Read Your Way to Theological Literacy

The Christian Church is awakening to the New Testament truth that the personal witness of all Christian laymen as well as ministers is essential if the Gospel of Christ is to penetrate the world. To have maximum impact, laymen must be wholeheartedly committed to Jesus Christ and biblically and theologically informed. A thorough knowledge of the Bible is necessary both for vigorous advancement of the Christian faith and for discernment and effective resistance of the false gods and false theology found in vital sectors of modern culture and the institutional church.

Faithful study of the Scriptures should be augmented by the study of works by Christian scholars and writers that help one handle the biblical record and comprehend the swirling moral and theological issues of our day. To induce laymen limited in biblical knowledge to undertake a reading program that will lead to theological literacy, we here recommend as a starter twenty books from various areas of religious study.

The list includes books to be devoured at one sitting and basic works to which the reader will return again and again. The books are not necessarily the greatest scholarly tomes in their fields but do present substantial and sometimes brilliant expositions within the intellectual grasp of most laymen with a bent for learning. Pastors also would do well to read and use these volumes and order them for their church libraries.

Contemporary Theology

CREATIVE MINDS IN CONTEMPORARY THEOLOGY, edited by Philip Edgcumbe Hughes (Eerdmans, 1966,488 pp., S6.95).

The bristling activity in theological studies in the twentieth century is now significantly influencing the message heard from our pulpits. This symposium of essays by prominent evangelical scholars on the thought of Barth, Berkouwer, Brunner, Bultmann, Cullmann, Denney, Dodd, Dooyeweerd, Forsyth, Gore, Niebuhr, Teilhard de Chardin, and Tillich will challenge the minds of readers and help them understand current happenings in the Church. Although complexities in theological formulations will at times make this book rough going for some laymen, they will be richly rewarded by the biographical sketch, exposition and evaluation of teachings, and bibliography found in each article. Editor Hughes writes on the creative task of theology.

Systematic Theology: Reformed

REFORMED DOGMATICS, by Herman Hoeksema (Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1966, 917 pp., $14.95).

In this recently published volume on dogmatics the late Professor Hoeksema seeks to be true to the Bible, theocentric, and faithful to the Reformed creeds and dogma of the Church. He systematically considers the major topics of theology: introduction to dogmatics, God, man, Christ, salvation, the Church, and final events. Premillennialists will take issue with his amillennial position. Except for an occasional Hebrew, Greek, or German word, the lay reader should be able to plow his way through this singlevolume work and thereby learn content and procedures in systematic theology.

The Basis Of Authority: Revelation

REVELATION AND THE BIBLE, edited by Carl F. H. Henry (Baker, 1958, 413 pp., $6).

Twenty-four evangelical scholars discuss different aspects of divine revelation, the doctrine that undergirds all Christian theology. They recognize the Bible as special revelation, inspired of God, recognized as authoritative by Christ, authenticated and interpreted by the Holy Spirit. Consideration is given to the biblical canon, principles of interpretation, archaeological confirmation of Scripture, and reversals of destructive biblical criticism. This volume is crucial for laymen in light of the curent down grading of scriptural authority.

Old Testament: Survey

UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT, by Bernhard W. Anderson (Prentice-Hall, 1966, 586 pp., $10.60).

Although this volume cannot be labeled “conservative,” we nonetheless recommend it for its wealth of material on the unique, sacred history of Israel. Anderson sees the Old Testament as a narrative of God’s action wherein he initiates a historical drama “that has changed human perspectives and has altered the course of human affairs.” He follows Israel’s pilgrimage as a covenant community from the Exodus to the Maccabean period, considering her faith, culture, political fortunes, literature, economic status, and religious practices.

New Testament: Survey

THE NEW TESTAMENT: ITS BACKGROUND, GROWTH, AND CONTENT, by Bruce M. Metzger (Abingdon, 1965, 288 pp., $4.75).

Designed as a first-year college text, Metzger’s survey of the New Testament examines its message against the backdrop of its historical setting and the literary development of its text. The New Testament is viewed not as just a collection of interesting documents but as the “very truth of the New Covenant” between God and man. The Princeton professor presents vital material on life in the apostolic age and offers a balanced view of current New Testament scholarship.

Biblical Criticism: Old Testament

A SURVEY OF OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION, by Gleason L. Archer, Jr. (Moody, 1964, 507 pp., $6.95).

Archer brings an abundance of biblical knowledge and findings of modern scholarship to bear on problems of Old Testament general introduction (textual, canonical, and historical matters) and special introduction (authorship, date, purpose, and integrity of each of the thirty-nine books). Consistently evangelical, he argues for the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and offers a serious criticism of the documentary theory. Special attention is given to such problems as the historicity of Adam and the Fall, the date of the Exodus, the long day of Joshua, the characteristics of Hebrew poetry. The book is fairly heavy but instructive.

Biblical Criticism: New Testament

THE NEW TESTAMENT AND CRITICISM, by George Eldon Ladd (Eerdmans, 1967, 222 pp., $3.95).

From an evangelical perspective Ladd shows that biblical criticism is a necessary method of studying the Bible, the Word of God that has come in history through the words of men. He explains the purposes and methods of different types of criticism: textual, linguistic, literary, form (relating to the Gospels), historical, and comparative religions criticism. He recognizes that though the critical study of the Bible is not necessary for grasping the truth of redemption in Christ, it does help one better to understand the message in its historical setting.

Bible Commentary

THE NEW BIBLE COMMENTARY, edited by Francis Davidson. (Eerdmans, 1960, 1,199 pp., $7.95).

Probably the best evangelical one-volume Bible commentary available, this sturdy volume brings together the contributions of fifty scholars who seek to make the biblical text understandable to the lay reader. It offers general articles on scriptural authority and the various classes of literature of the Bible and an introduction, outline, and commentary for each book.

Bible Dictionary

THE NEW BIBLE DICTIONARY, edited by J. D. Douglas (Eerdmans, 1962, 1,375 pp., $12.95).

This spacious storehouse of biblical knowledge is well worth its price. It contains 2,300 articles on such topics as archaeological discoveries, geography of the Holy Land, Christian doctrine, institutions in Jewish life, historical personages, biblical versions, and plants and animals in the Bible. Helpful maps, photographs, and tables are included.

Christian Doctrine

BASIC CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES, edited by Carl F. H. Henry (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1962, 320 pp., $6).

This comprehensive overview of the great teachings of the Bible consists of studies by top-flight evangelical scholars that first appeared in CHRISTIANITY TODAY. Editor Henry has assembled forty-three scripturally documented articles on such doctrines as the Trinity, decrees of God, predestination, atonement, justification by faith, the millennium, heaven and hell. The book will help anchor Christians adrift in their understanding of God’s revealed truth.

Apologetics

MERE CHRISTIANITY, by C. S. Lewis (Macmillan, 1964, 190 pp., $1.25).

Every layman should be acquainted with Lewis’s sparkling expositions and formidable defenses of Christian truth. Mere Christianity combines three of his most incisive and widely read books, The Case for Christianity, Beyond Personality, and Christian Behaviour. Lewis has a knack for cutting through specious arguments against supernaturalism and the Gospel and for communicating the reasonableness and joy of Christian faith. Laymen will also be fascinated by three other apologetic works by the “apostle to the skeptics”: The Screwtape Letters (Macmillan, 1962, 172 pp., $.95), The Problem of Pain (Macmillan, 1962, 160 pp., $.95), and Miracles (Macmillan, 1963, 192 pp., $.95).

Life Of Christ

THE LIFE AND TEACHING OF JESUS CHRIST, by James S. Stewart (Abingdon, 192 pp., $1.50).

Stewart relates the events in the life and ministry of Jesus in accordance with the chronological framework in the Gospels. He examines Jesus’ teachings on the Gospel of the kingdom, God as father, the great confession, the royal law of love, and social questions. The passion, death, and resurrection are seen in relation to Christ’s exaltation as the living Lord of life.

The Church In Mission

THE INCENDIARY FELLOWSHIP, by Elton Trueblood (Harper & Row, 1967, 121 pp., $2.50).

The renowned Quaker professor realistically discusses the minority status of committed Christians in a world where opposition to the Gospel is growing. Citing the need for strong pastoral and lay leadership, he sets down practical conditions for church renewal. He commends the “toughness and tenderness” of “rational evangelicals” and calls the Church to carry out the purpose of Christ, who “came to cast fire upon the earth.” Trueblood’s book has the power to ignite laymen to action.

The Gospel And Modern Man

WORLD AFLAME, by Billy Graham (Doubleday, 1965, 267 pp., $3.95).

Graham confronts the deepening degradation in the moral, intellectual, and social dimensions of life today and shows how the Gospel of Christ alone offers hope for people. The evangelist offers an impressive amalgam of Scripture, illustrations, and explanations as he discusses sin and salvation, death and resurrection, personal transformation and social involvement, and Christ’s return and world judgment. This book, Graham’s best, pulsates with life just as his sermons do.

Christian Social Responsibility

INASMUCH, by David O. Moberg (Eerdmans, 1965, 216 pp., $2.45).

Moberg challenges evangelicals to be aware of the profoundly social aspect of the Christian’s spiritual life. After laying the foundation of biblical teaching on social responsibility, he considers how the Church can carry out its service to society. Although some evangelicals may object to certain of his views on church social-action practices (such as his hedged support for “church resolutions”) and be less than enthusiastic about some of his recommended readings, laymen nevertheless will be stimulated by Moberg’s bold and incisive discussion.

Church History

THE STORY OF THE CHURCH, by A. M. Renwick (Eerdmans, 1960, 222 pp., $1.25).

In 222 fact-filled pages Renwick traces the growth and development of the Church during nineteen tumultuous centuries. The early heresies, the leading church fathers, the papacy’s height (1073–1294), the Reformation, and the modern missionary movement receive terse but accurate treatment.

Evangelism: Comprehensive View

THE CHRISTIAN PERSUADER, by Leighton Ford (Harper & Row, 1966, 159 pp., $3.95).

Ford calls for mobilization of the whole Church to evangelize the whole world through the use of every rightful method. He recognizes the importance of using many means to communicate the biblical message in relation to present-day needs but stresses the key role of committed laymen in a total evangelistic strategy.

Evangelism: Personal Witnessing

How TO GIVE AWAY YOUR FAITH, by Paul E. Little (Inter-Varsity, 1966, 131 pp., $3.50).

This brief and bright volume, written particularly for college students, is a biblically based, intelligent, and practical guide to personal evangelism. Little discusses the who, what, why, how, and where of communicating the Gospel in everyday life. He deals with people’s needs, common objections to the Gospel, witnessing principles, and preparation of the witness.

Cults

THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS, by Walter R. Martin (Zondervan, 1965, 443 pp., $5.95).

Martin analyzes and evaluates thirteen cults and provides an apologetic contrast from the viewpoint of biblical theology. He discusses the Bible’s perspective on false teachings and shows the psychological structure common to cults. Among the groups treated are Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, Zen Buddhism, the Black Muslims, Anglo-Israelism and Herbert W. Armstrong’s message, and Unity.

Christian Living

SETTING MEN FREE, by Bruce Larson (Zondervan, 1967, 120 pp., $2.95).

Larson’s new book is no exhaustive biblical treatise on Christian living but a warm, person-to-person conversation on how Christians may enter into the authentic style of life to which Christ calls them. Sprinkled with humor, personal examples, and practical principles, this easily read book points the way to joyful service by the believer.

Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here.