The Best Books from My Theology Degree

There's no escaping it, if you want to become a better theologian, you're going to have to read... a lot. Over the course of my theology degree, I read dozens of required books and excerpts, not to mention even more books for research papers and personal enjoyment.
In this video, I share with you the most impactful books from my time at Moody Bible Institute. I pull from four categories: General education, Biblical studies, Church history, and Theology.
Want the full list of every required book from my degree? Go here: www.gospelsimplicity.com/blog...
Need some structure for your reading? Here's a two year reading plan to get through the books from this video. I've arranged it so each season has no more than three books and the complexity grows as you go. Find this here: www.gospelsimplicity.com/blog...
Thanks to Christian Ministry EDU for sponsoring this video. To learn more about your ministry educational needs, check out: htttps://www.christianministryedu.org
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About Gospel Simplicity:
Gospel Simplicity began as a KZbin channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.
About the host:
Hey! My name is Austin, and I'm a 23 year old guy who’s passionate about the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel. I believe that the gospel, the good news about Jesus, is really good news, and I’m out to explore, unpack, and share that good news with as many people as possible. I'm a full blown Bible and Church History nerd that loves getting to dialogue with others about this, learning as much as I can, and then teaching whatever I can. I grew up around Frederick, MD where I eventually ended up working my first job at a church. They made the mistake of letting me try my hand at teaching, and instantly I fell in love. That set me on a path for further education, and I'm currently a student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, studying theology. On any given day you can find me with my nose in a book or a guitar in my hands. Want to get to know me more? Follow me and say hi on Instagram at: @austin.suggs
Video Stuff:
Camera: Sony a6300
Lens: Sigma 16mm F1.4 amzn.to/2MjssPB
Edited in FCPX
Music:
Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel
*Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.
Chapters:
00:00 - College prices are insane
00:30 - DIY Theology degree
02:48 - Start of Gen Eds
02:50 - You are What You Love
03:09 - Philosophy the Classics
04:02 - On Beauty and Being Just
04:38 - Start of Biblical studies
05:03 - How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
05:36 - Blue Parakeet
06:34 - Old Testament Theology
07:04 - The Pentateuch as Narrative
08:02 - Introduction to Early Judaism
08:39 - Start of Church History
08:51 - The Story of Christianity
09:34 - Dominion
10:20 - The Story of Christian Theology
10:49 - The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church
12:06 - In Stone and Story
13:09 - Jesus: Made in America
14:20 - Start of Theology books
14:40 - Theology as Discipleship
15:40 - Institutes of the Christian Religion
16:56 - The Orthodox Way
17:49 - The Meaning of Tradition
19:07 - Delighting in the Trinity
19:58 - One with Christ
20:43 - The Journey of Modern Theology
21:27 - Ad - ChristianMinistryEDU.org
22:06 - Two Year Reading Plan
22:47 - Gospel Simplicity Inside Circle

[@ezra8676]

1. You Are What You Love by James KA Smith 2. Philosophy the Classics by Nigel Warburton 3. On Beauty and Being Just by Elaine Scarry 4. How to Read the Bible For All its Worth by Gordon D Fee 5. Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight 6. Old Testament Theology by John Kessler 7. The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H Sailhamer 8. Introduction to Early Judaism by James C Vanderkam 9. The Story of Christianity by Justo Gonzalez 10. Dominion by Tom Holland 11. The Story of Christian Theology by Roger Olson 12. The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Joseph Kelly 13. In Stone and Story by Bruce Longenecker 14. Jesus: Made in America by Stephen Nichols (Honorable Mentions: Mark Noll & Douglas Sweeney) 15. Theology as Discipleship by Keith L Johnson 16. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin 17. The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware 18. The Meaning of Tradition by Yves Congar 19. Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves 20. One with Christ by Marcus Peter Johnson 21. The Journey of Modern Theology by Roger Olson

[@julians9070]

Thank you, for the list of books to delve into Christian theology.

[@billpletikapich5640]

1. You Are What You Love by James KA Smith. In studying Engineering, Business, Theology and Teaching; I have read this book under numerous authors. Truth is truth regardless of the discipline. In business school it was summarized as " I'll tell you what you love in just a couple minutes - show me your daily schedule for the next week.

[@natebrown2803]

Dr. Michael S. Heiser didn't made the list? interesting

[@heavymetalmusichead4969]

To quote my best friend who is currently wrapping up his master's degree in philosophy, "Philosophy and Theology are the same thing. The philosophers just don't know it yet."

[@GospelSimplicity]

Interesting!

[@mbberry135]

A Catholic saying for You. Philosophy is the Handmaiden of Theology.

[@g.p.ryecroft]

RC Sproul had a great teaching series on philosophy that drew in theology as a complement: The Consequences of Ideas: An Overview of Philosophy. Years ago I taught an intro to Philosophy class and found a book that was a hit with students who weren't especially interested: Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. It's a novel but weaves in a user-friendly introduction to philosophy that made it memorable and enjoyable.

[@skipmars7979]

The reformers stayed away from them as they labeled them as Sophist. What you are suggesting is against all doctrine, especially the writings in the NT from Paul. Dangerous.

[@chrissychrisfpv]

That's a nice way to think of it, I took philosophy and will be taking it again in a community College, and my pathway is towards studying theology

[@peteroleary9447]

_ “If you are a theologian, you will pray truly; if you pray truly, you will be a theologian.”_ -- Evagrius Ponticus

[@draevonmay7704]

Just watched a lecture on Evagrius by Swami Sarvapriyananda! Interesting guy.

[@IndyDefense]

"If you get a theology degree, you will pay truly." -me :p

[@nathanketsdever3150]

I think that still leaves hanging that which makes a theologian. What spiritual focus and practices. It is the case that the current credibility hoops one has to jump through are part of the process. You can't find a job description on Indeed that just lists prayer, even as it is probably the most important part. One needs to listen to the Holy Spirit, pray, read, and engage the community of believers and thinkers, Along with Love God, serve God, love people, and serve people. I think the rhetorical point being made there, however is an important one. To re-cap, apparently not all theologians get jobs as theologians. The degree, reading the core literature, reflecting on the key questions, issues, and philosophies, along with being part of a community of practice with expert feedback is an important part of the process. Prayer/reading/holy spirit does seem to play a pivotal role, even a gateway spiritual role, quite literally as prayer nurtures your relationship to Christ.

[@nerychristian]

There are many theologians who don't know the true God.

[@clergytalk4554]

You made some great points on this video and I have been down both roads from formal training , free training and just reading a bunch of theology books but if you want to apply for a Lead Pastor position your going to need that degree, with that being said I love this video !

[@joolz5747]

Interesting! And you are not walking a narrow road you are reading tons of different things which is brilliant for your mind! I admire you quite a bit!

[@paulromero1742]

Man, I appreciate all your help in these books I will be getting a few of them. Thanks a lot.

[@theologypathfinder815]

This is a great list! Thank you for putting this together and sharing. Happy to say I've read about half of these titles in my own studies, but I'm still walking away with some new ones to add to my (miles-long) to-read list! Keep up the good work.

[@marcco44]

it is a joy to follow you Austin. Continue reading and following your call. You've got decades to savor all these ideas that came before you. Seriously, when i look at you i see in your dedication a great 21st century theologian in the making🤩

[@ApolloX18]

Looking forward to completing this reading list!

[@joer5627]

An interesting and large grouping of books in the blog. I understand why. Guess I am a bit pleased that I have 5 or 6 of the total list on the blog. Well done and good info from you. Thanks.

[@stevenbonebrake]

Delighting in the Trinity is a great book! As you said, it is simple, yet deep!

[@gregparis8948]

Well thought, concise, and helpful video. Pastor Greg

[@trevorreads]

I read many of these while in college for my pastoral degree! Fantastic list here. Many books I want to go back and re read. Thanks for sharing!

[@GospelSimplicity]

My pleasure!

[@goofygrandlouis6296]

@@GospelSimplicity Just FYI.. Jean Calvin sent one of his rival, to be burnt alive. And that's your definition of someone who understands what theology is all about ? 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@taylorparis3782]

Austin, you’re awesome! Keep it up

[@riverjao]

I’m in the second year of my ThD program and am currently reading The Story of Christianity (and lots of other stuff). I also read Delighting in the Trinity in my Masters program. I enjoyed it for sure. Good video! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@OpinionatedOnline]

Thank you for making this list! Many of those sound like theology books that I would like to read.

[@amandahnoble9970]

Thankyou for your indepth listings, a place to start from ❤

[@Couragedearheart445]

So happy to see Delighting in the Trinity on this list! One of my all-time favorite books! Gotta check out the others! Thank you, Austin!

[@artscience9981]

Great review Austin. It is interesting that this list is so different from the books I read in seminary 20 years ago. So many great books in theology and biblical studies have come out since then. I think one of the benefits of a theology degree or the program you are putting together is that it equips you to read and understand the kinds of books you are discussing. Keep up the good work! Enthusiastic and dedicated students like yourself are the future of the church.

[@danieltuckercatholic]

I love Frank Sheed's writing. He wrote three books which all treat the Creed in successively greater depth: "A Map of Life," "Theology for Beginners," and then "Theology and Sanity."

[@GospelSimplicity]

Haven't read them but they sound interesting!

The reading plan is a fantastic idea. I would like to implement it but not with every book on the list, as there are some which I'm simply not interested in that much with the time I have. I literally have about 30 theology/exegesis books on the OT and NT right next to me waiting to be read, so I might just insert a few of those in the plan instead of the ones I'm not interested in reading. Thanks for doing this. I picked quite a few from your list which I'm going to order and read. This will be exciting.

[@alohm]

I have been watching these book collections on here, obviously with the algorithm. I have picked up my entire collection(hundreds?) in thrift and church bazaars... I know why I have learned so much as I allowed myself to explore many different books and compare the ideas...

[@Bungadin2845]

Thank you Austin for sharing so much of your own journey, experiences and now resources. As a fellow pilgrim I have enjoyed and benefited from crossing your path of discoveries regularly these last few years. Happy New Year to you and Eliza and God bless you and yours.

[@athenaclythemnestra534]

Thank you so much for this video! You are a blessing :)

[@timcummiskey1178]

This is great. 👍 Thank you for posting.

[@MarkVassilakis]

Austin, fantastic video. May God grant you many years.

[@sheldoncooper978]

Gracias por compartir esto, Bro!

[@ReligionOfSacrifice]

I am reading books (52 books in 52 weeks in 2022) and chose some religious ones. You have made me add one more to the list. “The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine” by A. W. Tozer “The Path of Prayer” by Samuel Chadwick “The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary” by John H. Sailhamer "David: A Man After God's Own Heart" by J. Vernon McGee additionally I will be reading these two which are somewhat religious. “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks “Under Satan's Sun” by Georges Bernanos Books I have already read and loved would be "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel "A Confession" by Leo Tolstoy "Thru the Bible Commentary, Volumes 1-5: Genesis through Revelation" by J. Vernon McGee "The Best of J. Vernon McGee: A Collection of His Best-Loved Sermons, Volume 1" by J. Vernon McGee "The Best of J. Vernon McGee: A Collection of His Best-Loved Sermons, Volume 2" by J. Vernon McGee "Real Characters: How God Uses Unlikely People to Accomplish Great Things" by J. Vernon McGee "More Real Characters: How God Uses Unlikely People to Accomplish Great Things" by J. Vernon McGee "On Prophecy: Man's Fascination with the Future" by J. Vernon McGee

[@danielsell7598]

I am glad you read and recommended Calvin's Institutes.

[@risingwindspress]

ABSOLUTELY recommend René Girard’s “The Scapegoat.” The uniqueness of the Passion Narrative among the world religions.

[@Alice-oe4kd]

Great video - so much to read - at least I have already read some. THANKS!!! I was so blessed when I graduated from high school. I had 2 partial scholarships so the Catholic college I was going to "excused" the rest of my tuition. This was also blessing for some of my friends. I never could have afforded college without this (I lived in New York City). Because of this I was able to get early admission to Naval Officer Candidate School. Following my time in the Navy I was able to get excellent professional positions with companies such as Boeing - later in life I was able to study at Virginia Theological Seminary - all of this was because of a scholarship from a small Catholic college. I have been blessed. By thee way Justo L. Gonzalez 2 volumes is on Audible. Along with some of the others probably?

[@definit1on119]

The story of Christianity has been a awesome read so far. Easy to read and follow. Looking forward to volume 2.

[@GospelSimplicity]

Glad you're reading it and enjoying it!

[@michellewhite5752]

I do love your channel. I think you’ll go far.

[@GospelSimplicity]

I appreciate that!

[@ThatDudeLarzFoo-ah]

Nice breakdown. Thanks Austin. I just stumbled across your channel and I feel like I already know you somehow. Lol I’m gonna peep your videos and see about how I may best be served and serve others through your content. Be encouraged! Be Blessed! -Skylarr

[@GospelSimplicity]

My pleasure! Welcome to the channel :)

[@g.p.ryecroft]

Fascinating video! I jotted down many of your recommendations. I am a fellow theology nerd and earned my theology grad degree way back in 2004. The reading lists have certainly changed in that score of years; in fact, we have no crossover at all. We read Grudem's and Erickson's systematic theologies, Marsden and Noll on Protestant history, Tom Schreiner, Herman Ridderbos, and NT Wright on Paul, Howard Hendricks and DA Carson on hermeneutics. Many, many more but these are what I remember without looking back at yellowing paper syllabi. As you noted, there was a lot of solid and substantial reading off curriculum for researching papers and just for fun and out of love for the Lord and his Word. PS: One of my current favorite book sets sits atop your shelf: Robert Alter's three-volume Hebrew Bible translation and commentary. Just an amazingly fresh take on the OT. I also looked longingly at what I'm guessing are the Ante-Nicene fathers set just under the neon light. I had the full 38-volume Hendrickson set of pre- and post-Nicene Fathers bought for a king's ransom from CBD. I later sold 'em off when I ran out of room and our third baby was coming. Wish I kept those Ante-Nicenes, though--great stuff in there (all online, I know, but I enjoyed those hardbacks and the two-columns in old type). Thanks for stirring up good memories and YES, I too would exhort an aspiring theologian to invest his money into books not college tuition and enjoy a self-directed lifelong study.

[@GospelSimplicity]

Interesting! I came across nearly all of these, but I think most of them were references or outside research. And yes, those are the Ante-Nicene Fathers. Good eye! I was kindly gifted those from a subscriber.

[@Steve-wg3cr]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your list of books. The only one I've read is "How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth" which was the best book I read during my seminary time. Very insightful, but an easy read and suitable for both clergy and laypersons. I've read portions of Calvin's Institutes but not the entire work. Hopefully someday will read it all. I just recently obtained a copy of "The Orthodox Way" and plan to read it soon. The coolest thing was that I was able to purchase from a local library for just 25 cents. They were selling a group of apparently older books and there it was. You've motivated me to read some of the books on your list.

[@nynalani]

Thank you for this.

[@Robert-xk5pm]

I went to college long ago and basically it was just reading books and doing problems. For undergraduate for graduate not much more discussion. So my college experience was books mainly. My major was general engineering with a concentration in petroleum engineering. As I am old now I have been thinking about a theology degree.

[@Jcremo]

It’s a good idea, you do have to choose your colllege carefully though. Some can be a little strange.

[@dixonbuttes]

I’m really happy to see James KA Smith here! He also has a really good summary of Charles Taylor called, “How Not to be Secular” that has really improved my life & career (because A Secular Age is like 800 frickin pages & I will never be be able to retain that much). I’d also like to submit, “Biblical Exegesis” as one of my favorite books from school. I still use it as a reference. I know you mention that Bible studies isn’t for everyone, but just having a simple overall primer is handy.

[@arttyree4504]

Michael, good to see your enthusiasm. Suggest you erase that "f" adjective from your vocabulary. = :- )

[@dixonbuttes]

@@arttyree4504 why

[@jenniecharles8133]

Ty so much for this video I found a free bible collage online and I needed books to read so ty so much!!!!

[@ashleianderson1630]

Can I ask where you attend?

[@jenniecharles8133]

@@ashleianderson1630 I attend Christian Leaders Institute

[@bobleroe3859]

Seminary provides some tools and direction but also helps in getting hired. I'm a retired Army Chaplain and the military requires an MDiv. Many churches will not consider self-taught people, and some denominations won't ordain the self-taught. I served on my denomination's credentials committee and the self-taught need to show they know as much as the seminary-trained. I readily admit I've learned more from my reading than I did from seminary, but the discipline of seminary got me on the right path.

[@GospelSimplicity]

All good points, and despite the thumbnail, I'm in full support of traditional degrees. But I also recognize they're not for everyone. For the people who just want to learn and can't afford to go into debt, they might not be the best fit

[@Imsaved777]

From what I see leading churches today I question whether the people leading the flock have actually finished grammar school.

[@bobleroe3859]

@@Imsaved777 I served as Pastor of a rural church and the impression I got was that "There are 2 kinds of preachers: educated and God-called." Not my point-of-view obviously.

[@agapephilerostorge]

​@@bobleroe3859 Ex-convicts are the best pastors compared to head-knowledge pastors.

[@bobleroe3859]

@@agapephilerostorge Many denominations won't ordain unless the individual has some "real world" experience. Academic preparation isn't enough. We have to relate to people. An ex-convict would have seen the worst in people and have a clearer understanding of our fallen, broken world.

[@bethanykauk5249]

Marvin the barber?? Great to see your theology videos on my suggested videos

[@ChrisMeirose]

Gonzales' "Story of Christianity" is must read level of quality. Amazing.

[@jenhaganey]

I have A BA in theology and am 1/3 of the way to my masters, this past semester I put the masters on hold - when asked why I said $40,000 buys alot of books

[@HashimWarren]

thank you for this! I am going through a journey I call "Personal Seminary" where I take online course, read books, and post what I'm learning on a blog and social media

[@guilhermedelcampo4832]

Could you pass me your social media? I would love go learn more about how is going on your studies!

[@GospelSimplicity]

Love it!

[@ZachFish-]

Any recommendations for free classes and how do they work?

[@beauty.of.the.struggle]

Good rundown, sir. Not only did I thumbs-up this video, but I added, at least, 2/3 of these to my Amazon wishlist. Thank you.

[@GospelSimplicity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@evangelineclark223]

What a great video idea! As a Moody grad, I am SO excited to see this!

[@SvintMvrcus]

Im 31 and about to start going back to school. I love philosophy and theology but decided if im going to pay out of pocket for my education it’s going to be in something I can’t actually learn on my own, so I picked physics. Already spent my GI bill on a bachelors in Audio Engineering so I have an idea on what it’s like to have not so useful degrees lmao. Thanks for this !

[@margaretinsydney3856]

Thank you for sharing so freely your hard-earned knowledge. I am more of a theology dabbler than a nerd, but some of these books sound terrific. God bless you and yours in this new year. ☺

[@GospelSimplicity]

My pleasure!

[@mikelandsman8993]

Calvin’s Tormenters by Gary Jenkins is a great historical work on Calvin and his thought. Worth a read.

[@duncescotus2342]

Lol, and I mean truly out loud. You gave me a chuckle. Calvin was tormented by his own obsessions and doubts, based on his own life experience as one who felt forced into everything and incredibly disempowered, as well as chronically ill. At least Luther got relief from constipation when he desperately needed divine help. But maybe that's exactly what Jenkins had in mind, and therefore truly "worth a reed."

[@mikelandsman8993]

@@duncescotus2342 It's a good book but not for everyone so no harm no foul if you're not interested in it.

[@duncescotus2342]

@@mikelandsman8993 That's a jellyfish response. What's good is good. The good tree gives good fruit.

[@duncescotus2342]

@@mikelandsman8993 Persistently diplomatic. That is an admirable trait, brother Mike. God can use you!

[@jamesgossweiler1349]

I'm finishing up my MDiv and my favorite books are my apologetics texts.

[@katharinajanousek5040]

You make such good videos! Thank you😊🌷

[@Healing556]

At average, how many time a phd in theology finished reading the bible from cover to cover ? Any idea ?

[@Boysermusic]

The timing on this video is insane. Subbed.

[@GospelSimplicity]

Glad to hear that!

[@stigm1318]

nice video..loved it ps read Aion from Carl Gustav Jung

[@samrudman7839]

Hey Austin, I’m so thankful for your content, rich in spirituality and truly honours Christ. I’m starting Bible College in September, any advice?

[@GospelSimplicity]

That's exciting! I'd say, be open to changing your mind, integrate the academic and spiritual, and stay curious!

[@jkellyid]

If you're in a major city, commonly, you can find clubs for discussing things if discussion is the aspect of education that is most important. I have a formal degree in a technical field and don't think that the in-person education was meaningfully constructive. As soon as I graduated I had to self-educate in several things that were missing from my degree to be relevant to my field because my degree was probably half a decade to a full decade behind the standards of the field I was educated in. I think education is more now a discipline than a piece of paper that says you have been educated. With the internet, the walled garden of education has fallen away. Simply committing to reading 10 pages a day of the great books. Will render a better education I think than a bachelor's in any field. I think the average American receives more of an education through any given hobby than any formal degree / diploma they have.

[@matthewterry9413]

Institutes is one of the best works of all time

[@skipmars7979]

I looked over you books in the blog. How do you reconcile The Institutes, John Calvin and most of the others, including Andy Stanly? The Institutes were the most helpful for me as I had a misconception of God, creation and the church although I had been in the church many years reading other books. Most of these books are from this era and have deviated from the Church Fathers. Before I read any of these I would read Calvin's commentaries, The institutes, The Ante Nicaean Fathers, John Owen and the likes.

[@YahLovesYou86]

I’ve heard that the 6-panel door represents a cross at the top and an open Bible at the bottom.

[@mrsh2167]

I love your theme of getting the equivalent of a biblical education without moving to another State and spending thousands. Online programs are much more reasonable because you are not paying room and board. However, none I have investigated have particularly appealed to me and all seem to require one or more courses I regard as silly or devoid of meaning. I had plenty of that with my secular education. Many of the books you suggest are available used and inexpensive on Amazon. I am near the end of my career and will not be pursuing a paid ministry position, so it is hard to justify getting a certificate, diploma or degree that no one will care about. Considering how many free online resources exist, it is hard to decide where to get started.

[@Stupidityindex]

Believers Those without a standard reference to reality, would have us all follow their lead. As if travel is best done with one foot in their fantasyland. 1 Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. Literate men have always known god as a tool of fiction. Believers continuously avoid the issue; believers commit the crime of indoctrinating children with a fantasyland vocabulary. These wolves in sheep's clothing are commanded to 'suffer the children to come.' Even Jesus Christ said faith was worthless: You can't move mountains by voice command. Faith is a farce, fantasyland of prophecy, & resurrection. Believers don't get respect outside a camp of fellow believers, can't handle any condemnation of cult views, non-believers are eliminated, declared evil, baptized into the cult fantasy. The inquisitions & witch-killing are ended by secular law & order. Jesus Christ becomes alarmed by the gathering crowd of those seeking signs. He performs them in every chapter. It is astounding, how the Christ fantasy ignores Jesus saying, "This is a wicked generation seeking signs, the only sign given is Jonah," A believer murdered by a larger number of believers. The King of the Jews is mounted on a stick, because Romans made a parody of the icon. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13 We should all indoctrinate children with nonsense like prayer: Nothing fails like prayer in a children's hospital. You trade your last cow for a handful of magic beans & pretend you should be respected for it. We are made illiterate servants of Caesar, "My sheep hear My voice" is the mindset of slavery & Jesus comes "not with peace, but sword", turning everyone to curse the other. The Romans defeated the Jews in war, therefore render to Ceaser. What Jesus are you talking about? The one doing signs in every chapter or the one rebuking those seeking signs? "The only sign is Jonah:" a believer murdered by other believers because he was outnumbered. The Jew is hung from a tree for all time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqrLp2lvequopa8 Proof the Roman Government invented Jesus' story - in 12 minutes.

[@SibleySteve]

I never learned speed reading until I got to seminary at the graduate level. College Greek and Bible did not prepare me for the rigorous reading and exam taking. I had 3 years of Biblical Greek in college and floundered in seminary. When the professor refers to a whole book on Friday and says there will be a quiz on Monday, that's over the whole book. I don't know how people do it, I couldn't. Multiply that by 4 classes, and 4 years. Greek, Hebrew, not just reading, but knowing the difference between a genitive absolute and an accusative clause and how they impact the translation, so all the vocabulary, all the grammar, and that's not even the philosophy, history, ministry courses. God bless the M.Div. graduates, especially the ones who have to take the G.O.E. at the end of it all. How'd you like the pressure of the MDiv coupled with an exam at the end that bars you from ordination if you flunk? It seems to me that the church has got to figure out how to get pastors from the academy if the income / payscale doesn't support all of this graduate school debt. There might be a better model for preparation, who knows?

[@1luv4j]

How do we just get a basic chaplain so you can preach? Omni theist how do I start the church?

[@Denis-Antonio]

That s a wonderful video, can you make more material like this? Maybe you can discuss more about certain books or whatever you consider to be good or bad about them.

[@GospelSimplicity]

I'm a bookworm, so I'd be happy to

[@Denis-Antonio]

@@GospelSimplicity Amazing😍! It will be a pleasure for me and others to see them!

[@sandraelder1101]

How about “The Summa of the Summa” by Dr. Peter Kreeft. At a “mere” 536 pp, it’s great for those of us too wimpy, broke, or busy to read the entire Summa Theologica 😁

[@graysonbr]

Good books don't replace good mentors. This is important too!

[@mcosu1]

1. Gospel of Christian Atheism by Thomas J.J. Altizer. 2. Monstrosity of Christ: Paradox or Dialectic? by Milbank and Zizek 3. The Puppet and the Dwarf: Perverse Core of Christianity by Zizek 4. Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton 5. Dynamics of Faith by Paul Tillich 6. Introduction to Christianity by Ratzinger

[@michellearmenta1116]

Thank you so much for this list! I've thought about going back to school to study theology but couldn't at the time with a young child. Also, are you the person who asked Michael Knowles a question about objective reality? Sounded so much like you!!!

[@GospelSimplicity]

My pleasure! Nope, that was not me.

[@martinchivers7341]

Some recommended theology books would be authored by Robert M Price, Richard C Carrier, Steve Wells, Earl Doherty and Kenneth Humphreys.

[@swishplays1054]

Hi thanks for making this video. I’ve been looking for something like this for soo long. Would you also be able to make a video/blog on the assignments you had to complete during your studies. I’d love to use that in conjunction with the 2 year reading plan. Thanks again

[@GospelSimplicity]

I'll see what I can do!

[@MyImmaculateQueen]

Did you learn about St. Thomas Aquinas? if so, what did you think?

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Many years ago, I forget the kind Pastor's name, Moody Bible Institute Radio sponsored an evening program, 2x? weekly ~ Call in format. I loved it, listened all the time, Filled a Bible full of notes. I'm guessing said Pastor may have passed by now. If anyone is knows of anything similar that is currently available, I'd love to hear about. I'm in Chicago area.

[@A-ARonYeager]

I love reading books like these i struggle on retaining the deeper and more nuanced parts tho

[@alexbernstine1]

Oh that's cool. Some of my professors from college wrote one of your textbooks - Grasping God's Word. Hays and Duvall are awesome men.

[@GospelSimplicity]

Oh nice! Where do they teach?

[@alexbernstine1]

@@GospelSimplicity Ouachita Baptist University located here in Arkansas !

[@that1scoutcollins851]

"The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer and "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis are going to be required reading for my children.

[@GospelSimplicity]

They're both great!

[@Shevock]

Cool post.

[@apollontheintp3257]

Funny, there is also a great book called "You are what you hate" :) A light book on the Kabbalah. It's also great.

[@BillWalkerWarren]

Interesting list . Me coming from a conservative reformed tradition was presently surprised by some of your choices. Several of your books are currently on my shelf. I do have a question about a church history book that is not on your list. Could you suggest a book on the great schism? The western view ( typically the RCC view or evolved from it ) seems to dominate what I have seen. Blessings

[@GospelSimplicity]

This is indirectly related, but Filioque by Dr. Siecienski is great

[@dimitritriantafyllides682]

Check out The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware (same author as The Orthodox Way).

[@toddvoss52]

Great list . Thanks

[@wesmorgan7729]

Here I thought we read a lot in law school but I think seminary has us beat

[@Laura-vc7er]

The Imitation of Christ is another great one.

[@nathanketsdever3150]

Great overview. Thanks for this. It's important to recognise the diffence between cost and value. It's easy to overlook the ongoing value of the community interaction and feedback you get which help you refine your thinking. Not to mention, the ways in which the degree serves as shorthand for "I know this area of inquiry" and a gateway issue to getting pastoring jobs. Certainly a non-degree individual competing against a degree. I think some of the value is also the speed--you're also playing for the speed of the process. You're paying for perspectives that reading a book alone can't provide. And you're paying for the alumni network. Overall it's a signal to future employers. No amount of saying I've read 50 of the classics or 100 of the classics is the same as the community formation or the authority or significance assigned to a degree from a top-level seminary. I think you're also paying for mentors and relationships. Finally, the cost of a degree is also amortised over a lifetime. I would suggest in the same way a teaching degree does. Your time in a degree program can be an inflection point of maturity. If you have the opportunity to get a seminary degree from a reputable program and you feel God moving you in that direction. Do it. The cost issue is a secondary concern at best.

[@aclark903]

St Paul had a thorough religious Ed. Jesus Himself didn't go to seminary.

[@frisco61]

@@aclark903 True. But they lived 2000 years ago.

[@apalesch1]

I've been in pastoral ministry since I graduated Bible college in 2006. Nearly every August since then I've looked at going to seminary, wondering if this is the year (I loved Bible college). But yeah... it is so expensive. So September rolls around and I just end up buying a couple books instead. Thank you for these suggestions! I added 3 to my amazon as I watched ;) *4. I now have 4 books on amazon...

[@jamesgossweiler1349]

Going to seminary only makes sense once you've gone. Then it's clear what you didn't know...but thought you did.

[@apalesch1]

Too late, already ordered books ;) @@jamesgossweiler1349 Maybe next year.

[@elijah8867]

You should try E.W. Bullingers "How To Enjoy The Bible."

[@MycoKing]

Neat! I did a Master of Divinity at the Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto in the 1970's when the Catholic Church was going wild. It will be nice to visit some protestant theology again. I am retired so I have time for the reading. Thanks!

[@christophlindinger2267]

Did you read "Introduction to Christianity" by Joseph Ratzinger aka Pope Benedikt?

[@sandraelder1101]

I was surprised no pre-reformation writings made it onto your list. The Early Church Fathers, Augustine, Aquinas? The ones you chose seem like relatively modern books, the oldest being Calvin. For those interested in the Patristics, I think a really good layman’s set is the 3 vol. edited by Jurgens “Faith of the Early Fathers.”

[@damianperez3649]

That originated from Roman Catholics

[@sandraelder1101]

@@damianperez3649 Well the documents in this set are from @46-600 AD, so yes, this was long before the Church split. There are docs from both the East and West. Very interesting, and i would argue crucial, to read what the Early Church believed and how the Church functioned. I don’t know how any theology education could be considered complete without reading the Patristics. As to their being Catholic, to avoid Catholicism, you’d have to only read writings from 500 of the Church’s 2000 year history. In addition, you’d have to avoid the Bible itself since the canon was decided on by Catholic bishops.

[@realityhits3022]

Brother will you recommend me the book "renewal theology a systematic theology from the perspective of chatismatic" by J Rodman Williams. He was a Presbyterian theologian initially.

[@bobthebuildest6828]

thanks mate, im going to seminary in two years when i finish my engineering degree, the order im joining requires me to have a degree before i can enter so these will keep me engaged while im waiting

[@LoantakaBrook]

Have you ever taken any classes from other religions, or do you plan to? Do you have favorite books from other Christian religions?

[@erickdiaz6152]

What are your thoughts on Theos Seminary? It is a recent subscription-based online Seminary. Not sure what to think of it yet

[@GospelSimplicity]

I'm not familiar with it. Sorry!

[@alexandersmith9385]

Love OTT by Kessler.

[@oliviaeff4154]

Merch link??

[@VanessaSills]

I'm planning on going to school online through Liberty or Colorado Christian.

[@tonypino5415]

It's my dream to study Semitic languages and the Old Testament. I have no money the Lord will have to provide if it's His will.

[@bradbowers4414]

Where did you get your copy of the ante-Nicaean fathers? I really want a set but they are expensive.

[@GospelSimplicity]

I was gifted them

[@davidreads2985]

Have you read Eusebius’ Church History

[@gsanning]

My suggestion, if you want a knowledge and subsequent wisdom that comes from a “good” theology degree. Do this: Read the entire bible over and over again so that you understand the overarching redemptive work of God in creation. Second, read the individual books of the Bible in light of that overarching narrative, and finally read each book in light of the main purpose/objective/theme in each book. This will if done rightly, will introduce you not only to understanding of theology, but more importantly, you can meet with the author and sustainer of all things. Books will help this but are a distant second to this method. Thanks for the work that you are doing.

[@user-iv3fn9ic8j]

Has the new round of GS inside circle began yet? I'm thinking whether it's already too late too subscribe before the first meeting

[@GospelSimplicity]

It starts tonight! However, week 1 is just the introduction, so it's not too late!

[@davidreads2985]

Austin, where did you acquire the ante nicene fathers set? I’ve been looking for it but it’s hard to find.

[@GospelSimplicity]

A very, very generous patron

[@mfacundo7]

Is that the set in the back with the red, black and white dust covers?

[@davidreads2985]

@@mfacundo7 Yes