Wish-List: Books on the Christian Faith

I’ve been on the search for books on Systematic Theology, further Biblical teachings of Christ’s ministry and Christian application with a non-Calvinistic view point and came across Norman L. Geisler. I found information saying he is considered “moderate Calvinist,” and that he is not a “Five Point Calvinist.” I find that to be somewhat reassuring in my search for the reading material I’m looking for. I am definitely willing to give his books a read. You see, I’m not a Calvinist nor am I a protestant. That said, I am not closed minded from reading different viewpoints; I’m just looking for particular studies for the moment. Mater of fact, I respect and listen to a lot of what protestants have to say.

Also, I’m planning on reading the books in my father’s library on Systematic Theology as well as adding to my own library.

First, what is Systematic Theology according to Oxford Languages? The theology is “a form of theology in which the aim is to arrange religious truths in a self-consistent whole.” In a nutshell, the systematic view is to give an orderly format of the doctrines of Christian faith. And let me tell you, I have seen and heard many different viewpoints. Below are a few books by Geisler that I’m interested in reading.

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics: An A to Z Guide (A to Z Guides) 

The Big Book of Christian Apologetics is a comprehensive resource designed to equip motivated believers with information to help defend and explain their faith. Examining nearly every key issue, person, and concept related to Christian apologetics, this book clarifies difficult biblical passages, clearly explains various philosophical systems and concepts, examines contemporary issues and challenges, and offers classic apologetic arguments, all with the aim of giving readers the background to intelligently and persuasively talk about their Christian faith with skeptics. An expertly abridged version of the Baker Encyclopedia on Christian Apologetics, this resource brings leading apologist Norman L. Geisler’s seminal work to the masses.

A Popular Survey of the New Testament 

Understanding the New Testament is a daunting but exciting task. Our world is so different from that of the first century. Yet it is important to understand the context and content of the New Testament if we are to be faithful followers. Now in paper, this survey addresses the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions that readers of the Bible may have, such as: How can we tell if what is written in the New Testament is true history or just mythology? When were these books written and why? and What can today’s believers get out of letters addressed to people who lived two millennia ago? Written in an easy, informal style, this survey is accessible and enjoyable to anyone who wants to better understand the New Testament.

Defending Inerrancy: Affirming the Accuracy of Scripture for a New Generation

According to the authors, the doctrine of inerrancy has been standard, accepted teaching for more than 1,000 years. In 1978, the famous “Chicago Statement” on inerrancy was adopted by the Evangelical Theological Society, and for decades it has been the accepted conservative evangelical doctrine of the Scriptures. However, in recent years, some prominent evangelical authors have challenged this statement in their writings.

Now eminent apologist and bestselling author Norman L. Geisler, who was one of the original drafters of the “Chicago Statement,” and his coauthor, William C. Roach, present a defense of the traditional understanding of inerrancy for a new generation of Christians who are being assaulted with challenges to the nature of God, truth, and language. Pastors, students, and armchair theologians will appreciate this clear, reasoned response to the current crisis.

Note: Also, I would like to mention a book of his I’ve had on my wish-list and at first, the author’s name escaped my memory. I’m delighted to know he has written the book along with Frank Turek of whom I know his work.

I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Foreword by David Limbaugh) 

Geisler and Turek argue that Christianity requires the least faith of all worldviews because it is the most reasonable. A valuable aid to those interested in examining the reasonableness of the Christian faith.

Christian Theology

In my last blog post, I mentioned that I was deeply involved in Bible studies-such as theology and the early Christian church history and other history research. In the latter, I meant to say my additional research, or study if you will, was centered on ancient cultural backgrounds. Last year I was gifted by my father the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. This is my third study Bible I have acquired and I am thrilled to have this edition to my growing theology library. My father also gifted me the Holman Illustrated Guild to Biblical Geography (reading the Land) by Paul H, Wright. In addition, I am blessed to be studying from my father’s theology library as well. Including his NIV commentaries of each book of the Bible.

When I was a child my first Bible was the King James version and on June 14, 1994, I received my first NIV study Bible from my parents. That particular version is the NIV Disciple’s Study Bible.

What I love about the NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible I was gifted last year, is a richer look behind the scenes that I was looking for with my current Bible studies. I will most likely acquire the New King James version at some point in time. I can’t wait! Another version I want to read is the Geneva Bible. This Bible is significant of the Bible into English during the 16th century English Protestantism. Thankfully my father has a copy.

Recently I’ve also started to use my Bible App as another form of Bible reading. To listen through the Bible in a year and then repeat every year. At times, I will read along with one of my Bibles. I find that helps me with staying in the word and memorization. Other tools that help me for a better understanding during my Bible studies and research are the Oxford Bible Atlas and Holman’s Bible Dictionary. In a later post I will be sharing other theological and cultural books I’m studying from. If you are interested in historical backgrounds and a better or deeper understanding of context, I highly recommend the books above to start with.

Stephanie Hopkins