Book picks similar to
In Defense of Theology by Clark Gordon
christian-life
theology
c-life
philosophy
Your Mind Matters: The Place of the Mind in the Christian Life
John R.W. Stott - 1973
"If we do not use the mind which God has given us, we condemn ourselves to spiritual superficiality." While Christians have had a long heritage of rigorous scholarship and careful thinking, some circles still view the intellect with suspicion or even as contradictory to Christian faith. And many non-Christians are quick to label Christians as anti-intellectual and obscurantist. But this need not be so. In this classic introduction to Christian thinking, John Stott makes a forceful appeal for Christian discipleship that engages the mind as well as the heart.
God Gave Wine: What the Bible Says About Alcohol
Kenneth L. Gentry Jr. - 2000
But does it? In this greatly revised and expanded version of his controversial book, (formerly titled)The Christian and Alcoholic Beverages, Kenneth L. Gentry Jr. takes a thorough look at the issue, concluding that Scripture allows wine to be consumed both for health and pleasure-but in moderation. By careful lexical, exegetical and theological examination, God Gave Wine demonstrates from the Bible the error of those who demand either prohibition or abstention. With the backdrop of Psalm 104:14-15, Gentry shows that wine is God's blessing to man. Written in a pleasing and irenic style, Gentry's approach avoids the common pitfalls of emotionalism, cultural conditioning and ecclesiastical tradition, while remaining distinctively biblical.
Blessed Hope
George Eldon Ladd - 1955
At their sharpest, these disputes can lead to the breakdown of fellowship among those who should be standing firmly together against unbelief. Through its many printings, this book by George Eldon Ladd has proved to be a helpful guide for Christians who want to discern clearly the basic biblical teachings about the Blessed Hope. Writing not for his fellow scholars as much as men and women in the pews, Ladd, whose numerous studies of New Testament interpretation earned him the reputation of being one of contemporary evangelicalism?'s leading thinkers, sketches the history of interpretations of Christ?'s second coming and then carefully and lucidly examines the biblical passages on which this doctrine is based. Ladd?'s conclusion is that the blessed hope is the second coming of Jesus Christ, not a pretribulation rapture of believers in a secret coming of Jesus. Yet he concludes, too, that there should be liberty and charity within the Christian community for all who hold to the expectation of the blessed hope and appearing in glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Practical Implications of Calvinism
Albert N. Martin - 1979
True Christianity involves a sight of the majesty of God and calls for a godly life.
The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way
Michael S. Horton - 2010
It's the goal of good theology to humble us before the triune God of majesty as we come to understand him better. This is a book of and about good theology.Award-winning author, theologian, and professor Michael Horton wrote The Christian Faith as a book of systematic theology and doctrine "that can be preached, experienced, and lived, as well as understood, clarified, and articulated." It's written for a growing cast of pilgrims—in ministry and laity—who are interested in learning about Christ as a way of living as a Christian. Who understand that knowing doctrine and walking in practical Christianity are not competing interests.The Christian Faith is divided into six parts, five of which each focus on an aspect of God, while the first part sets up an understanding and appreciation for the task of theology itself, addressing topics like:The source of theology (where the idea of theology comes from and what its limits are).The origin of the canon (how the modern Bible came about and why we can trust it).The character of theology (is the nature of theology practical, theoretical, or can it be both?).In a manner equally as welcoming to professors, pastors, students, and armchair theologians; Horton has organized this volume in a readable fashion that includes a variety of learning features:A brief synopsis of biblical passages that inform certain doctrines.Surveys of past and current theologies with contemporary emphasis on exegetical, philosophical, practical, and theological questions.Substantial interaction with various Christian movements within the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodoxy traditions, as well as the hermeneutical issues raised by postmodernity.Charts, sidebars, questions for discussion, and an extensive bibliography, divided into different entry levels and topics.At the heart of this book is a deep love for and curiosity about God. Its basic argument is that a personal relationship with God goes hand in hand with the pursuit of theology. It isn't possible to know God without studying him.
Convergence: Spiritual Journeys of a Charismatic Calvinist
Sam Storms - 2005
In this book he demonstrates from his own life and preeminently from Scripture itself how one can embrace both the centrality of the written Word and the charismatic power of the Holy Spirit.
God Is. How Christianity Explains Everything
Douglas Wilson - 2008
Doug easily demonstrates the fallacies, prejudice, and irrationality of perhaps the most talented of the atheistic writers today, and shows how Christianity is the only reasonable, solid, and in fact, necessary, alternative.
Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin
Cornelius Plantinga Jr. - 1995
The awareness of sin used to be our shadow. Christians hated sin, feared it, fled from it--and grieved over it. But the shadow of sin has now dimmed in our consciousness. Even preachers, who once got visibly angry over a congregation's sin, now speak of sin in a mumble.Cornelius Plantinga pulls the ancient doctrine of sin out of mothballs and presents it to contemporary readers in clear language, drawing from a wide range of books, films, and other cultural resources. In smoothly flowing prose Plantinga describes how sin corrupts what is good and how such corruption spreads. He discusses the parasitic quality of sin and the ironies and pretenses generated by this quality. He examines the relation of sin to folly and addiction. He describes two classic "postures" or movements of sin -- attack and flight. And in an epilogue he reminds us that whatever we say about sin also sharpens our eye for the beauty of grace.
Ethics for a Brave New World
John S. Feinberg - 1993
We strongly disagree. Scripture sets forth enough principles that it is possible to evaluate contemporary practices in light of biblical teaching. Moreover, it is not only possible to address these matters biblically--it is mandatory to do so. As Christians we must speak to these topics." (from Preface)Two respected theological spokesmen present here a carefully reasoned, thoroughly biblical discussion of basic ethical issues confronting church and society. An invaluable resource for all who desire to become better prepared to face and resolve the moral dilemmas of our day.
Meaning at the Movies: Becoming a Discerning Viewer
Grant Horner - 2010
Many of these movies propagate a distorted sense of morality and ethics. Under the surface of immoral behavior and unlawfulness, however, there can be deeper problems in Hollywood's messages. What are these stories telling the viewer about life, relationships, and God? What worldviews and ideas do they espouse? If Christians are to tread carefully at the theater complex, they need resources to help them.This book is just such a resource. By exploring the relationship between Christianity and art, the theology of biblical discernment, and a brief history of filmmaking, as well as through analysis of popular films, Meaning at the Movies equips readers for careful discernment in the cinema. The book does not simply list criteria for judging film art; instead it encourages Christians to develop biblical and critical discernment in regard to not only film, but all aspects of culture.
Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen - 1922
Though originally published nearly seventy years ago, the book maintains its relevance today.
Evangelical Dictionary of Theology
Walter A. Elwell - 1984
Every article from the original edition has been revisited. With some articles being removed, others revised, and many new articles added, the result is a completely new dictionary covering systematic, historical, and philosophical theology as well as theological ethics.
God's Glory in Salvation Through Judgment: A Biblical Theology
James M. Hamilton Jr. - 2010
James Hamilton Jr. contends that from this passage comes a biblical theology that unites the meta-narrative of Scripture under one central theme: God's glory in salvation through judgment.Hamilton begins in the Old Testament by showing that Israel was saved through God's judgment on the Egyptians and the Caananites. God was glorified through both his judgment and mercy, accorded in salvation to Israel. The New Testament unfolds the ultimate display of God's glory in justice and mercy, as it was God's righteous judgment shown on the cross that brought us salvation. God's glory in salvation through judgment will be shown at the end of time, when Christ returns to judge his enemies and save all who have called on his name.Hamilton moves through the Bible book by book, showing that there is one theological center to the whole Bible. The volume's systematic method and scope make it a unique resource for pastors, professors, and students.
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
Wayne Grudem - 1994
Wayne Grudem's bestselling Systematic Theology has several distinctive features:A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrineClear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimumA contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church todayA friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellectFrequent application to lifeResources for worship within each chapter Bibliographies in each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies.
The Plight of Man and the Power of God: Romans 1
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones - 1972
We must meet the present situation and we must speak a word to the world that none else can speak.Martyn Lloyd-Jones Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was born in Wales and at the age of 27 gave up a most promising medical career to become a preacher. When a spiritual history of the 20th century comes to be written it will include not only the far-reaching influence of Dr. Lloyd Jones' ministry at Westminster Chapel in London from 1938-68, but of the remarkable fact that his published volumes of expository sermons have had an unprecedented circulation, selling millions of copies.Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaching always had an emphasis on the desperate plight of man and the power of God to save. His preaching was crystal clear on the sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners, a concept that does not sit comfortably in our day of pragmatism, programs and self-help books. Nevertheless it remains at the core of what the world needs to hear. Based on the Romans 1, this wonderful book will help you understand what the gospel is. When we live in a world that is spiralling out of control we will want to hear this message again and again.