Introduction to Theology Book Recommendations
Required Reading for TTP
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994
An excellent and readable systematic theology. Grudem provides great illustrations, suggestions for further studies, and scripture references for memorization that enhance your study. He has a great balance of systematic, historic, and apologetic theologies, all accomplished in an irenic manner.
Olson, Roger. Mosaic of Christian Beliefs. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2002
This is a historic theology with an agenda of helping Christians see the unity and diversity within Christianity through the centuries. This will help the reader understandwhat unites Christians so that we might pursue irenics and polemics with more integrity.
Suggested for Further Reading
Moreland, J. P. Love Your God with All Your Mind. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1997
A favorite among students. Moreland argues for a need for a resurrection of the life of the mind in the Christian's life. For those of you who want to better understand the need for in-depth theological and philosophical education in the church, this is the book for you. (Beginner)
Beckwith, Francis. Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1998
Beckwith provide a practical critique of the difficulties of postmodernism. (Beginner)
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Company, 1998
A systematic theology that has become a standard in the evangelical community. This book provides a great complement to Grudem's systematic theology. (Intermediate)
Truth or Consequences. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001
An in depth look and honest evaluation of the "promise and perils" of the postmodern movement. Erickson goes into great depth into the major figure behind the rise of the movement. (Advanced)
Enns, Paul. The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1989
A great basic Christian theology, dividing into sections covering systematic theology, historical theology, and dogmatic theology.Itis especially helpful in briefly distinguishing between the various traditions of theology. If the "Traditions in Christian Theology" session interested you, this will take you to the next level. (Beginner)
Geisler, Norman. Systematic Theology: Volume One, Introduction, Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2002
Although often cumbersome, Geisler gives a good overview of the various view of truth, providing a strong defense of the correspondence theory of truth.This is a great book for those of you who want to learn more about the Christian view of truth. (Intermediate)
Grenz, Stanley, A Primer on Postmodernism. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1996
The late Stan Grenz, often called the theologian of the emerging Church (postmodern church), provides an overview of postmodern thought. Although highly criticized for his sympathies for postmodernism, Grenz is an important read for those of you who want to understand how the emerging church is understanding the relationship of the Church to postmodernism. (Intermediate)
Groothuis, Douglas. Truth Decay: Defending Christianity Against The Challenges of Postmodernism. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000
Groothuis give a great overview of the postmodern movement from a conservative evangelical position. Groothuis does not sympathize with thepostmoderns'tendency to relativize truth, believing thatChristianity cannot exist without truth, found ultimately in Christ. (Beginner-intermediate)
Noll, Mark. Scandal of the Evangelical Mind. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994
Mark Noll, an evangelical and historian,provides a scathing critique of what he believes to be the evangelical movement's departure from culture and a life of the mind in the twentieth century. An extremely provocative book for those of you who want to further understand why and how faith was separated from reason in fundamentalism and evangelicalism. (Intermediate)