The Best Books from My Theology Degree

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There's no escaping it, if you want to become a better theologian, you're going to have to read... a lot. Over the course of my theology degree, I read dozens of required books and excerpts, not to mention even more books for research papers and personal enjoyment.
In this video, I share with you the most impactful books from my time at Moody Bible Institute. I pull from four categories: General education, Biblical studies, Church history, and Theology.
Want the full list of every required book from my degree? Go here: www.gospelsimplicity.com/blog...
Need some structure for your reading? Here's a two year reading plan to get through the books from this video. I've arranged it so each season has no more than three books and the complexity grows as you go. Find this here: www.gospelsimplicity.com/blog...
Thanks to Christian Ministry EDU for sponsoring this video. To learn more about your ministry educational needs, check out: htttps://www.christianministryedu.org
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About Gospel Simplicity:
Gospel Simplicity began as a RU-vid channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.
About the host:
Hey! My name is Austin, and I'm a 23 year old guy who’s passionate about the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel. I believe that the gospel, the good news about Jesus, is really good news, and I’m out to explore, unpack, and share that good news with as many people as possible. I'm a full blown Bible and Church History nerd that loves getting to dialogue with others about this, learning as much as I can, and then teaching whatever I can. I grew up around Frederick, MD where I eventually ended up working my first job at a church. They made the mistake of letting me try my hand at teaching, and instantly I fell in love. That set me on a path for further education, and I'm currently a student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, studying theology. On any given day you can find me with my nose in a book or a guitar in my hands. Want to get to know me more? Follow me and say hi on Instagram at: @austin.suggs
Video Stuff:
Camera: Sony a6300
Lens: Sigma 16mm F1.4 amzn.to/2MjssPB
Edited in FCPX
Music:
Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel
*Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.
Chapters:
00:00 - College prices are insane
00:30 - DIY Theology degree
02:48 - Start of Gen Eds
02:50 - You are What You Love
03:09 - Philosophy the Classics
04:02 - On Beauty and Being Just
04:38 - Start of Biblical studies
05:03 - How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
05:36 - Blue Parakeet
06:34 - Old Testament Theology
07:04 - The Pentateuch as Narrative
08:02 - Introduction to Early Judaism
08:39 - Start of Church History
08:51 - The Story of Christianity
09:34 - Dominion
10:20 - The Story of Christian Theology
10:49 - The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church
12:06 - In Stone and Story
13:09 - Jesus: Made in America
14:20 - Start of Theology books
14:40 - Theology as Discipleship
15:40 - Institutes of the Christian Religion
16:56 - The Orthodox Way
17:49 - The Meaning of Tradition
19:07 - Delighting in the Trinity
19:58 - One with Christ
20:43 - The Journey of Modern Theology
21:27 - Ad - ChristianMinistryEDU.org
22:06 - Two Year Reading Plan
22:47 - Gospel Simplicity Inside Circle

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22 май 2024

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Комментарии : 373

@ezra8676 Год назад

1. You Are What You Love by James KA Smith 2. Philosophy the Classics by Nigel Warburton 3. On Beauty and Being Just by Elaine Scarry 4. How to Read the Bible For All its Worth by Gordon D Fee 5. Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight 6. Old Testament Theology by John Kessler 7. The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H Sailhamer 8. Introduction to Early Judaism by James C Vanderkam 9. The Story of Christianity by Justo Gonzalez 10. Dominion by Tom Holland 11. The Story of Christian Theology by Roger Olson 12. The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Joseph Kelly 13. In Stone and Story by Bruce Longenecker 14. Jesus: Made in America by Stephen Nichols (Honorable Mentions: Mark Noll & Douglas Sweeney) 15. Theology as Discipleship by Keith L Johnson 16. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin 17. The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware 18. The Meaning of Tradition by Yves Congar 19. Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves 20. One with Christ by Marcus Peter Johnson 21. The Journey of Modern Theology by Roger Olson

@julians9070 10 месяцев назад

Thank you, for the list of books to delve into Christian theology.

@billpletikapich5640 3 месяца назад

1. You Are What You Love by James KA Smith. In studying Engineering, Business, Theology and Teaching; I have read this book under numerous authors. Truth is truth regardless of the discipline. In business school it was summarized as " I'll tell you what you love in just a couple minutes - show me your daily schedule for the next week.

@heavymetalmusichead4969 Год назад

To quote my best friend who is currently wrapping up his master's degree in philosophy, "Philosophy and Theology are the same thing. The philosophers just don't know it yet."

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Interesting!

@mbberry135 11 месяцев назад

A Catholic saying for You. Philosophy is the Handmaiden of Theology.

@g.p.ryecroft 10 месяцев назад

RC Sproul had a great teaching series on philosophy that drew in theology as a complement: The Consequences of Ideas: An Overview of Philosophy. Years ago I taught an intro to Philosophy class and found a book that was a hit with students who weren't especially interested: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. It's a novel but weaves in a user-friendly introduction to philosophy that made it memorable and enjoyable.

@skipmars7979 6 месяцев назад

The reformers stayed away from them as they labeled them as Sophist. What you are suggesting is against all doctrine, especially the writings in the NT from Paul. Dangerous.

@chrissychrisfpv 5 месяцев назад

That's a nice way to think of it, I took philosophy and will be taking it again in a community College, and my pathway is towards studying theology

@peteroleary9447 Год назад

_ “If you are a theologian, you will pray truly; if you pray truly, you will be a theologian.”_ -- Evagrius Ponticus

@draevonmay7704 Год назад

Just watched a lecture on Evagrius by Swami Sarvapriyananda! Interesting guy.

@IndyDefense Год назад

"If you get a theology degree, you will pay truly." -me :p

@nathanketsdever3150 Год назад

I think that still leaves hanging that which makes a theologian. What spiritual focus and practices. It is the case that the current credibility hoops one has to jump through are part of the process. You can't find a job description on Indeed that just lists prayer, even as it is probably the most important part. One needs to listen to the Holy Spirit, pray, read, and engage the community of believers and thinkers, Along with Love God, serve God, love people, and serve people. I think the rhetorical point being made there, however is an important one. To re-cap, apparently not all theologians get jobs as theologians. The degree, reading the core literature, reflecting on the key questions, issues, and philosophies, along with being part of a community of practice with expert feedback is an important part of the process. Prayer/reading/holy spirit does seem to play a pivotal role, even a gateway spiritual role, quite literally as prayer nurtures your relationship to Christ.

@nerychristian 4 месяца назад

There are many theologians who don't know the true God.

@ApolloX18 Год назад

Looking forward to completing this reading list!

@paulromero1742 Год назад

Man, I appreciate all your help in these books I will be getting a few of them. Thanks a lot.

@theologypathfinder815 Год назад

This is a great list! Thank you for putting this together and sharing. Happy to say I've read about half of these titles in my own studies, but I'm still walking away with some new ones to add to my (miles-long) to-read list! Keep up the good work.

@taylorparis3782 Год назад

Austin, you’re awesome! Keep it up

@gregparis8948 5 месяцев назад

Well thought, concise, and helpful video. Pastor Greg

@joolz5747 Год назад

Interesting! And you are not walking a narrow road you are reading tons of different things which is brilliant for your mind! I admire you quite a bit!

@clergytalk4554 Год назад

You made some great points on this video and I have been down both roads from formal training , free training and just reading a bunch of theology books but if you want to apply for a Lead Pastor position your going to need that degree, with that being said I love this video !

@joer5627 Год назад

An interesting and large grouping of books in the blog. I understand why. Guess I am a bit pleased that I have 5 or 6 of the total list on the blog. Well done and good info from you. Thanks.

@stevenbonebrake Год назад

Delighting in the Trinity is a great book! As you said, it is simple, yet deep!

@marcco44 Год назад

it is a joy to follow you Austin. Continue reading and following your call. You've got decades to savor all these ideas that came before you. Seriously, when i look at you i see in your dedication a great 21st century theologian in the making🤩

@amandahnoble9970 9 месяцев назад

Thankyou for your indepth listings, a place to start from ❤

@Couragedearheart445 Год назад

So happy to see Delighting in the Trinity on this list! One of my all-time favorite books! Gotta check out the others! Thank you, Austin!

@OpinionatedOnline Год назад

Thank you for making this list! Many of those sound like theology books that I would like to read.

@timcummiskey1178 Год назад

This is great. 👍 Thank you for posting.

10 месяцев назад

The reading plan is a fantastic idea. I would like to implement it but not with every book on the list, as there are some which I'm simply not interested in that much with the time I have. I literally have about 30 theology/exegesis books on the OT and NT right next to me waiting to be read, so I might just insert a few of those in the plan instead of the ones I'm not interested in reading. Thanks for doing this. I picked quite a few from your list which I'm going to order and read. This will be exciting.

@riverjao 7 месяцев назад

I’m in the second year of my ThD program and am currently reading The Story of Christianity (and lots of other stuff). I also read Delighting in the Trinity in my Masters program. I enjoyed it for sure. Good video! Thanks for sharing 👍

@MarkVassilakis Год назад

Austin, fantastic video. May God grant you many years.

@artscience9981 Год назад

Great review Austin. It is interesting that this list is so different from the books I read in seminary 20 years ago. So many great books in theology and biblical studies have come out since then. I think one of the benefits of a theology degree or the program you are putting together is that it equips you to read and understand the kinds of books you are discussing. Keep up the good work! Enthusiastic and dedicated students like yourself are the future of the church.

@trevorreads Год назад

I read many of these while in college for my pastoral degree! Fantastic list here. Many books I want to go back and re read. Thanks for sharing!

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

My pleasure!

@goofygrandlouis6296 Год назад

@@GospelSimplicity Just FYI.. Jean Calvin sent one of his rival, to be burnt alive. And that's your definition of someone who understands what theology is all about ? 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

@athenaclythemnestra534 Год назад

Thank you so much for this video! You are a blessing :)

@sheldoncooper978 Год назад

Gracias por compartir esto, Bro!

@Bungadin2845 Год назад

Thank you Austin for sharing so much of your own journey, experiences and now resources. As a fellow pilgrim I have enjoyed and benefited from crossing your path of discoveries regularly these last few years. Happy New Year to you and Eliza and God bless you and yours.

@danieltuckercatholic Год назад

I love Frank Sheed's writing. He wrote three books which all treat the Creed in successively greater depth: "A Map of Life," "Theology for Beginners," and then "Theology and Sanity."

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Haven't read them but they sound interesting!

@michellewhite5752 2 месяца назад

I do love your channel. I think you’ll go far.

@GospelSimplicity 2 месяца назад

I appreciate that!

@nynalani 5 месяцев назад

Thank you for this.

@jenniecharles8133 8 месяцев назад

Ty so much for this video I found a free bible collage online and I needed books to read so ty so much!!!!

@ashleianderson1630 3 месяца назад

Can I ask where you attend?

@jenniecharles8133 3 месяца назад

@@ashleianderson1630 I attend Christian Leaders Institute

@risingwindspress Год назад

ABSOLUTELY recommend René Girard’s “The Scapegoat.” The uniqueness of the Passion Narrative among the world religions.

@gsanning 5 месяцев назад

My suggestion, if you want a knowledge and subsequent wisdom that comes from a “good” theology degree. Do this: Read the entire bible over and over again so that you understand the overarching redemptive work of God in creation. Second, read the individual books of the Bible in light of that overarching narrative, and finally read each book in light of the main purpose/objective/theme in each book. This will if done rightly, will introduce you not only to understanding of theology, but more importantly, you can meet with the author and sustainer of all things. Books will help this but are a distant second to this method. Thanks for the work that you are doing.

@Steve-wg3cr Год назад

Great video. Thank you for sharing your list of books. The only one I've read is "How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth" which was the best book I read during my seminary time. Very insightful, but an easy read and suitable for both clergy and laypersons. I've read portions of Calvin's Institutes but not the entire work. Hopefully someday will read it all. I just recently obtained a copy of "The Orthodox Way" and plan to read it soon. The coolest thing was that I was able to purchase from a local library for just 25 cents. They were selling a group of apparently older books and there it was. You've motivated me to read some of the books on your list.

@ReligionOfSacrifice Год назад

I am reading books (52 books in 52 weeks in 2022) and chose some religious ones. You have made me add one more to the list. “The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine” by A. W. Tozer “The Path of Prayer” by Samuel Chadwick “The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary” by John H. Sailhamer "David: A Man After God's Own Heart" by J. Vernon McGee additionally I will be reading these two which are somewhat religious. “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks “Under Satan's Sun” by Georges Bernanos Books I have already read and loved would be "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel "A Confession" by Leo Tolstoy "Thru the Bible Commentary, Volumes 1-5: Genesis through Revelation" by J. Vernon McGee "The Best of J. Vernon McGee: A Collection of His Best-Loved Sermons, Volume 1" by J. Vernon McGee "The Best of J. Vernon McGee: A Collection of His Best-Loved Sermons, Volume 2" by J. Vernon McGee "Real Characters: How God Uses Unlikely People to Accomplish Great Things" by J. Vernon McGee "More Real Characters: How God Uses Unlikely People to Accomplish Great Things" by J. Vernon McGee "On Prophecy: Man's Fascination with the Future" by J. Vernon McGee

@danielsell7598 Год назад

I am glad you read and recommended Calvin's Institutes.

@evangelineclark223 Год назад

What a great video idea! As a Moody grad, I am SO excited to see this!

@ThatDudeLarzFoo-ah Год назад

Nice breakdown. Thanks Austin. I just stumbled across your channel and I feel like I already know you somehow. Lol I’m gonna peep your videos and see about how I may best be served and serve others through your content. Be encouraged! Be Blessed! -Skylarr

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

My pleasure! Welcome to the channel :)

@Alice-oe4kd 9 месяцев назад

Great video - so much to read - at least I have already read some. THANKS!!! I was so blessed when I graduated from high school. I had 2 partial scholarships so the Catholic college I was going to "excused" the rest of my tuition. This was also blessing for some of my friends. I never could have afforded college without this (I lived in New York City). Because of this I was able to get early admission to Naval Officer Candidate School. Following my time in the Navy I was able to get excellent professional positions with companies such as Boeing - later in life I was able to study at Virginia Theological Seminary - all of this was because of a scholarship from a small Catholic college. I have been blessed. By thee way Justo L. Gonzalez 2 volumes is on Audible. Along with some of the others probably?

@stigm1318 Год назад

nice video..loved it ps read Aion from Carl Gustav Jung

@dixonbuttes Год назад

I’m really happy to see James KA Smith here! He also has a really good summary of Charles Taylor called, “How Not to be Secular” that has really improved my life & career (because A Secular Age is like 800 frickin pages & I will never be be able to retain that much). I’d also like to submit, “Biblical Exegesis” as one of my favorite books from school. I still use it as a reference. I know you mention that Bible studies isn’t for everyone, but just having a simple overall primer is handy.

@arttyree4504 Год назад

Michael, good to see your enthusiasm. Suggest you erase that "f" adjective from your vocabulary. = :- )

@dixonbuttes Год назад

@@arttyree4504 why

@Robert-xk5pm Год назад

I went to college long ago and basically it was just reading books and doing problems. For undergraduate for graduate not much more discussion. So my college experience was books mainly. My major was general engineering with a concentration in petroleum engineering. As I am old now I have been thinking about a theology degree.

@Jcremo Год назад

It’s a good idea, you do have to choose your colllege carefully though. Some can be a little strange.

@bethanykauk5249 Год назад

Marvin the barber?? Great to see your theology videos on my suggested videos

@katharinajanousek5040 Год назад

You make such good videos! Thank you😊🌷

@HashimWarren Год назад

thank you for this! I am going through a journey I call "Personal Seminary" where I take online course, read books, and post what I'm learning on a blog and social media

@guilhermedelcampo4832 Год назад

Could you pass me your social media? I would love go learn more about how is going on your studies!

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Love it!

@ZachFish- 3 месяца назад

Any recommendations for free classes and how do they work?

@bobleroe3859 Год назад

Seminary provides some tools and direction but also helps in getting hired. I'm a retired Army Chaplain and the military requires an MDiv. Many churches will not consider self-taught people, and some denominations won't ordain the self-taught. I served on my denomination's credentials committee and the self-taught need to show they know as much as the seminary-trained. I readily admit I've learned more from my reading than I did from seminary, but the discipline of seminary got me on the right path.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

All good points, and despite the thumbnail, I'm in full support of traditional degrees. But I also recognize they're not for everyone. For the people who just want to learn and can't afford to go into debt, they might not be the best fit

@Imsaved777 10 месяцев назад

From what I see leading churches today I question whether the people leading the flock have actually finished grammar school.

@bobleroe3859 10 месяцев назад

@@Imsaved777 I served as Pastor of a rural church and the impression I got was that "There are 2 kinds of preachers: educated and God-called." Not my point-of-view obviously.

@agapephilerostorge 5 месяцев назад

@@bobleroe3859 Ex-convicts are the best pastors compared to head-knowledge pastors.

@bobleroe3859 5 месяцев назад

@@agapephilerostorge Many denominations won't ordain unless the individual has some "real world" experience. Academic preparation isn't enough. We have to relate to people. An ex-convict would have seen the worst in people and have a clearer understanding of our fallen, broken world.

@jenhaganey Год назад

I have A BA in theology and am 1/3 of the way to my masters, this past semester I put the masters on hold - when asked why I said $40,000 buys alot of books

@jamesgossweiler1349 7 месяцев назад

I'm finishing up my MDiv and my favorite books are my apologetics texts.

@g.p.ryecroft 10 месяцев назад

Fascinating video! I jotted down many of your recommendations. I am a fellow theology nerd and earned my theology grad degree way back in 2004. The reading lists have certainly changed in that score of years; in fact, we have no crossover at all. We read Grudem's and Erickson's systematic theologies, Marsden and Noll on Protestant history, Tom Schreiner, Herman Ridderbos, and NT Wright on Paul, Howard Hendricks and DA Carson on hermeneutics. Many, many more but these are what I remember without looking back at yellowing paper syllabi. As you noted, there was a lot of solid and substantial reading off curriculum for researching papers and just for fun and out of love for the Lord and his Word. PS: One of my current favorite book sets sits atop your shelf: Robert Alter's three-volume Hebrew Bible translation and commentary. Just an amazingly fresh take on the OT. I also looked longingly at what I'm guessing are the Ante-Nicene fathers set just under the neon light. I had the full 38-volume Hendrickson set of pre- and post-Nicene Fathers bought for a king's ransom from CBD. I later sold 'em off when I ran out of room and our third baby was coming. Wish I kept those Ante-Nicenes, though--great stuff in there (all online, I know, but I enjoyed those hardbacks and the two-columns in old type). Thanks for stirring up good memories and YES, I too would exhort an aspiring theologian to invest his money into books not college tuition and enjoy a self-directed lifelong study.

@GospelSimplicity 10 месяцев назад

Interesting! I came across nearly all of these, but I think most of them were references or outside research. And yes, those are the Ante-Nicene Fathers. Good eye! I was kindly gifted those from a subscriber.

@mikelandsman8993 Год назад

Calvin’s Tormenters by Gary Jenkins is a great historical work on Calvin and his thought. Worth a read.

@duncescotus2342 Год назад

Lol, and I mean truly out loud. You gave me a chuckle. Calvin was tormented by his own obsessions and doubts, based on his own life experience as one who felt forced into everything and incredibly disempowered, as well as chronically ill. At least Luther got relief from constipation when he desperately needed divine help. But maybe that's exactly what Jenkins had in mind, and therefore truly "worth a reed."

@mikelandsman8993 Год назад

@@duncescotus2342 It's a good book but not for everyone so no harm no foul if you're not interested in it.

@duncescotus2342 Год назад

@@mikelandsman8993 That's a jellyfish response. What's good is good. The good tree gives good fruit.

@duncescotus2342 Год назад

@@mikelandsman8993 Persistently diplomatic. That is an admirable trait, brother Mike. God can use you!

@definit1on119 Год назад

The story of Christianity has been a awesome read so far. Easy to read and follow. Looking forward to volume 2.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Glad you're reading it and enjoying it!

@SvintMvrcus 2 месяца назад

Im 31 and about to start going back to school. I love philosophy and theology but decided if im going to pay out of pocket for my education it’s going to be in something I can’t actually learn on my own, so I picked physics. Already spent my GI bill on a bachelors in Audio Engineering so I have an idea on what it’s like to have not so useful degrees lmao. Thanks for this !

@margaretinsydney3856 Год назад

Thank you for sharing so freely your hard-earned knowledge. I am more of a theology dabbler than a nerd, but some of these books sound terrific. God bless you and yours in this new year. ☺

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

My pleasure!

@Denis-Antonio Год назад

That s a wonderful video, can you make more material like this? Maybe you can discuss more about certain books or whatever you consider to be good or bad about them.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

I'm a bookworm, so I'd be happy to

@Denis-Antonio Год назад

@@GospelSimplicity Amazing😍! It will be a pleasure for me and others to see them!

@Boysermusic Год назад

The timing on this video is insane. Subbed.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Glad to hear that!

@ChrisMeirose 3 месяца назад

Gonzales' "Story of Christianity" is must read level of quality. Amazing.

@jkellyid Год назад

If you're in a major city, commonly, you can find clubs for discussing things if discussion is the aspect of education that is most important. I have a formal degree in a technical field and don't think that the in-person education was meaningfully constructive. As soon as I graduated I had to self-educate in several things that were missing from my degree to be relevant to my field because my degree was probably half a decade to a full decade behind the standards of the field I was educated in. I think education is more now a discipline than a piece of paper that says you have been educated. With the internet, the walled garden of education has fallen away. Simply committing to reading 10 pages a day of the great books. Will render a better education I think than a bachelor's in any field. I think the average American receives more of an education through any given hobby than any formal degree / diploma they have.

@apalesch1 8 месяцев назад

I've been in pastoral ministry since I graduated Bible college in 2006. Nearly every August since then I've looked at going to seminary, wondering if this is the year (I loved Bible college). But yeah... it is so expensive. So September rolls around and I just end up buying a couple books instead. Thank you for these suggestions! I added 3 to my amazon as I watched ;) *4. I now have 4 books on amazon...

@jamesgossweiler1349 7 месяцев назад

Going to seminary only makes sense once you've gone. Then it's clear what you didn't know...but thought you did.

@apalesch1 7 месяцев назад

Too late, already ordered books ;) @@jamesgossweiler1349 Maybe next year.

@toddvoss52 Год назад

Great list . Thanks

@samrudman7839 Год назад

Hey Austin, I’m so thankful for your content, rich in spirituality and truly honours Christ. I’m starting Bible College in September, any advice?

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

That's exciting! I'd say, be open to changing your mind, integrate the academic and spiritual, and stay curious!

@beauty.of.the.struggle Год назад

Good rundown, sir. Not only did I thumbs-up this video, but I added, at least, 2/3 of these to my Amazon wishlist. Thank you.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@alexbernstine1 Год назад

Oh that's cool. Some of my professors from college wrote one of your textbooks - Grasping God's Word. Hays and Duvall are awesome men.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Oh nice! Where do they teach?

@alexbernstine1 Год назад

@@GospelSimplicity Ouachita Baptist University located here in Arkansas !

@skipmars7979 6 месяцев назад

I looked over you books in the blog. How do you reconcile The Institutes, John Calvin and most of the others, including Andy Stanly? The Institutes were the most helpful for me as I had a misconception of God, creation and the church although I had been in the church many years reading other books. Most of these books are from this era and have deviated from the Church Fathers. Before I read any of these I would read Calvin's commentaries, The institutes, The Ante Nicaean Fathers, John Owen and the likes.

@matthewterry9413 Год назад

Institutes is one of the best works of all time

@swishplays1054 Год назад

Hi thanks for making this video. I’ve been looking for something like this for soo long. Would you also be able to make a video/blog on the assignments you had to complete during your studies. I’d love to use that in conjunction with the 2 year reading plan. Thanks again

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

I'll see what I can do!

@martinchivers7341 Год назад

Some recommended theology books would be authored by Robert M Price, Richard C Carrier, Steve Wells, Earl Doherty and Kenneth Humphreys.

@Shevock Месяц назад

Cool post.

@apollontheintp3257 Год назад

Funny, there is also a great book called "You are what you hate" :) A light book on the Kabbalah. It's also great.

@alexandersmith9385 8 месяцев назад

Love OTT by Kessler.

@MycoKing Год назад

Neat! I did a Master of Divinity at the Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto in the 1970's when the Catholic Church was going wild. It will be nice to visit some protestant theology again. I am retired so I have time for the reading. Thanks!

@michellearmenta1116 Год назад

Thank you so much for this list! I've thought about going back to school to study theology but couldn't at the time with a young child. Also, are you the person who asked Michael Knowles a question about objective reality? Sounded so much like you!!!

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

My pleasure! Nope, that was not me.

@elijah8867 Год назад

You should try E.W. Bullingers "How To Enjoy The Bible."

@sandraelder1101 Год назад

I was surprised no pre-reformation writings made it onto your list. The Early Church Fathers, Augustine, Aquinas? The ones you chose seem like relatively modern books, the oldest being Calvin. For those interested in the Patristics, I think a really good layman’s set is the 3 vol. edited by Jurgens “Faith of the Early Fathers.”

@damianperez3649 Год назад

That originated from Roman Catholics

@sandraelder1101 Год назад

@@damianperez3649 Well the documents in this set are from @46-600 AD, so yes, this was long before the Church split. There are docs from both the East and West. Very interesting, and i would argue crucial, to read what the Early Church believed and how the Church functioned. I don’t know how any theology education could be considered complete without reading the Patristics. As to their being Catholic, to avoid Catholicism, you’d have to only read writings from 500 of the Church’s 2000 year history. In addition, you’d have to avoid the Bible itself since the canon was decided on by Catholic bishops.

@SibleySteve Год назад

I never learned speed reading until I got to seminary at the graduate level. College Greek and Bible did not prepare me for the rigorous reading and exam taking. I had 3 years of Biblical Greek in college and floundered in seminary. When the professor refers to a whole book on Friday and says there will be a quiz on Monday, that's over the whole book. I don't know how people do it, I couldn't. Multiply that by 4 classes, and 4 years. Greek, Hebrew, not just reading, but knowing the difference between a genitive absolute and an accusative clause and how they impact the translation, so all the vocabulary, all the grammar, and that's not even the philosophy, history, ministry courses. God bless the M.Div. graduates, especially the ones who have to take the G.O.E. at the end of it all. How'd you like the pressure of the MDiv coupled with an exam at the end that bars you from ordination if you flunk? It seems to me that the church has got to figure out how to get pastors from the academy if the income / payscale doesn't support all of this graduate school debt. There might be a better model for preparation, who knows?

@BillWalkerWarren Год назад

Interesting list . Me coming from a conservative reformed tradition was presently surprised by some of your choices. Several of your books are currently on my shelf. I do have a question about a church history book that is not on your list. Could you suggest a book on the great schism? The western view ( typically the RCC view or evolved from it ) seems to dominate what I have seen. Blessings

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

This is indirectly related, but Filioque by Dr. Siecienski is great

@dimitritriantafyllides682 Год назад

Check out The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware (same author as The Orthodox Way).

@graysonbr 4 месяца назад

Good books don't replace good mentors. This is important too!

@sandraelder1101 Год назад

How about “The Summa of the Summa” by Dr. Peter Kreeft. At a “mere” 536 pp, it’s great for those of us too wimpy, broke, or busy to read the entire Summa Theologica 😁

@YahLovesYou86 Год назад

I’ve heard that the 6-panel door represents a cross at the top and an open Bible at the bottom.

@wesmorgan7729 Год назад

Here I thought we read a lot in law school but I think seminary has us beat

@that1scoutcollins851 6 месяцев назад

"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer and "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis are going to be required reading for my children.

@GospelSimplicity 5 месяцев назад

They're both great!

@cindiloowhoo1166 28 дней назад

Many years ago, I forget the kind Pastor's name, Moody Bible Institute Radio sponsored an evening program, 2x? weekly ~ Call in format. I loved it, listened all the time, Filled a Bible full of notes. I'm guessing said Pastor may have passed by now. If anyone is knows of anything similar that is currently available, I'd love to hear about. I'm in Chicago area.

@bobthebuildest6828 Год назад

thanks mate, im going to seminary in two years when i finish my engineering degree, the order im joining requires me to have a degree before i can enter so these will keep me engaged while im waiting

@VanessaSills 11 месяцев назад

I'm planning on going to school online through Liberty or Colorado Christian.

@nathanketsdever3150 Год назад

Great overview. Thanks for this. It's important to recognise the diffence between cost and value. It's easy to overlook the ongoing value of the community interaction and feedback you get which help you refine your thinking. Not to mention, the ways in which the degree serves as shorthand for "I know this area of inquiry" and a gateway issue to getting pastoring jobs. Certainly a non-degree individual competing against a degree. I think some of the value is also the speed--you're also playing for the speed of the process. You're paying for perspectives that reading a book alone can't provide. And you're paying for the alumni network. Overall it's a signal to future employers. No amount of saying I've read 50 of the classics or 100 of the classics is the same as the community formation or the authority or significance assigned to a degree from a top-level seminary. I think you're also paying for mentors and relationships. Finally, the cost of a degree is also amortised over a lifetime. I would suggest in the same way a teaching degree does. Your time in a degree program can be an inflection point of maturity. If you have the opportunity to get a seminary degree from a reputable program and you feel God moving you in that direction. Do it. The cost issue is a secondary concern at best.

@aclark903 Год назад

St Paul had a thorough religious Ed. Jesus Himself didn't go to seminary.

@frisco61 4 месяца назад

@@aclark903 True. But they lived 2000 years ago.

@Laura-vc7er Год назад

The Imitation of Christ is another great one.

@JoelRipke Год назад

Would have liked to see some Luther (or something from the Confessions like the his Large Catechism or Melanchthon's Augsburg Confession) in there, but that's probably because I'm a Lutheran.

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

Alas, I was only choosing from my assigned reading, and we didn't read any Luther cover to cover, though many excerpts, so none of his writing fit the criteria for this video

@christophlindinger2267 Год назад

Did you read "Introduction to Christianity" by Joseph Ratzinger aka Pope Benedikt?

@1luv4j Год назад

How do we just get a basic chaplain so you can preach? Omni theist how do I start the church?

@erickdiaz6152 Год назад

What are your thoughts on Theos Seminary? It is a recent subscription-based online Seminary. Not sure what to think of it yet

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

I'm not familiar with it. Sorry!

@user-iv3fn9ic8j Год назад

Has the new round of GS inside circle began yet? I'm thinking whether it's already too late too subscribe before the first meeting

@GospelSimplicity Год назад

It starts tonight! However, week 1 is just the introduction, so it's not too late!

@tonypino5415 Год назад

It's my dream to study Semitic languages and the Old Testament. I have no money the Lord will have to provide if it's His will.

@kory9790 Год назад

I loved A.W. Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy and The Pursuit of God, read those in my undergrad and grad programs.

@EloSportsTalk Год назад

Those have been "on my list" forever but other books kept jumping over it. I kinda made peace with not reading him soon and lent my barely used copies out. What do you love about it?

@kory9790 Год назад

@@EloSportsTalk well, he talks about important it is to have a correct idea and though process of who God is . To quote Tozer "the essence of idolatry is the entertainment of thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him. It begins in the mind and may be present where no overt act of worship has taken place." If we do not have a correct view of who God is and his attributes, wacky theology results and potentially results in conforming the world and a do whatever feels good attitude and potentially results in destruction of the church if not corrected. Hope that makes sense/helps.

@zachsmith8916 Год назад

Speaking of Tozer, he was pretty much self educated himself. Tozer was awesome!

@kory9790 Год назад

@@zachsmith8916 indeed! I read like 12 of his books in college, easy to go down the Tozer rabbithole lol.

@risingdawn5788 Год назад

If you are only reading one entry level book on the subject of the attributes of God, I would advise switching out ‘Knowledge of the Holy” with something like AW Pink’s ‘Attributes..’.

@MarcelBal15 5 месяцев назад

I love the Story of Christianity by Justo Gonzalez

@cindiloowhoo1166 28 дней назад

There would be no Protestant Churches nor Bibles without the Catholic Church. There are approximately 1,500 years of Apostolic, Church Fathers, Church Doctors, and History from many varieties of sources that will give anyone a good grounding in whatever path they choose to follow.

@thomas9032 7 месяцев назад

Great video! I’m thinking of getting into theology to understand religious people more. However I myself am an agnostic atheist. Do you think it’s worth it for me or not? In other words, do you think it might be trying too much to convert me or not? Thanks in advance!

@GospelSimplicity 7 месяцев назад

That really depends on the school. If you go to a major research university, you will almost certainly not be the only agnostic. If you go to a seminary or Bible college, it might not be a great fit

@thomas9032 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for the reply. I was looking to do self study as I already have a degree. Would it then be worth it? Im wondering to what degree the authors try to use their beliefs or how much it stays more 'factual'@@GospelSimplicity

@frisco61 4 месяца назад

@@thomas9032 Theology is built on a fundamental understanding that the Triune God exists, and each persons experiences and reflections stemming from that belief. Core books like Mere Christianity by CS Lewis and Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed would be the best place to start to give you a basic understanding from which you can then expand your reading.

@Krossmann52 Год назад

The easy solution is go to better seminaries. The schools that cost that much are terrible anyways. Find solid unaccredited seminaries and you find gold.

@simonskinner1450 Год назад

When my draft book 'Triple Justification of the Blood Covenant of Jesus' is published, it must be the core reading for salvation, and is based on 'hereafter' teaching. 'Hereafter' is based the truth having exposed the myths, and my Ytube video series called 'Myths in so-called Christianity', as there is a vital disconnect between the religion of Abraham and 'Christianity', the church of God started with Abraham.

@realityhits3022 Год назад

Brother will you recommend me the book "renewal theology a systematic theology from the perspective of chatismatic" by J Rodman Williams. He was a Presbyterian theologian initially.

@Healing556 Год назад

At average, how many time a phd in theology finished reading the bible from cover to cover ? Any idea ?

@DonFacundo7 Год назад

Austin, what are some good books on the theology of the Ancient Church Fathers and Historical Christianity pre-reformation?

@Yesunimwokozi1 Год назад

Esuebius church history

@DonFacundo7 Год назад

@@Yesunimwokozi1 thank you, is there any other books that solely focus on the theology of the early church fathers?

@thestudiooftamraglaser5390 Год назад

In Eastern Orthodoxy, our true theologians are monastics; ascetics….most of our Saints did not have theology degrees.

@codyandrewwynn Год назад

There are many accredited Christian Universities that don't cost half that much. I'm almost done with my M.Div and my M.A. in pastoral counseling, and I already received my B.A. in pastoral ministries. Altogether, it still probably wasn't 100 grand. If you want to be a pastor or some kind of associate pastor, the education is worth it in every way. The military and the hospital won't even let you be a chaplain without at least a master's degree. While we shouldn't require that for pastor's, they need to receive some formal education if it is at all possible.