and William Willimon's Resident Aliens and Where Resident Aliens Live (calls for the Church to view itself as a colony living within the nations of the world -- a big part of the call is for Christians to disentangle themselves from secular politics), Stanley Hauerwas' After Christendom (he calls this a "prequel" to Resident Aliens, it lays a lot of groundwork that Resident Aliens assumes -- Hauerwas is, strictly speaking, an ethical thinker but this book covers topics ranging from the how justice to the language we use, but ends on a note knowing that for all the ground he'll cover, Hauerwas' own thought on these topics is incomplete and is part of an ongoing discussion with other thinkers). Reinhold Neibuhr's The Nature and Destiny of Man (Neibuhr is probably the most influential American ethicist -- his influence is felt wide even if his name isn't credited so often. Last election both Obama and McCain referred to him as their favourite American political thinker, his approach to understanding justice has shaped how American Christianity views politics; Hauerwas [who I have obvious sympathies for] views this influence in a negative light, while simultaneously admitting some level of indebtedness to him; these two volumes are Neibuhr's attempt to consolidate the entire history of philosophy). Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Discipleship (aka The Cost of Discipleship) is an important text to see the roots of discontent with Neibuhr's own political theology and Bonhoeffer offers a very different, very radical version (Bonhoeffer was a student of Neibuhr but found more comfort in the politics of Islam and the black churches of Detroit than Neibuhr; Bonhoeffer tried to organize a peaceful, church based resistance to German's Nazi regime, this book advocates pacifism. The German Church was unwilling to offer any to resistance to the evils of Hitler's regime so he famously was executed after getting involved in a plot to bomb Hitler); Bonhoeffer's book is an interpretation of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and uses the ethics found within to argue that the Lutheran Church had a bad view of God's grace that didn't involve Christian ethics. Of these I'd consider Discipleship and Resident Aliens to be must reads as Discipleship is a pretty traditional book on ethics while Resident Aliens is a call to live by these sorts of ethics (Hauerwas and Willimon are both Bonhoeffer fans).

For some classic texts, I suggest Plato's Republic (I'm a bit of a Platonist in my weaker moments, and Republic is such a comprehensive text; Plato covers everything from the nature of art, education, family, and the soul), St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans (some theologians consider this particular epistle to be THE primary Pauline text, a book which provides the tools for the Gentile community to interpret Jewish scriptures truthfully; in the history of European thought Paul's writings in Romans have been important. A lot of Luther's political thought comes from his interpretation of Romans and Luther's political theology has had a lasting impression on the direction of European thought. I suggest the NIV translation [not my favourite but it's pretty accessible while not prone to over simplify some of the grammatical ambiguities of the Koine Greek text]), St. Augustine's Confessions (Augustine's autobiography, it presents his thoughts on the nature of God's love, the human condition, and evil; it's much less dense than City of God which covers his political thought [if you ever soldier through that, I suggest an abridged version]). Of these I'd consider the epistle to the Romans to be essential (it's so short yet pretty dense, as the history of interpretation shows) and Republic (extremely important to the history of political thought).

Also, if you want some good books on spirituality I recommend Khalil Gibran's The Prophet (a poem about his thoughts on various topics: he was a Christian deeply influenced by his Arabic roots and a universalist) and Henri Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal Son (Nouwen was a Catholic priest who struggled with his vows of celibacy and his need for intimacy, and [as it was later revealed when he died] his homosexuality; this book is an extended commentary on the parable of the prodigal son using Rembrandt's painting of it as a lens through which to understand the themes Nouwen seeks to talk about, it's a deeply personal book). Both are easy reads (The Prophet is easily read in one sitting, The Return of the Prodigal Son easily read in two or three). Nouwen's books have been very important to me as of late in understanding my own spiritual position in relation to my own work and volunteering. He's moved me and given me the resources to understand how I can deal with the pain another shares with me as they seek to understand the pain in their lives.

Book recommendations? I don't know what you mean exactly. A supplement or resource? The following resources can probably be found in your church, public, university libraries. Often, you CANNOT check out these types of resources, so you may want to consider investing in a few books. Until then, check out biblehub.com. It is a little odd to navigate, but it is FREE!

Resource Standards (A serious must)

1. The Commentary Why you need these explained here
   
   A single edition condensed commentary as well as a set of solid commentaries such as The NAC and HarperCollins. There are several solid choices.
   
   
2. Systematic Theology Explained here
   
   I HIGHLY recommend one of the following: Christian Theology(used in many seminaries/MDiv OR Intro to Christian Doctrine
   
   3.Biblical Dictionary
   
   Holman's and Unger's are two well received one volume editions.
   
   The three aforementioned tools are in the libraries of every single minister I know. The names do matter, but there are plenty of fine, scholarly companies that produce up-to-date, relevant versions of very similar, but not identical, resources. Above is a minimal (and I mean minimal) list for putting together a 4-10 lesson study of Job. If you would like to learn more about hermeneutics, you should read How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth as a primer. There are several other required resources to add to your library if proper exegesis is something you are passionate about. I taught/lectured on systematic theology, intensive studies, and church history to a well-educated group of adults (some of which were my professors). Even so, remember this always-
   
   >HEB 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
   
   Job: Interesting observations/thoughts to consider
   
   
3. Regarding the person of Job, the author, the date (probably 1st penned book), history, etc HERE IS THIS
   
   
4. Was Job a parable (mythology)? Research this point.
   
   
5. Was Satan trying to tempt God anywhere in Job, and if so why?

The book Barth for Armchair Theologians is actually a good place to start if you want introductory. But Evangelical Theology by Barth is not bad either. He also wrote a book called 'Dogmatics in Outline' which is a condensed version of his famous and very long work 'Church Dogmatics'. This book is good too.

The book by George Hunsinger 'How to Read Karl Barth' is pretty good for showing themes to look for in Barth's work.

But what is probably most helpful to learn about Barth is the role he played in the shift away from Liberal theology (Schleiermacher, Ritschl, von Harnack etc). This history helps to place Barth and understand his significance. His Romans commentary written near the beginning of the 20th century was called 'a bomb dropped on the playground of the theologians'.

He rejected liberal theology's anthropocentric focus, and put the focus back on God. He also developed a trinitarian focus when this was no longer in style.

He is not a conservative in the mould of evangelical conservatism like Carl Henry or other popular conservative evangelicals of today. He is probably better described as the forerunner of the stream of theology known today as 'postliberalism'. This has Hans Frei and George Lindbeck as its founders.

Good luck to you as you learn more. Barth is an incredible figure.

Desiring the Kingdom (and follow-up Imagining the Kingdom) by James K. A. Smith | This deals with liturgy, theology, and church life. Both books are philosophically and theologically dense, but present the material in such a way that is accessible to educated laypeople as well. He's got several other books that are very well written and researched (see especially his The Fall of Interpretation which is a great introduction to hermeneutic theory).

God, Guilt, and Death by Merold Westphal | This book interacts with various forms of religion, ultimately making the case that covenantal religion is the one best equipped to deal with the perennial questions of human existence.

Creation Regained by Al Wolters | This text interacts with the dominion theology of the Kuyperian tradition, making the case that Reformed theology is necessarily concerned with all aspects of creation, including culture, creation, and more.

Truth is Stranger than it Used To Be by Brian Walsh and Richard Middleton | These authors present an accessible introduction to postmodern philosophy, criticizing it where appropriate and allowing it to speak on its own terms, all from a Reformed perspective.

There are plenty other great texts like these out there. Let me know if there is something more specific you're looking for.

Karl Barth is arguably the most significant theologian in the last two centuries, and his theological achievement is in a similar category as augustine, thomas, luther, calvin and schleiermacher. So his theology is a significant advancement of theology over all for all branches of christianity, and for a long time there were more phds written about barth than jesus and paul. Barth wrote new things, similar to the list of people I said before, and I know this is a bit grandiose, but I'm saying this to counter balance the dregs you've encountered. So in many ways, he hated by many because he also demonstrates that many peoples orthodoxies isnt so finished and final as they'd like.

Anyway, backing up. Karl Barth's greatest achievement is his 13 volume Church Dogmatics. This is basically a summa theologica, that is unfinished and divided into four volumes (the fifth was never written). Barth is also well know for his contributions to the Barmen Declaration, and it was his commentary on The Epistles to the Romans that made him world famous (in 1921).

Barth's primary achievement is his recentering and reestablishing the centrally of Jesus Christ as the revelation of god. Liberalism had reduced theology to anthropology, and Fundamentalism had replaced Jesus with the bible.

Barth's most significant ideas perhaps may be summarized on a single page of paper, and they include his doctrine of election that is a reconstruction of calvins double predestination on jesus as the one who is rejected and elected alone (CD II/2), he also explains that the bible is a witness to jesus and part of the threefold witness of the word of god (CD I/1), and Barth's rejection of all natural revelation (CD II/1), and his doctrine of atonement of the judge judged in our place (CD IV/1), and his rejection of all religion (CD I/2), and his study of the person of Jesus (CD III/2), and and and....

I have lots of content on my website: https://postbarthian.com and the Barth Center at Princeton is a great place to learn more.

Here's a great book thats easy to read and short by a Barth scholar I recommend: https://amzn.to/2Khbuvm

Also I recommend reading the Church Dogmatics as Barth's primary works. https://amzn.to/2vQEuXQ

I'm more active on twitter at https://twitter.com/postbarthian

Thanks for the response. I'll give a sparce reading list, as I find it pretty extensive.

Zizek:

• The Puppet and the Dwarf
  
• The Fragile Absolute
  
• The Neighbor
  
• The Idea of Communism
  
• Paul's New Moment
  
• The Monstrosity of Christ
  
• Theology and the Political
  
  Zizek has plenty of essays and talks floating around as well, but these books are probably the best--the first and second are the most sustained, the third is a lengthy essay making use of theological resources. The fourth contains essays by Eagleton, Vattimo, and Badiou. The fifth is one where he dialogues with theologians about St. Paul. The sixth is a debate with a theologian about theology. The final is a great collection of people all across the board, mostly Marxists, dealing with theology.
  
  Vattimo:
  
  
• Hermeneutic Communism
  
• After Christianity
  
  Eagleton:
  
  
• Reason, Faith, and Revolution: Reflections on the God Debate
  
• The Gospels: Jesus Christ (Revolution)
  
  Eagleton also specializes in short and helpful articles.
  
  Badiou:
  
  
• Saint Paul: The Foundations of Universalism
  
  Misc. Authors too extensive to list:
  
  
• Jean-Luc Nancy
  
• John Milbank
  
• Graham Ward
  
• Simon Critchley
  
  
  Secondary Literature:
  
  
• Christ and Postmodern Philosophy
  
• Any of the "so-and-so and theology" texts. I know Badiou and Vattimo both have one.
  
  Hopefully someone comes by and expands this list. I've gotta get back to work.

A lot of thoughts here, and please, any specialists feel free to correct me.

Emptied himself.

• We shouldn't understand this as Christ emptying himself of his divinity. His divine nature doesn't increase or decrease. The emptying here should be understood as to the visible manifestation of his majesty (coming as a lowly babe, born in a manger, in time), and to the extent of his obedience and humility for the sake of our salvation (e.g., choosing the way of the Cross).
  
• Christ cannot be separated from the Trinity. The divine essence is singular and does not admit of division in itself. The three divine persons of the Trinity cannot be divided from this singular divine essence of God. Meaning that Christ, in his visible mission (more on this below), is not separated from the Father or the Spirit.
  
  Visible Missions
  
  
• Trinitarian theology (especially from St. Thomas Aquinas) has a principle that the internal, eternal, immanent processions of the Trinity (the Son proceeds from the Father, the Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son) are known to us principally by their visible missions that were/are manifested and revealed to us in time.
  
• The Incarnation reveals the nature of the Son to be begotten by the Father, technically his procession is one of generation (as distinct from the specific procession of the Spirit). The visible mission of the Son is all that happens from the Annunciation to the Ascension.
  
• Pentecost reveals the nature of the Spirit to be sent by the Father and the Son. It is related to and occurs after the Ascension (the Son sends the Spirit, with the Father). The visible mission of the Spirit was made manifest to us at Pentecost, and still continues to this day through the Church, the Holy Spirit is her very soul.
  
  In a round-about way to answer your question: where one person of the Trinity acts, all act / are involved, because the persons are not divided in essence. So, the Holy Spirit is present in the visible mission of the Son, while he was at work on this earth (Annunciation to Ascension).
  
  I'd really suggest The Trinity by Gilles Emery. It's a short book, and relatively accessible.

Oh man. Where do I begin?

It started with Edward Feser. Then Aquinas.

I recently compiled my 'short list' of books that were foundational for a Master's:

Start here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764807188/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/019925995X/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then go here:

https://www.amazon.com/Story-Christianity-Vol-Church-Reformation/dp/006185588X

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061855898/ref=pd_sbs_14_t_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T5D86TV1MTCSQAYZ4GHR

G.K. Chesterton is always a good supplement (Heretics and Orthodoxy):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ALKPW4S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bible Study:

https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Testament-Anchor-Reference-Library/dp/0385247672/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1477868333&sr=1-1&keywords=raymond+brown

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585169420/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0809147807/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(Jewish perspective on NT): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195297709/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

After you've gotten through these (or maybe interspersed), get into de Chardin -- but be careful, because he toes the line into heresy with the noosphere stuff.

Then, start reading the theoretical physicist priests in our faith, Stanley Jaki, for example.

And this. This.

Finally, try to muddle through Spitzer. These guys have more smarts in their little finger than I will ever have.

Edit: I refreshed the thread and saw that you've already found Feser. Excellent. Are you familiar with John C. Wright as well? Sci-fi-writer-former-atheist-now-traditionalist-Catholic.

I'm interested in any science + metaphysics books you've come across too. . .

I just finished 'Queering Christ: beyond JESUS ACTED UP' by Robert Goss. It attempts to construct a queer theology. It is mostly focused on gay men, mostly since that's where the author falls, but it does a decent job extending it to Trans/Non-Binary people. The book also has great resources for follow up reads on these topics.

Also check out Indecent Theology by Marcella Althaus-Reid; I haven't finished reading this one yet.

One I haven't even started yet is 'Omnigender' by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. This is specifically a trans-religious approach.

Hope these help :)

*edit: added links.

The ESV study Bible has some great study notes, and a even includes mini theology and ethics overviews in the back. I'd recommend a good Systematic Theology as it coves the great themes of the Bible. A good contemporary one would be Millard Erickson's Christian Theology. He deals with a lot of subjects, it's academic, and it might answer a lot of your questions. A more accessible systematic theology is Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. It's thick, is very popular, and deals with a lot of subjects. It's also made for beginners.

Honestly Bible Doctrine is one of the easiest Systematics to understand. (I might be a bit biased since Jeff Purswell is our dean of our Pastors College and I have great affection for the man.)

EDIT: Bonus: John Frame's Systematic is also pretty readable.

I think this book will pretty well layout the theology of tradition and how to take the fathers:

http://www.amazon.com/Reformed-Catholicity-Retrieval-Theology-Interpretation/dp/0801049792

but I don't think I otherwise have a very good answer. I hope others could jump in as I'd like to study this more as well.

I'll definitely check out John Paul II's stuff, any other authors or books you recommend I may check out, too.

I highly recommend Francis Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology . This is perhaps the best multi-volume systematic theology defending Reformed Orthodoxy. Turretin engages with Catholic Theology extensively and offers Protestant answers to Catholic problems.

Anything by Peter Martyr Vermigli is worth reading, but especially check out his treatises on Predestination and Justification. Vermigli was a conservative Protestant reformer who was very familiar with Thomist philosophy and Scholastic theology. His best work was in Eucharistic theology.

Finally, I recommend Allen & Swain's Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval For Theology And Biblical Interpretation for an interesting read. Modern Evangelical Christianity has strayed far away from the principles of the Reformation. Doctrines like Sola Scriptura have been perverted and maimed by Evangelicals until they no longer mean what the Reformers meant for them to be. Moreover, Evangelicals are known for "Tradition is bad" arguments wherein they flat reject Christian orthodoxy or the consensus of the Church. This book is a call for Evangelicals to engage with the Ecumenical Councils and Creeds, Patristic Theology, and Reformed Orthodoxy; viewing ourselves as being in continuity with the Great Tradition.

Since I'm not taking classes this semester, I'm taking the time to read several books:

Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary by Matthew Barrett

The Apostolic Fathers in English along with Reading the Apostolic Fathers

Dispensationalism by Charles Ryrie

Covenant Theology: A Reformed Baptist Perspective by Phillip Griffiths

Philosophy for Understanding Theology by Allen and Springsted

The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy by Cowen and Spiegel

And Wheelock's Latin

I'm already into Reformation Theology and the Apostolic Fathers. I highly recommend both books, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Apostolic Fathers. I've learned so much about the Early Church and its diversity of beliefs and practices. These were works by people who knew and studied under the Apostles themselves.

As others have mentioned, the Nicene Creed is the most basic summary of the faith. I highly suggest picking up a copy of "Catholicism and Reason: Creed and Apologetics." Its a very easy read and takes you step by step and line by line with the Creed.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0964908719/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_4iw4wb9QN5F1Q

The book above is a great starter but for something with a little more material, you would probably want to go for Thomas Aquinas' Summa of the Summa Theologica also called "The Shorter Summa."
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1928832431/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Qow4wbNBB8V3B

You can also never go wrong with anything by C.S. Lewis or Scott Hahn. I hope this helps!

Nice try, Wayne Grudem.

I kid, I kid. Seriously though, I've not read Wayne Grudem. Back in seminary, however, I took Theological Overview under J.I. Packer and the texts for his class were:

Millard Erickson's "robustly evangelical, gently Calvinistic", Christian Theology

& Louis Berkof's 'strongly Reformational', Systematic Theology
___

Those were the weightier academic requirements. Also on the reading list were two volumes for the general reader:

Bruce Milne's helpful survey of Christian theology, Know the Truth


& J.I. Packer's own commendable, Concise Theology

Excellent resources all.

Divine Dance by Richard Rohr is a book about the Trinity that is mystical in approach. His book Naked Now is about striking a non-dualistic posture in the ways of the mystics.

Sara Coakley’s book God, Sexuality, and the Self is also a mystical book about the Trinity, but its language is much denser. She discusses desire, its relationship to the Trinity, and how important a practice of contemplation is. I don’t have a background in academic theology or philosophy, so I had to work pretty hard to keep up at first.

While I don't remember if he directly addresses Deism, one good resource would be Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics, particularly if you get the one on The Doctrine of God. He starts off his discussion of God with His incomprehensibility and knowability, which I think would be valuable.

On the Incarnation has been sitting as an open tab on my browser for weeks lol -- I'm trying to get around to reading it. Surprised by Hope is fantastic. It's one of the most compelling lay eschatology works I've ever read.

Three other tabs are occupied with a wish-list of books, including Sarah Coakley's God, Sexuality and the Self: An Essay 'On the Trinity', Kathy Rudy's Sex and the Church: Gender, Homosexuality, and the Transformation of Christian Ethics and Michael Warner's The Trouble with Normal: Sex, Politics, and the Ethics of Queer Life, so yeah, there's a certain theme there.

Here are some books I recommend. Some are free on kindle. Check out a library. They will have these books.

Read the 4 Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. Just read them.

http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-St-Augustine-Saint-ebook/dp/B00AQM75SC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408113491&sr=8-2&keywords=st+augustine+confessions

http://www.amazon.com/Aquinass-Shorter-Summa-Thomass-Theologica/dp/1928832431/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408113525&sr=8-1&keywords=st+thomas+aquinas

http://www.amazon.com/When-Church-Was-Young-Fathers-ebook/dp/B00LWIU1EE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-2&keywords=early+church

http://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-Moody-Classics-Gilbert-Chesterton-ebook/dp/B00DEUQ9GW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408113746&sr=8-1&keywords=gk+chesterton

http://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-Lewis-Signature-Classics-ebook/dp/B002BD2UR0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1408113766&sr=8-3&keywords=cs+lewis

http://www.amazon.com/The-Screwtape-Letters-C-Lewis/dp/0060652934/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408113766&sr=8-4&keywords=cs+lewis

This is great! I have a solid understanding of reformed theology, heidegger, and Calvin; but not so much modern theology or Schleiermacher, but I will definitely look into those subjects as I plan my attack for this treatise.

I mentioned in another post that I'll probably be going through the study edition because I don't think I have the theological (or multi-lingual) background to get a good understanding of this treatise when read straight-on.

An updated version of Kreeft and Tacelli's book (and extra couple chapters for Catholics): Handbook of Catholic Apologetics

Edit: I also wish to plug my own favorite, Aquinas' own shorter, yet unfinished, version of the Summa Theologica.

May I suggest interacting with Christians from the more intellectually minded traditions? Maybe read a book on systematic theology? Like this: Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief

I would say that the theological fuel for the movement is the irenic approach of Calvin, Bucer, and Melanchthon. Bavinck and Barth are theologians cited a lot as well. Think of it as being via media between Calvinism and Lutheranism.

Books

Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation

Christian Dogmatics: Reformed Theology for the Church Catholic

Websites

https://calvinistinternational.com/

https://davenanttrust.org/

In addition to what has already been said you may like the following book on the Trinity in response to point #1 and just generally:

https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Introduction-Catholic-Thomistic-Ressourcement/dp/0813218640

It's really good, written by a Dominican so you know it will be clear and thorough, very academic but approachable.

I'm at least familiar with most of these being recommended, if I haven't read them. I'm about to finish my MDiv, work in a seminary library and grade here (until graduation in 3 weeks!), and our undergrad courses use Danny Akin's A Theology for the Church or Erickson's Introducing Christian Doctrine which are a little more intro level.

These may be some good answers if you're not quite ready to dive right into something else.

I have not read it, but I've heard good things about Barth for Armchair Theologians.

I almost bought it yesterday, but I'm knee-deep in books I own I haven't read yet. ;-)

Non-historical answer: two modern-day philosophers who make good "Žižek explainers" are Adam Kotsko (book here, article here, short blurb here) and Paul Taylor (book here, lecture here).

It's not really. This is a good breakdown of liberation theology's problems from a left perspective.
Indecent Theology https://www.amazon.com/dp/0415236045/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PKg.BbT6FY6JQ

In addition to the above, if you're looking for something that's maybe more easily digestible (Augustine, while a masterful writer, can be difficult if you're not used to reading ancient texts), you might try The One Thing is Three by Fr. Michael Gaitley or The Trinity by Fr. Gilles Emery.

Gaitley is the more accessible of the two, as his work is largely reflective and filled to the brim with anecdotes, while Emery presents a much more theological approach to the topic.

EDIT: Also, the full text of Augustine's De Trinitate is available on New Advent, if you're not able to purchase the book.

See The Monstrosity of Christ and Zizek and Theology.

It's dense but really good

To add to this, if you want proof that God exists, Thomas Aquinas is your guy. [This book] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1928832431/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502744241&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Aquinas%27s+Shorter+Summa%3A+Saint+Thomas%27s+Own+Concise+Version+of+His+Summa+Theologica&dpPl=1&dpID=415GX3S4CFL&ref=plSrch) gives tons of logical arguments about the existence of God. I'll warn you - it's a heavy read, but if you approach it with some time and persistence, it's worth it. Check out your local library for it. Aquinas is my guy for all logical arguments.

I'd recommend John Owen's Overcoming Sin and Temptation and Communion with the Triune God. The first book quite literally changed my life. Then if you want to read the Reformed response to Bellarmine, check out Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology. This book is seen in Reformed circles the way Aquinas is in Catholic ones. Calvin's Institutes are incredible, too, and far more accessible.

And if you want it anywhere near there, you should act quickly. Amazon lowered its price but raised it back up so the temporary low is likely coming back up.