Favourite theological books

[mayflower]

What are your favourite theological books ?

[memento]

Difficult to just choose one.

My most favorite book, at this moment, is Philips Schaffs History of the Christian Church. Not only does he see and show Gods hand at work throughout the history of the church, even in its darkest times, without overlooking human error (but he does place it in its historical context), but also he's very eloquent, which makes even the dull parts of church history a joy to read.

Another writer who had the same nice style, of the same learning, and of the same time, is Ederson. I really like his Bible History of the Old Testament. He places the stories in both historical, scriptural and spiritual context. Truly, although nearly forgotten (especially in the Netherlands) the end of the 1800's was a very productive time for the reformed churches, both in learning and in thinking.

I love systematic theologies, of which I think Wayne Grudems and Robert L. Reymonds are the best, both very readable, using the Scriptures as main source to derive the doctrines from. But I guess you have to love dogmatics to just read them. Reading them increases both the knowledge of the Bible, and of our beloved Reformed doctrines.

I also love Jonathan Edwards' philosophical writings, like that about the Freedom of the Will, and his speculations about the Holy Trinity. His writings aren't very easy to read, but he does give a lot to think about. I also like his very moderate tone in his works about religious experiences, although I do like the Puritans more on that topic.

[mayflower]

JOHN OWEN : Communion with God, the glory of Christ, mortification of sin (and all the other works and writtings!!)

JOHN GILL : Body of Divinity

THOMAS MANTON : The works

ABRAHAM BOOTH : Reign of grace (exellent!!!)

NEHEMIA COX : Covenant theology (baptist puritan from the 17e century)

HERMAN HOEKSEMA: Dogmatic theology

FRANCIS TURRETIN : Institutes of Elenctic theology

And there is so much more.......

[Bert Mulder]

Calvin - especially his commentaries
Hoeksema - esp. Believers and their seed
Engelsma - esp. Covenant of God and Children of Believers
Brakel - Reasonable Service
Witsius - Economy of the Covenants

not strictly theological:

Wylie - History of Protestantism
D'Aubigne - History of the Reformation

[MarthaMartha]

Octavius Winslow: Personal declension en revival of religion in the soul

[mayflower]

Octavius Winslow: Personal declension en revival of religion in the soul

Excellent book, highly recommended!!!!

[Alexander CD]

Some:
- True Spirituality Francis Scheaffer
- Righteous by faith alone Herman Hoeksema
- Institute of Christian religion Calvin
- When you pray Herman Hanko ( very comforting book)
en many more

[mayflower]

Brakel - Reasonable Service

Dear Bert, do you read the english transelation of Brakel insted of the Dutch ?

[Bert Mulder]

Brakel - Reasonable Service

Dear Bert, do you read the english transelation of Brakel insted of the Dutch ?

Yes, I do...

Any book, if english is available, I generally prefer the english over the dutch, as then also my family can benefit from it.