I meant to write this post last week when I got back from the conference but I got wrapped up doing other things and it just slipped my mind. So… without further adieu, here are the books that I bought when I was in Minneapolis two weekends ago:
Institutes of the Christian Religion – John Calvin
- A timeless classic, probably the best theological work ever accomplished. I know, you’re probably thinking, “you’re just getting this one now?” But I just never got around to getting it. It was there, and it was on sale so I grabbed it!
Salvation Belongs to the Lord – John Frame
- Explores all the major biblical truths, explains key terms of systematic theology, and reflects on their implications and connections under the lordship of Christ. I have Wayne Grudem’s work, and so I wanted to read on systematic theology from Frame, whose work I love and respect greatly.
Living For God’s Glory – Joel R. Beeke
- In this comprehensive survey of Reformed Christianity, Dr. Beeke and eight fellow contributors offer 28 chapters that trace the history of Calvinism; explore its key doctrinal tenets, such as the so-called five points of Calvinism and the solas of the Protestant Reformation… I like how this book doesn’t seem to be a book solely on Calvinism but it also features the history of Calvinism within church history. Plus, I love reading Joel Beeke’s books.
- Since I would consider myself a “charismatic calvinist” I thought it fitting to get this book when I picked it up. I hope to glean some great insights from Dr. Storms in this book. He writes, “Can anything be done about the mistrust, caricature, and often denunciatory recriminations that pass between these two evangelical groups? (Cessationists/Charismatics) Is it too much to hope and labor and pray for a convergence of Word and Spirit, of mind and affection, of principle and passion? Convergence was written to answer those troubling questions.”
Covenant Theology – Peter Golding
- Well, I have been brought up as a dispensationalist but after hearing both sides of the debate and studying the scriptures it would seem that a strong case can be made for covenant theology. I don’t have anything on CT and I’ve heard so many good things about this book so I picked it up. I can’t wait to dig into this one!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Roger,
I hope you are going to share some quotes, excerpts, reflections, and reviews. I have the first one, but not the others. They sound incredibly interesting, and I would hope to see your thoughts on them.
Blessings,
Michael
Roger,
Don’t feel bad about the Institutes. I just recently picked up the two-volume set a few months ago. Michael Horton’s God of Promise is also a good reference on Covenant Theology (I too came out of a dispy background).
Have you started reading the Institutes yet? I haven’t gotten to it yet, I have so many good books to read I don’t know where to begin! I’m still working on Finally Alive by John Piper.. Now I guess I’m gonna have to go out and purchase Michael Horton’s God of Promise too!
Ha! Thanks for the reference Carl!
Yes, I read the intro and Calvin’s letter to King Charles. I haven’t started the meat of the Institutes yet. I’m actually reading a survey of Church history called “The Story of Christianity” by Justo Gonzalez. After that, I will probably begin reading “Biblical Theology” by Geerhardus Vos.