The 5 best theology books
Writer friend: what are some things you love to write about.
Me: well I’m super passionate about parenthood and the family and HATE theology and the stupid arguments it brings.
Me 3 years later finishing up a Master in Theology and writing a post about the best theology books.....life is funny like that isn't it?
Here’s the thing, I love theology. It’s weird. I know. But theology has given me confidence in my beliefs, my God and myself because theology has tested my surface-level biblical knowledge and has pushed me deeper.
Theology, the study of religious beliefs, is not just something some students or pastors or Christian leaders should study but it’s something that every single Jesus follower should be well versed in. Why? Because theology helps us know in our heads what our hearts feel, theology helps us defend our beliefs and know, no matter how unpopular some theology maybe, it’s the truth that’s grounded in scripture and not made up by our culture.
So, here’s my list:
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
This book is big and kinda scary on the outside but it is my all-time favourite theology book. This book covers all the topics and then some. It's simple, it's actually an easy ready and it can be used easily as a daily study or devotional time. Each chapter ends with definitions and reflection questions. This book came on my radar because of a course but it doesn't at all read like a textbook and it's on my shelf and used all the time. Wayne Grudem is a strong and constant voice in the field of theology so this book is a great place to start!
Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
I know, what would a book with the title "Mama Bear" in it have anything to do with a list of theology books. This book is excellent and I can not praise it enough! Although this book focuses on teaching out littles to be true theologians who can defend their faith (apologetics) it also teaches the reader so much about some of the "hot" and confusing societal topics and how they fit into our theology. Some of the topics discussed include; postmodernism, emotionalism, feminism and a new spirituality. This is another book I reference all the time.
Visual Theology by Tim Challies and Josh Byers
For all you visual learnings out there this book is just plain fun! It's full of great information coupled with some really beautiful visual charts and designs that help you understand a little more. This book does a great job at connecting theology with real-life application AND there are tons of science visual references because who doesn't like the books of the Bible laid out like the Table of Elements.
Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson
Another big textbook that is not as scary as it looks. Although this book is a little more difficult to read and definitely reads like a textbook each chapter begins with objectives and a summary so finding what you're looking for or a topic that interests you is much easier. One of my favourite things about this book is that it has a really good scripture and subject index in the back and really helps connect the thoughts and theological ideas with the corresponding scripture. I wouldn't suggest this for just plain fun reading but it's definitely one to look at if you are wanting to really study and go deeper.
Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler
Again, another Motherhood book on the Theology list Bhreagh? Yup. This is another fantastic one. Risen Motherhood has a mission to help moms apply the gospel and one of the ways you apply the gospel is by knowing the gospel. Some of the topics discussed in this book include; attitudes, marriage, food, relationships, traditions and Christian community. I know these topics don't sound super "theological" but discovering and knowing theology in the small things of life is usually what really matters.
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For many many years in the church and Christian homes, we have operated under this whole idea that being told what is right by people in authority was good enough for us and good enough for our kids. We blindly believe whoever speaks because we assume they are speaking gospel truth. Well, that probably wasn't always the case and today it is definitely not what happens. Although I hope and pray you are being taught sound theology, gone are the days when we can just assume and not for ourselves.
Theology and sound gospel beliefs are more important now than ever before. Many will try and convince you that their beliefs are biblical beliefs and that your beliefs are wrong but a quick read through the Bible you can easily say that many of our theological beliefs are being watered down by people who have personal preferences and our desire to not be disliked by anyone or any group.
Know your Bible friends. The best way to spot false theology is to know theology and the best way to know theology is to start with the book we get it all from - The Bible. Then, dig deeper and watch how your Sunday School and Cultural Christianity beliefs are blown out of the water.
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