10 Books to Read: Theology

For those of you who might not know me well, I'm an avid reader.  I loved to read as a child, counting down the hours until my grandmother would take me down to our little town to visit the roaming Bookmobile, and even more so now as I find it imperative to absorb all of the knowledge I possibly can.  

That said, I often receive questions referring to my ever growing library and what books I've actually benefitted from and which I should only use as a fire starter.  And so, because of a few dear friends, I've finally found time to list my top 10 (in no particular order) to read as you begin your journey into Theology.  Without further ado:

1) "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals" - John Piper

Although written to an audience of pastors, this book is a minefield of short gems on a variety of issues.  In it you hear the voice of a man who speaks from experience, clearly fighting the fight and not just cheering from the sideline.

2) "Desiring God" - John Piper

When you begin to study the vast topic of Theology it's imperative to ground yourself with God's role and your own and their relationship to each other.

3) "Unceasing Worship" - Harold Best

For me, it all begins with worship, and not just because I'm a musician.  Worship encompasses everything we do.  The real question in regard to worship is not about how or when but really "to whom".

4) "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God" - J.I. Packer

Calvinist?  Armeniest?  Somewhere in-between?  This book explains clearly that no matter what you call yourself God is completely sovereign and we have a job to do.

5) "Suffering and the Sovereignty of God" - Piper, Taylor, et. al.

The more I serve as a spiritual leader the more I am faced with one constant, reoccurring question over and over somehow dealing with God being loving and human suffering.  Piper and company do a wonderful job explaining how suffering exists within humanity and how God is all-loving through his unique sovereignty.  

6) "How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" - Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart

I believe that, unfortunately, there are a great number of people in this world who read the scriptures half-hearted out of spiritual discipline instead of soul nourishment.  The point of this book is to prepare your eyes and mind to truly glean from your time spent in the Word and to not just put in your clock work.

7) "Religious Affections" - Jonathon Edwards

It is important to remember that as we absorb this knowledge and allow it to begin to shape us that much of your reading should be done by those who have actually walked the walk and fought the good fight.  It is my opinion that their are too many authors who spout their clever ideas and "pearls" of wisdom who have no concept of the field of labor and never plan on spilling an ounce of blood for the work of the harvest.

8) As I look through my book list I am having a hard time with 8-10.  Because it will take you some time to get through these first seven I shall leave you with a few authors and maybe a few books that you should take the time to read:

a) The number one book really on this list is a good Bible.  I recommend the ESV translation and out in the middle of October is the new ESV Study Bible which is a must have.

b) Mark Driscoll is a very good young author and his short book series "A book you'll actually read" is a wonderful collection of 4 books that you should own.  His other books are very good as well and are a worthwhile purchase.  (Radical Reformission, Vintage Jesus, etc.)

c) Books by these authors:

1) C.S. Lewis

2) F.F. Bruce

3) Jonathon Edwards

4) Gordon Fee

5) John M. Frame

6) Wayne Grudem ("Systematic Theology" is a must)

7) John Owen

8) J.I. Packer

9) John Piper

10) R.C. Sproul

11) Charles H. Spurgeon

12) Etc., Etc., Etc...

I would also love to hear the books you have on your top 10 list of theology books.  Comment away.