A Layperson's Theological Library
I love books. I didn't always, but thanks to encouragement from my parents (and the need to read as a pastor) I have learned to love reading.
And since I love books, I have a lot of them. My personal library is large and always growing. I have massive theology books, small children's books, and everything in between. I have read good books and lousy books, helpful books and heretical books.
But for the average Christian, with the large numbers of books that exist, where are they to start in trying to build a good, personal/family library? What books would be helpful and theologically trustworthy?
Here's a start...I'll add to it from time to time, but this is a good place to begin.
Doctrine
"The Spirituality of the Cross" by Gene Edward Veith Jr.
This is a fantastic book for someone who is new to Lutheranism, but will also be greatly beneficial to the well seasoned reader. Veith takes the reader with him through his own personal journey and through his story we are introduced to deep truths about God. This is a must own book.
"A Summary of Christian Doctrine" by Edward W.A. Koehler
Where did the Bible come from? What does the Bible tell us about angels, prayer, good works, baptism, government, or Christ's return? This book covers all of those topics and more and does so without using words that are not easily understood by the average adult.
"The Book of Concord"
This book contains the official statements of faith for Lutherans. It summarizes what scripture teaches and helps explain it. Some of this will be quite challenge reading, however it is worth having just to be able to read Luther's Large Catechism.
"Law and Gospel: How to read and apply the Bible" by C.F.W. Walther
This has been a standard in the LCMS for a very long time and with good reason. Walther, who was the first president of the LCMS, gave a series of lectures on the proper use and understanding of God's Law and Gospel. This is ideal for someone who desires a deeper read and deeper understanding of God's Word.
"The Seduction of Extremes: Swallowing Camels and Straining Gnats" by Peter Kurowski
Paradox is an important concept in Lutheran theology and this book shows why it is so important. This really is an outstanding book that I cannot recommend highly enough.
Christian Living
"Family Vocation: God's Calling in Marriage, Parenting, and Childhood" by Gene Edward Veith Jr. and Mary J. Moerbe
Veith writes in a winsome way and helps the reader to understand God's plan for them within the realm of the family. This is a fantastic book for couples to read together.
"Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith in Action" by Matthew C. Harrison
What does it look like to live as a Christian? To put your faith in action? This book helps the reader understand how to do just that.
"The Calling: Live a Life of Significance" by Kurt Senske
How do you figure out what you were called to do? How do you live a life that is meaningful and significant? This book helps you to understand how to live out your callings in ways that will be faithful to God and meaningful for you.
"Dying to Live: The Power of Forgiveness" by Harold L. Senkbeil
How do God's Word and Sacraments actually come into play in our day to day lives as Christians? This book shows exactly how that happens and why the means of grace are so vital.
"Alive with the Spirit" by Martin H. Franzmann
Lutherans haven't always spoken much about the Holy Spirit, but in this little book Franzmann shows the true work of the Spirit throughout Scripture and how He continues to work today. The cover makes it look dated, but Franzmann's writing style is outstanding.
"Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today" by John W. Kleinig
"Spirituality" is a word that gets tossed around a lot today. In this book Kleinig shows how the Spirit truly works and what it means to be truly "spiritual." If you want a deeper spiritual life, this is a must read book.
Church History
"The Church from Age to Age: A History from Galilee to Global Christianity" by Edward Engelbrecht
If you would like one book that gives you a summary of the history of the church, from the early church until today, this is the book that you need.
"Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity" by Mark Noll
Eminent historian Mark Noll takes 13 points of Christian history and shares with the reader just how these events helped shape things going forward. This is a wonderful read to help understand the overall history of the church.
Apologetics
"The Stones Cry Out" by Randal Price
Archaeology and the Bible fit hand in hand. Each archaeological dig uncovers more evidence that shows Scripture to be trustworthy. This book highlights some of those discoveries.
"How Christianity Changed the World" by Alvin J. Schmidt
This book could just as well be listed under church history, but with the attacks on Christianity today I think that it fits well as an apologetic book as well. Schmidt shows how Christianity led to societies valuing human life, giving women respect and dignity, the establishment of hospitals, the abolition of slavery, and many other positive societal changes.
Biographies
"Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy" by Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer is an inspirational individual who stood up against the Nazis. He took up his cross in order to follow Christ and his example will inspire you.
"Light in the Dark Belt" by Rosa Young
This is an autobiography written by a woman who was the child of former slaves. She helped to establish Lutheran Schools all over the south to educate and bring the gospel to the African-American population.
"Martin Luther: A Life Reformed" by Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson was a professor I had at the seminary. In this short biography, he gives the main points in the life of Luther and helps the reader to understand the events and their connection with Luther's theology.
Fiction
"The Hammer of God" by Bo Giertz
This book is fiction, but it might just help you to understand law and gospel better than any non-fiction book that you'll ever read.
And since I love books, I have a lot of them. My personal library is large and always growing. I have massive theology books, small children's books, and everything in between. I have read good books and lousy books, helpful books and heretical books.
But for the average Christian, with the large numbers of books that exist, where are they to start in trying to build a good, personal/family library? What books would be helpful and theologically trustworthy?
Here's a start...I'll add to it from time to time, but this is a good place to begin.
Doctrine
"The Spirituality of the Cross" by Gene Edward Veith Jr.
This is a fantastic book for someone who is new to Lutheranism, but will also be greatly beneficial to the well seasoned reader. Veith takes the reader with him through his own personal journey and through his story we are introduced to deep truths about God. This is a must own book.
"A Summary of Christian Doctrine" by Edward W.A. Koehler
Where did the Bible come from? What does the Bible tell us about angels, prayer, good works, baptism, government, or Christ's return? This book covers all of those topics and more and does so without using words that are not easily understood by the average adult.
"The Book of Concord"
This book contains the official statements of faith for Lutherans. It summarizes what scripture teaches and helps explain it. Some of this will be quite challenge reading, however it is worth having just to be able to read Luther's Large Catechism.
"Law and Gospel: How to read and apply the Bible" by C.F.W. Walther
This has been a standard in the LCMS for a very long time and with good reason. Walther, who was the first president of the LCMS, gave a series of lectures on the proper use and understanding of God's Law and Gospel. This is ideal for someone who desires a deeper read and deeper understanding of God's Word.
"The Seduction of Extremes: Swallowing Camels and Straining Gnats" by Peter Kurowski
Paradox is an important concept in Lutheran theology and this book shows why it is so important. This really is an outstanding book that I cannot recommend highly enough.
Christian Living
"Family Vocation: God's Calling in Marriage, Parenting, and Childhood" by Gene Edward Veith Jr. and Mary J. Moerbe
Veith writes in a winsome way and helps the reader to understand God's plan for them within the realm of the family. This is a fantastic book for couples to read together.
"Christ Have Mercy: How to Put Your Faith in Action" by Matthew C. Harrison
What does it look like to live as a Christian? To put your faith in action? This book helps the reader understand how to do just that.
"The Calling: Live a Life of Significance" by Kurt Senske
How do you figure out what you were called to do? How do you live a life that is meaningful and significant? This book helps you to understand how to live out your callings in ways that will be faithful to God and meaningful for you.
"Dying to Live: The Power of Forgiveness" by Harold L. Senkbeil
How do God's Word and Sacraments actually come into play in our day to day lives as Christians? This book shows exactly how that happens and why the means of grace are so vital.
"Alive with the Spirit" by Martin H. Franzmann
Lutherans haven't always spoken much about the Holy Spirit, but in this little book Franzmann shows the true work of the Spirit throughout Scripture and how He continues to work today. The cover makes it look dated, but Franzmann's writing style is outstanding.
"Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today" by John W. Kleinig
"Spirituality" is a word that gets tossed around a lot today. In this book Kleinig shows how the Spirit truly works and what it means to be truly "spiritual." If you want a deeper spiritual life, this is a must read book.
Church History
"The Church from Age to Age: A History from Galilee to Global Christianity" by Edward Engelbrecht
If you would like one book that gives you a summary of the history of the church, from the early church until today, this is the book that you need.
"Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity" by Mark Noll
Eminent historian Mark Noll takes 13 points of Christian history and shares with the reader just how these events helped shape things going forward. This is a wonderful read to help understand the overall history of the church.
Apologetics
"The Stones Cry Out" by Randal Price
Archaeology and the Bible fit hand in hand. Each archaeological dig uncovers more evidence that shows Scripture to be trustworthy. This book highlights some of those discoveries.
"How Christianity Changed the World" by Alvin J. Schmidt
This book could just as well be listed under church history, but with the attacks on Christianity today I think that it fits well as an apologetic book as well. Schmidt shows how Christianity led to societies valuing human life, giving women respect and dignity, the establishment of hospitals, the abolition of slavery, and many other positive societal changes.
Biographies
"Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy" by Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer is an inspirational individual who stood up against the Nazis. He took up his cross in order to follow Christ and his example will inspire you.
"Light in the Dark Belt" by Rosa Young
This is an autobiography written by a woman who was the child of former slaves. She helped to establish Lutheran Schools all over the south to educate and bring the gospel to the African-American population.
"Martin Luther: A Life Reformed" by Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson was a professor I had at the seminary. In this short biography, he gives the main points in the life of Luther and helps the reader to understand the events and their connection with Luther's theology.
Fiction
"The Hammer of God" by Bo Giertz
This book is fiction, but it might just help you to understand law and gospel better than any non-fiction book that you'll ever read.
Great list. I've added a few to my shopping cart in Amazon! So important to be readers! Like Christ said, repeatedly... "Have you not read?" Thank you for the book suggestions!
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