Reformissionary

Theology Books Worth Reading & Rereading

I sent out to this tweet a few weeks ago...

If you could only read 3-5 books of theology for the rest of your life, what would they be? Must be worth reading deep and rereading.

— Steve McCoy (@stevekmccoy) December 20, 2013

I got great responses. A number of folks asked me to compile a list of all the responses. Here they are as one long list in the order they were received. I added a "*" for every extra mention. If you don't like something on the list, don't blame me. It's not my list. :) I will start, though, with my list which I didn't give on Twitter. Thanks to all who responded.

ALSO, I tried to offer links to WTS, Amazon, & Kindle. Buying by clicking the links though Amazon and WTS cost you nothing extra, but it helps me a lot as I need to buy my books as a pastor through these two companies. Appreciate it, if you are buying anyway, if you would consider using my links. Always a blessing. 

My list...

• Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Unceasing Worship by Harold Best (Amazon | Kindle)
• The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson (Amazon | WTS)
• Revival by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Amazon | WTS)

Twitter responses...

• Dynamics of Spiritual Life by Richard Lovelace (Amazon | WTS)
• The Glory of Christ*** by John Owen (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Institutes of the Christian Religion********** by John Calvin (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Desiring God**** by John Piper (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Knowing God*** by J.I. Packer (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Letters of John Newton (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Christian Directory* by Richard Baxter (Amazon | Kindle)
• The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Mission of God by Christopher Wright (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Life in Christ: Studies in 1 John by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Amazon | WTS)
• The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall (Amazon | Kindle | WTS or WTS)
• The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware (Amazon | Kindle)
• The Unfolding Mystery of the Divine Name by Michael Knowles (Amazon | Kindle)
• Systematic Theology* by Wayne Grudem (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Cross of Christ by John Stott (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• How People Change by Tim Lane & Paul Tripp (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Pastor by Eugene Peterson (Amazon | Kindle)
• Life in the Trinity by Donald Fairbairn (Amazon | Kindle)
• The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer  (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Romans* by Karl Barth (Amazon)
• Church Dogmatics* by Karl Barth (link is to whole set)
• Church Dogmatics IV/1 by Karl Barth (Amazon)
• Glaubenslehre by F Schleiermacher (Amazon)
• Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas (Amazon | Kindle)
• The Book of Condord* (Amazon | WTS)
• The Holy Rule of St. Benedict (Amazon | Kindle)
• Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (Amazon | Kindle)
• Jesus and the Victory of God by N.T. Wright (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Eugene Peterson's Spiritual Theology series (Christ Plays, Eat This Book, Tell It Slant, Practice Resurrection)
• Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Confessions* by Augustine (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Christianity & Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware (Amazon | Kindle)
• Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Remythologizing Theology by Kevin Vanhoozer (Amazon | Kindle)
• Communion With God* by John Owen (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Apocrypha with Study Notes (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Chemnitz mentioned twice with no specific book listed
• Chrysostom Homilies
• On The Trinity* by Augustine (Amazon)
• Freedom of the Will by Jonathan Edwards (Amazon | Kindle)
• Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation by Andrew Fuller (Amazon | Kindle)
• Manual of Theology by John Dagg (Amazon)
• Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher & Thomas Boston (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Holiness by J.C. Ryle (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos (Amazon | WTS)
• A Body of Divinity by Thomas Boston (Amazon | WTS)
• The Theology of Jonathan Edwards by Michael McClymond & Gerald McDermott (Amazon | Kindle)
• The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• The Sermons of Jonathan Edwards: A Reader (Amazon | Kindle)
• God In Our Midst by Daniel Hyde (Amazon | Kindle | WTS)
• Orations by Gregory Nazianzus (Amazon | Kindle)
• Works of Jonathan Edwards, 2 Vol (Amazon Vol 1 & Vol 2 | WTS)
• Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck (Amazon | WTS)

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The Reader Speaks | Best Books of 2012

I don't usually post my favorite books of the year as a list, probably because I feel like compared to music it's less complete. I tend to spend the most time reading things that are of interest, that's for review, or that's scratching an itch as a pastor or disciple, etc. It's not a hobby as with music that I can do when also doing other things. Much of it is work or based on need. So it's just different for me.

But we all have books that have significantly affected us during the year. I figured a "The Reader Speaks" list would be a great place for getting a variety of books listed that we could all benefit from. So share your #1 book, a few faves, a Top 5 or 10, faves according to genre, or whatever works for what you consider to be the best books of 2012. ALSO (per Jared Wilson's comment), feel free to list books not published in 2012 but that you read in 2012. If you have an affiliate account somewhere and you know how to link your books in the comments with html, feel free. For other readers, if you see a book you like, use the affiliate links. It blesses those in ministry around you. 

The Big 5: Books on Church History

I have been asked by a friend about my favorite books on church history, so I thought I would throw it out for everyone. Try to limit to the most expansive books on church history, at least for your first few. If you want to add a couple of faves from certain time periods (reformation, early church, baptist, puritan, etc), feel free to do that as well. But make sure they are books about the history of that time, not books from that time. And do your best to stay to 5.

So, what are your big 5 books on church history?

The Big 5: Books on Spiritual Warfare

There's a demon under every rock, around every corner, lurking in every dark alley, and in your closet!  MUHahahaha!  *Ahem.*  So...

What are your Big 5 books on spiritual warfare?

These would be books on the theology and practical reality of demons, demon possession and oppression, or stories about people dealing with these issues.  These can be books that deal primarily with sin or prayer, spiritual "armor," etc, as long as they have a significant "warfare" component.  There are a lot of kooky books and authors out there, but there are some really good ones too.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Sin & Temptation

It permeates your life.  You were born with it, live with it, and die because of it.  It's in your thoughts, words, and deeds.  You do it far more than you admit and you think others do it way more than you.  Even your humble admission of how much you do it makes you feel sinfully proud of your humility.  We need to learn more about it so we can kill it, avoid it, hate it, stomp on it, run from it, and rip it out.  So...

What are your Big 5 books on sin & temptation?

These can be books on the doctrine of sin, specific sins, overcoming temptation, etc.  In general these should be books about understanding and avoiding sin.  These books should not have forgiveness as its main focus, though it very well may play a role in the book.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Biblical Hermeneutics

That's right, I dropped the "H" bomb.  Knowing how to read the Bible is just as important as reading it.  I've heard too many Christians say they read it but don't get it.  It's not just a lack of spiritual understanding, it's a lack of a hermeneutic.  So...

What are your Big 5 books on biblical hermeneutics?

These are books on biblical interpretation, understanding biblical genres, etc.  There is a range from text books all the way down to the very practical for average Christians.  Don't list books on biblical languages...that's another list.  Don't just list reference books on the Bible either.  Go!

The Big 5: Biographies

Biographies can teach us things that non-fiction instruction can never teach, or never fully teach.  There's something about examples and real life experiences that impact us more directly and deeply.  So...

What are you Big 5 biographies?

Let's say no memoirs, though those can be great too.  These can be of Christians or Presidents or whatever.  Should be fun.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Calvinism

Yeah, I know that some (many?) of you aren't Calvinists.  And you probably know that I am, but that's not the point.  The point is we all need to read on theological topics of importance regardless of our personal positions.  Often those well-written books persuade us.  So...

What are your Big 5 books on Calvinism?

Actually, be a little more free with the topic if you like.  List a book on Calvinism, Arminianism, both, the sovereignty of God, or even a particular topic like predestination, election, etc.  Go!

The Big 5: Daily Devotionals

What are your Big 5 daily devotionals?

I'm not asking what books you like to read during a devotional "quiet time." I'm asking about books that are created as daily devotionals. Often they are dated or numbered for daily use. Sometimes they are not yearly but are still written for daily reading. Just make sure they are true devotionals. Got it? Go!

The Big 5: Short Books

I love short books.  Really love them.  I think too many times authors write "book-length" books because that's what you do.  But when I find a good short-and-to-the-point book I not only get something worth reading, but also giving away.  As a pastor, finding shorter books that are quick reads to give away is something I search out.  So...

What are your Big 5 short books/quick reads? (Please list exact # of pages)

I almost called this the books under 100 pages, but that's too narrow.  For example, Mahaney's Living the Cross Centered Life is about 150 pages.  But it also has small dimensions, so it would read like a wider & taller book at 100 pages or so.  Pick books that feel like quick reads, that you might give to someone who isn't a reader.  Get it?  Go!

The Big 5: Books You Haven't Read

Who doesn't love a little humiliation? 

What are the Big 5 books you are ashamed to say you haven't read?

Admit what you haven't read, books that are supposed to be awesome or "required reading."  You should feel some shame in admitting it.  It should confound your closest friends.  Sure, we know you haven't read a few classical novels that many people have read.  But who cares?  Give us the scoop on the MOST embarrassing books you have neglected.  Who knows?  Maybe it will light a fire under your butt to get'r done.

The Big 5: Books on The Cross

I know people will probably go all over the redemption map on this one, but that's fine. 

What are your Big 5 books on The Cross?

Go!

The Big 5: Books that Changed Your Mind

You have beliefs, doctrinal convictions, mission convictions, and much more.  Some of those are different than what they used to be.  Maybe someone helped to change your mind.  At times there's a book that challenged us and helped to change our minds.

What are your Big 5 books that changed your mind?

This won't work unless you give us a phrase or two on what actually changed about your thinking, beliefs, doctrines, whatever.  You may not have 5, and that's fine.  Oh, and if you want to cheat and use a book of the Bible, I'll let that slide here.  Please only do that once, though.

The Big 5: Books on Parenting

I've asked you for your Big 5 books on marriage and you responded with some great books.  Now...

What are your Big 5 books on parenting?

Go!

The Big 5: Books on Marriage

This one's pretty simple.

What are your Big 5 books on marriage?

Go!

SIDE NOTES: 1. If you haven't yet, go back and comment on older Big 5 books posts. 2. If you are interested in the books on my Big 5 lists, go to the Reformissionary bookstore and add it to your Amazon purchase.  It helps the Reformissionary to pay the bills.  Most appreciated.

The Big 5: Books on Prayer

Really pumped to see the lists for this one. 

What are your Big 5 books on prayer?

I'm very flexible on this one, so feel free to get creative in your answers.  Just be sure to list the books you think are most helpful on prayer, for prayer, or about praying people. 

The Big 5: Books that Made You Laugh Out Loud

What are your Big 5 books that made you laugh out loud?

We've all read them, right?  You are working through a book and you just can't contain a chuckle at a story or the way the author put something.  Any book that made you laugh is eligible, but I want to encourage you to not list too many books that are in the "humor" or "comedy" section of the bookstore.  One or two of those at most.  I'm hoping to find books/authors with a more natural humor, not just books by comedians.  BONUS: If you want to offer a short (!) quote or funny part, feel free.  But it must be funny.  If it's not funny, I will sound the gong.  Also, please don't list things like Far Side books.  These need to be reading books.  If you don't know 5, list what you have. 

The Big 5: Books on Writing

I'm always interested in books on writing and becoming a better writer.  It's easier to read books on writing than to write, but the question is still worth asking...

What are your Big 5 books on writing?

These should be books written with the intent of teaching you to write.  I know other books can help you be a better writer (including books about writers), but let's stick to your favorites on the art and craft of writing.  It can be about fiction or non-fiction writing.  It can be about poetry, articles, essays, letter writing, or most anything else.  This is not a list of books on how to write a sermon.  Feel free to throw one or two in there on grammar issues or issues directly related to writing if you like.  If you don't have 5, no prob.  List what you have read that you like.

The Big 5: Books for Seekers

Like you, I'm always on the lookout for good books for seekers.  You know who seekers are, right?  These are the folks who come to your church NOT because they occasionally like to feel less guilty by attending, but because they are actually looking for answers.  These are the folks who want to sit down and ask you questions about life, suffering, truth, the Bible, or where is God in all this mess, and seem to genuinely want answers. So...

What are your Big 5 books for seekers? 

These will likely be books on the gospel or apologetics.  You should try to stick to books that are meant for seekers or books that unintentionally just work very well with seekers.  As best you can, stick with general books for seekers and not books on one issue only.  If one really stands out to you, that's cool, but I would prefer lists that will help us all with good books for seekers in general.  And please don't mention Scripture.  We get it, the Bible is good for seekers.  :) 

The Big 5: Study Bibles

I'm very happy to see the ESV Study Bible coming out in October.  I will own and use a copy and provide them on my church's book table.  So, it makes me wonder...

What are your Big 5 study Bibles? 

This is a list of the study Bibles you personally think are the best.  If you think you would choose the ESV SB as one, please mention that.  Also, let us know what version of the Bible you like for each study Bible (if they vary).  Go!

The Big 5: Books Worth Regular Rereading

I remember sitting in Mark Dever's office and asking him what books have been most helpful to him personally, books that he would read more than once.  He pointed to a little swiveling bookshelf with five (if I remember correctly) well worn books that he reads every year (I think). 

What big 5 books do you think are worth regularly rereading? 

Try to avoid devotional books, unless there is one that really knocked your socks off and you reread all the time. There will be a separate list for devotional books at some point.  These books will likely be in the personal walk, Christian life, holiness kinds of categories.  Don't list books of the Bible.  If someone lists some of your big 5 books, please go ahead and list them again.  This isn't about mentioning the books no one else has, but listing your big 5.  After all, if one book is mentioned again and again that will add weight to that book.  Go!

Lots-o-Links 6.11.08

Resurgence has an interview with Bob Kauflin.

My brother captured two tornados on video last week.  Neither were doing anything amazing, but it's still pretty cool to a storm buff like me.

I love coaching Little League, and would love to coach this kid. Awesome...

Jeremy Pryor continues explaining his Story-Formed Life discipleship class/strategy...

The Office originated in Japan. Did you know that? Here you go...

Tim and Kathy Keller: The Role of Women in Ministry.

The Last Men's Book You'll Ever Need?

The New York Times on theology pubs and such.

Tim Chester: How I teach the Bible in a household church.

Tony Morgan: 7 reasons why the church needs artists.

Jonathan Dodson on building missional cores.

Thanks for the many comments on my Big 5 books series.  If you have missed any of the lists, please go and comment.  Great resource posts.

The Big 5: Books on Suffering

I'm sidelined today with terrible back pain.  I'm nearly immobile, and can't move without wincing.  Ugh.  So it's a good day for books on suffering.  What are your big 5 books on suffering?  These can be books on suffering in general or something specific like the loss of a baby.  If your friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer and asked you for something to read on suffering, what would it be?  If you woke up in agonizing back pain and needed a refresher on what God does through pain in your body, what would it be? 

PLEASE, refrain from turning this into a comment thread on my back pain.  I know a few of you care about me and want to share my pain.  But I want this to be a resource thread in the future, so just list and discuss books.  Go!

The Big 5: Commentaries on the Gospels/Acts

Here's a different approach.  What are your big 5 commentaries on the four Gospels and Acts?  I want your #1 commentary for each book: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts.  That will be a total of 5 books.  If you could only have one on each book, which would it be?  What's the first one a seminary student should have on his shelf?  Go!

The Big 5: Systematic Theology

Blog Note: Please read the rules to each thread. These lists are most helpful when we all keep our lists "tight."

What are your big 5 systematic theology books?

Please, no debate on systematic or other theological methods. And limit it to systematic theology, not just any theology book you like. Obviously multi-volume systematics can be
listed as one book.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Church Leadership

What are your big 5 books on church/biblical leadership? 

Resist the urge to put in books on general, secular or business leadership.  I know those are very helpful, but we will have a separate list for those at some point.  If they are books written by church leaders that could be used beyond church leadership, that's fine.  And please don't list character books unless they are specific to leaders.  This list might include books on elders, training future church leaders, leadership passages in Scripture, etc.  I'll give you all a head start.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Preaching

List 5 books you would recommend on preaching?  Think of a seminary student or newbie...what would help him?  Think of a seasoned preacher...what would spice things up after years of the same process?   Please no books of preaching or transcribed sermons.  This should be a list of books on the art and science of preaching, on the preparation and delivery of sermons.  In this post I'm thinking of preaching as the weekly public proclamation to a local church and visitors. I'm going to let you make your suggestions first before I give my list. 

The Big 5: Books on Personal Evangelism

Which 5 books would you recommend on the topic of personal evangelism?  Please stick to evangelism, not apologetics or missional church.  They can be books on theology and theory or practice.  I'm going to choose less obvious ones (mostly) and leave those for you all.

The Heart of Evangelism by Jerram Barrs (can't not mention this one)
Words to Winners of Souls by Horatius Bonar
Promoting the Gospel by John Dickson
The Pastor-Evangelist by Roger Greenway
The Art of Manfishing by Thomas Boston

The Big 5: Book Table

Starting a series of posts called The Big 5.  They will be seeking your input on the books you would recommend on various topics, or for various reasons.  For the first post: What 5 books would you recommend for a church's book table?

Your 5 should be somewhat diverse.  In other words, don't give me 5 books on theology only.  Mix it up.  And I know you want to list more than 5, but no cheating!  Don't necessarily suggest your best 5.  Get creative.  Mention some others won't mention.

Here are my 5, foundational-ish ones...

The Reason for God by Tim Keller
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Desiring God by John Piper
Putting Amazing Back Into Grace by Michael Horton
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

Your turn.  No need to add links unless you want to.