Beginners Guide to Theological Reading: A Request

[u/LaborofLove_31]

I have been a follower of Christ since I was a child. I have read the Bible through, but I am looking to add some theological reading to my morning study. I am a bachelor’s prepared nurse and an avid reader, but certainly not a philosopher. I’m thinking starting with NT Wright, Dallas Willard, CS Lewis…folks that have profound quotes in sermons and you think “I bet there’s more where that came from.” So my ask: A list of “start with these. You will enjoy them and not get bogged down or overwhelmed by conceptual intricacies as you navigate a new genre.” And then, “here’s a deeper dive when and if you’re ready!”

Thanks in advance!

[u/cbrooks97]

Your list is a good start. Be advise, Wright has popular works and technical works. His popular stuff is very easy to read. The technical stuff gets pretty deep.

Other good starters: Knowing God and Growing in Christ both by JI Packer.

[u/themsc190]

My first exposure to academic biblical studies was NT Wright’s The New Testament and the People of God. One summer. I went to the library every day with that book, a highlighter and a pen for annotating, and worked slowly through that text until I understood it. The next summer I did the same thing with Jesus and the Victory of God. There’s probably more up-to-date texts you can read now, but they gave me a good survey of the field and an opportunity to consume academic writing from an orthodox scholar.

There is a distinction between biblical studies and theology (while there’s also plenty of overlap) though.

[u/NAUL01]

I don't think N. T. Wright is a good read as you don't want something that overwhelms. He is a great theologian, a great academic theologically speaking, but his concepts are quite contrary to everything we read or are used to hearing. So right away, it will take some effort to understand the concepts he presents. It's nothing you haven't already seen, but the perspective it deals with is so new that you'll feel like you're learning from scratch.

[u/NAUL01]

I would recommend you start with the basics Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan Confessions - Augustine of Hippo Discipleship - Dietrich Bonhoeffer Communion - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I think they are books that are easy to read but have a profound impact.

[u/letsworshipizeit]

Please pick up The Gospel of Christ Crucified by John Harrigan. It’s fantastic.

[u/Piddle_Posh_8591]

By reading "Is God a moral monster" and "Is God a vindictive bully" you set yourself up for success while studying the Old Testament and you also will be studying the all important historical context of the ancient near east.

These books by Paul Copan are straightforward, affordable, and will practically aid your relationship with God as you will come to realize that the Old Testament and the "moral quagmires" within are not what we thought they were.