An Everyday Theologian

This semester of Christian Theology for Women will be coming to a close on Sunday evening. It’s been a great academic year studying Doctrine of the Word of God and Doctrine of God. The women who’ve studied alongside me have been faithful in their studies and class attendance. These ladies display a hunger for theological integrity that is contagious as it fuels questions and discussion of each doctrine. With this in mind, Jennifer Ulrich (assists with this class) and I have compiled a list of theological studies and books appropriate for continued learning. I have decided to share this list to encourage readers; you would do well to get to know these authors. I hope you will consider taking full advantage of the resources that we have found both trustworthy and helpful.

Debbie’s Recommendations:

• Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible is an online study at debbieswindell.com This is a lengthy study with an intro followed by five weeks in part I and four weeks with a wrap up in part II. Done slowly, it’s possible this could carry you through the months until fall. Reflective of my teaching from fall 2018, my objective with this series is to call women to the reading and study of God’s Word, provide support for sound doctrine, and dispel theological confusion in those disciplines and doctrines. You can find this study here.
• For the Church Institute offers free courses through Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. You can view these courses by going to: ftcinstitute.com The convenience in these courses is that the student can learn at her own pace. Personally, I have registered and will soon begin the course on the Trinity by Dr. Matthew  Barrett.
• The Gospel Coalition offers free courses and I would especially recommend The Attributes of God: A survey of biblical and theological material on ten of God’s attributes by Fred Zaspel. I believe this would be a good follow up to this semester’s study.  From the course intro – In this brief course our focus is on the incommunicable or metaphysical attributes of God. The audio sermons by David Gibson will be our guide, following Jen Wilkin’s delightful book, None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different from Us (and Why That’s a Good Thing). We will provide supplementary resources along the way also. All this to help in our pursuit of knowing him who is incomprehensible and yet who has revealed himself to us that we may glory in knowing him. You can find this course at thegospelcoalition.org
• The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief  by James R. White – In his book, James R. White offers a concise yet understandable explanation of what the Trinity is and why it matters to us today. While refuting the distortions of God presented by various cults, Dr. White shows how understanding this teaching leads to renewed worship and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. White is a church elder, director of a Christian apologetics ministry, and adjunct professor at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Do You Believe? by Paul Tripp – Tripp takes biblical truths of the Christian faith and funnels them into our actual, real-time lives. The author reminds us (by covering twelve doctrines)  that true belief is lived out in changed lives. Doctrine is not just knowing information. Therefore, this book is about  theology applied so there would be no one better to write this material than a Paul Tripp, who is a well-known counselor.
• Reading list for fall: Genesis Chapters 1-11, The Mysteries of Christ, His Covenant, and His Kingdom by Samuel Renihan (required). Recommended – Life’s Biggest Questions by Erik Thoennes, Divine Covenants by A.W. Pink (can serve as an alternative to The Mysteries of Christ), Created in God’s Image by Anthony Hoekema, The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf, Unseen Realities by R.C. Sproul, *Power Encounters by David Powlison, Standing Strong: How to Resist the Enemy of Your Soul by John MacArthur.  

             *Out of print but used copies can be found if you wish to purchase.

Jennifer’s Recommendations:

• Lord I Want to Know You by Kay Arthur – This devotional study  brings to light the truth that much of our confusion and pain results because we don’t truly know who God is. The study of who God is will give insight to the learner of how God works in our lives. Guided by Kay Arthur, this study of the names of God will assist in better knowing God’s relation to human beings with intention of sharing with others.
• The Attributes of God by Arthur Pink – Pink’s classic book offers exactly what the title says, within the boundaries of historical Christianity.
• None Greater by Matthew Barrett – Dr. Barrett’s writing provides theological depth to a reading on the attributes of God.  This book is also available in audio which is Jennifer’s preferred reading.

Note: Books are a very important part of Christian culture and Christian life. I encourage all Christian women to take up the discipline of reading to honor God and for the growth of the church. I deliberately seek out worthwhile books, those worthy of my time and attention. It’s important we choose from steadfast authors who’ve proved themselves devoted to biblical Truth and whose books will always point the reader to Christ, the Scriptures, and the church. That being said, I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your authors and reading with discernment. Always ask yourself, “What makes this person credible to write on this topic?”