A classic from the Scottish theologian of yesteryear. Foundational work, one I read and re-read.
Books
This will be a wide ranging list of devotional classics, standard theological works that interest me, and certain topical items for practical ministry. They are not listed in any particular order. You’ll simply have to browse. As it grows I will more than likely arrange them by subject or area of interest, perhaps adding separate pages.
Regarding the theological works, this is not a blanket endorsement on my part. They need careful, critical study. I have tried to include devotional writing that I trust spiritually. There is a difference between these and the more academic tomes.
You will also notice a number of books on the Gospel of John and Narrative Criticism of it. Hermeneutics, Epistemology, and Johannine studies are favorite areas of mine. As to Narrative Criticism and Narrative Theology, I confess a liking for the narrative approach but remain very much on the conservative side of the fence, i.e. in my view of inspiration, revelation, and the authority of Scripture.
And of course, there is a theology of the cross.
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I came across Bonhoeffer in theological studies back in the 70's. A seminal influence in my thinking on discipleship and the cross of Christ. Read it if you dare.
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Outside the Bible, I have re-read this book more than any other. I keep it with me, next to my Bible. I've found nothing of a more practical nature on what it means to have and live the righteousness of Christ. It has repeatedly rescued a waning spiritual life.
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A thin, small classic growing out of Bonhoeffers life of spiritual discipline within the fellowship of an underground seminary during the Nazi regime.
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Has quickly become, since 1998, a standard in hermeneutics.
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Now a standard liberal work in Johannine narrative criticism. Many start here when doing or learning about narrative interpretation or criticism. I have objections in some doctrinal areas, but I always do. You’ll find what your looking for.
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This book came out of Duke's doctoral dissertation. Very readable, but expensive from Amazon. I'd look for a better deal or see your local theological/university library. As the title suggest, this is a narrative study of irony in John's Gospel , through not necessarily in the vain of current narrative theology.
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Considered a foundational work on the topic. Has provided a major contribution to my theology and general thinking on the importance of testimony as God’s means of revealing himself. Highly recommended.
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If your interested in epistemology, I highly recommend this for a refreshing read. As with Trites book above, I seminal book in my thinking on testimony as God’s means of revealing himself to us, but from a philosophical rather than theological point of view.
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A good place to start if your interested in the title. This was Boice's doctoral work, edited and published. Well written. Other's have pushed this area further now, a little, but much remains to be done, as always. Boice was indebted to A. Trites work, which is also listed here.
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though Lincoln falls into the narrative theologians trap of making false distinctions between historicity and truth, his basic thesis is, in my opinion, sound. Little has been done in this area. Lincoln builds on the work of Trite, Boice, and Coady, and others, to some degree. But his linking of John with Isaiah's trial motif is original, at least in his scope and development. My own studies in John's Gospel have convinced me that the forensic motif's of testimony and judgment are the backbone of his thought on Christ as the revelation of God.
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Considered a standard work on John's Gospel. Uses historical-critical method, so I recommend caution and careful attention to certain false assumptions.
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The title sums it up. If your reading this sort of thing, you probably already know something about narrative criticism. I'll leave you to it. It has been a few years since I read this book and it isn't in my library. This is the best I can do.
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A study in Christ and his church as the Israel of God in prophecy, something I have found as a key gospel hermeneutic in understanding apocalypic prophecy and the plan of God for our salvation. I see this book is often quoted in the bibliographies of other papers and books on similiar subjects. LaRondell is a retired Adventist systematic theologian; a former student of G.C. Berkouwer, which will shed some light on his understanding of promise and fulfillment in the Old and New Testaments
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Each volume comes in hard or paperback. The price to volume one varies but for vol. 2 it seems to be the same.
Oden is a theologian in the Arminian/Wesleyan tradition, presenting a systematic theology he refers to as paleo-orthodox, rooted in the patristic writings of the early church, but mediated to postmodern culture. Oden is a leading light in and outside of his own tradition. Well-respected scholar and he writes for the non-professional reader as well. He has authored over thirty books, which may or may not impress you.
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Vol 1 of 3 in Oden's Systematic Theology set.
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This the hardback copy of Vol.2. Also available in paperback, but it looks like the price is the same, which I wish I had known, since I bought the paperback.
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I highly recommend this recent study of and response to postmodern culture. Wells draws a precise contrast between much of the current trends in postmodern churches and the conflict they are reaching with Biblical truths, both in doctrine and practice.
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This is Crabb's psychology of repentance on how real change takes place from within the heart instead of the merely superficial changes of behaviour alone. It has helped me face more pain in knowing myself before God.
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This book is worth buying just to read the dedication page. Crabb wrote out the grief of his brother's tragic death. It is just what the title suggest.
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I good overview for understanding abuse, sexual and otherwise, and how God can heal the wounded heart. The author writes out of many years of personal counseling experience with abuse clients. A very sound biblical basis forms the framework. I’ve found it helpful in healing my own life and recommend it to anyone who longs to experience more of God’s love in their life, which will also lead to healling with others.









