People often ask us to recommend books. While the occasional inquirer asks about a specific issue, most simply seek general guidance in beginning a Reformed program of learning. There are so many good books to read! But we have to begin somewhere. I have found that having a well organized and thorough reading plan promotes discipline and forces me to have a breadth of knowledge that will enrich my studies in all areas.
Before coming to seminary, I worked through Westminster Theological Seminary’s reading list. It was a serious list back then—requiring the kind of determination it takes to walk uphill in the snow both ways to school. It took me three years of evenings, Saturdays, and holidays to read the entire list while I worked full-time. But I finished it, and reading all those excellent Reformed books was one of the best things I could have done to prepare for seminary.
Of course, not everyone will go to seminary, nor should they. But, why should that keep people from reading the deep, rich works from our tradition? We’ve attempted to compile and organize a list that captures the essence of the distinct Reformed tradition many of us espouse at Reformed Forum. This list is not practical for lay people, but we need to stretch ourselves at times. Try reading the tougher works. Put the time in, and you’ll be rewarded. With that in mind, view the beta version of the list, and send me your feedback.
I was an English major in college so my reading was Homer, Milton, Shakespeare, Joyce, etc. But I think your reading list turns Reformed faith into European analytical philosophy. If I were going to West. in the fall, I’d spend the summer reading church history, history of doctrine and biographies of theologians like Aquinas and Calvin. I’d want to tie things together, to see how things are woven together not how they differ.
To me hermeneutics is the presence of God, not parsing and genres (I hate that word).
Paul Austin
Camden,
Thank you for the wonderful reading list; I look forward to spending exhausting my book allowance soon.
In Christ,
BLS
Camden, thank you for giving me more suggestions for Bethel Library!
Diane
It’s my pleasure! Certainly this isn’t a reading list for all
, but I think the books on the list would serve many people well over the years.