I am not imagining that this will be a very controversial topic, but what are some of the books you all have read other than the scriptures themselves that have help form your theology? (either good or bad).
I'll start with Martyn Lloyd-Jones Exposition on Romans 6. Eye popping to me.
Good question, Jay. There are a number of great books that have shaped my thinking, and a few of them just might be controversial!... I would have to say that the two most influential writers/ speakers in my life have been Tim Keller and Rob Bell. While at first glance one might think that they are miles apart theologically. Yet, I see that they are in agreement in about 80% of what they have to say. I also really like Gregory Boyd. . . "Letter From a Skeptic," "Is God to Blame," and "The Myth of a Christian Nation." I have also really enjoyed Donald Miller...particularly "Searching For God Knows What." It is hilarious at points, but also really makes me think. One more author who has really challenged me is Frank Viola, particularly "From Eternity to Here" and also "Reimaging the Church." Most of these, as you can see, are not the "evangelical norm" (whatever that may be!)
Your list does surprise me very much. Especially to see Rob Bell on there, His Nooma videos drive me nuts, not a fan. I am not well read on any of the men you listed, I am at least familiar with them, but not well versed.
Here are a couple more that shaped me not always for the better I might add... Leonard Ravenhill - Why Revival Tarries CS Lewis - Screw Tape Letters AW Pink - Attributes of God Dietrich Bonehoeffer - Cost of Discipleship (huge impact on me both good and bad, there are a lot of pitfalls in that book, read with caution.)
George Muller's Autobiography - I could scarce recommend a better book to young men about to embark on life. This is nearly a must read IMHO.
I love reading, the books all kinda run together. It's hard to pick the standouts.
I like your list Jay. I have not read much of AW Pink, though I have enjoyed some authors more from the Reformed perspective. . .J I Packer, Michael Horton, G.K. Beale to name a few. While I don't consider myself a Calvinist in doctrine, as I said, I have been really influenced by Tim Keller. He is so bright, and he doesn't at all come across dogmatic. I really like Lewis as well, particularly Screwtape and Surprised by Joy. I guess I am not surprised that Rob Bell isn't big on your list. He does have some interesting and controversial views. Yet when you set these things aside, he has some incredible insight into the Scriptures. And while I don't always agree with him, he does challenge and inspire me. I think that you might find Frank Viola interesting. He writes largely about the organic church, and his insights into the temple imagery throughout the Scriptures, beginning in Genesis 1 and ending in Revelation is excellent. Beale, coming from the Reformed perspective, says some similar things about the temple symbolism. Anyway, have a great week; I will be on the Appalachian Trail this week, and totally out of touch from any technology. God bless.
I have yet to read Horton, but he is high on my list of people I desire to read. You speak of Calvinism, and I think my reformed / calvinistic leanings are probably very obvious in my postings. Oddly enough I am a pastor in the United Methodist Church.
Do you ever listen to White Horse Inn? Also, I am thinking about picking up Viola and Sweet's new book 'Jesus Manifesto'. From what I have heard it sounds fairly good. Probably a little bit 'emergent' for my taste, but it sounds like they are crystal clear on the centrality of Christ in all things.
Good question, Jay. There are a number of great books that have shaped my thinking, and a few of them just might be controversial!... I would have to say that the two most influential writers/ speakers in my life have been Tim Keller and Rob Bell. While at first glance one might think that they are miles apart theologically. Yet, I see that they are in agreement in about 80% of what they have to say. I also really like Gregory Boyd. . . "Letter From a Skeptic," "Is God to Blame," and "The Myth of a Christian Nation." I have also really enjoyed Donald Miller...particularly "Searching For God Knows What." It is hilarious at points, but also really makes me think. One more author who has really challenged me is Frank Viola, particularly "From Eternity to Here" and also "Reimaging the Church." Most of these, as you can see, are not the "evangelical norm" (whatever that may be!)
ReplyDeleteYour list does surprise me very much. Especially to see Rob Bell on there, His Nooma videos drive me nuts, not a fan. I am not well read on any of the men you listed, I am at least familiar with them, but not well versed.
ReplyDeleteHere are a couple more that shaped me not always for the better I might add...
Leonard Ravenhill - Why Revival Tarries
CS Lewis - Screw Tape Letters
AW Pink - Attributes of God
Dietrich Bonehoeffer - Cost of Discipleship (huge impact on me both good and bad, there are a lot of pitfalls in that book, read with caution.)
George Muller's Autobiography - I could scarce recommend a better book to young men about to embark on life. This is nearly a must read IMHO.
I love reading, the books all kinda run together. It's hard to pick the standouts.
I like your list Jay. I have not read much of AW Pink, though I have enjoyed some authors more from the Reformed perspective. . .J I Packer, Michael Horton, G.K. Beale to name a few. While I don't consider myself a Calvinist in doctrine, as I said, I have been really influenced by Tim Keller. He is so bright, and he doesn't at all come across dogmatic. I really like Lewis as well, particularly Screwtape and Surprised by Joy. I guess I am not surprised that Rob Bell isn't big on your list. He does have some interesting and controversial views. Yet when you set these things aside, he has some incredible insight into the Scriptures. And while I don't always agree with him, he does challenge and inspire me. I think that you might find Frank Viola interesting. He writes largely about the organic church, and his insights into the temple imagery throughout the Scriptures, beginning in Genesis 1 and ending in Revelation is excellent. Beale, coming from the Reformed perspective, says some similar things about the temple symbolism.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, have a great week; I will be on the Appalachian Trail this week, and totally out of touch from any technology. God bless.
I have yet to read Horton, but he is high on my list of people I desire to read. You speak of Calvinism, and I think my reformed / calvinistic leanings are probably very obvious in my postings. Oddly enough I am a pastor in the United Methodist Church.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever listen to White Horse Inn? Also, I am thinking about picking up Viola and Sweet's new book 'Jesus Manifesto'. From what I have heard it sounds fairly good. Probably a little bit 'emergent' for my taste, but it sounds like they are crystal clear on the centrality of Christ in all things.
Have fun on the trail... good luck!