TheoSource: Book Recommendations

Showing posts with label Book Recommendations. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Link to "Core List" is now Unlocked

I realized that the link in the previous post was locked to viewers. I changed the Google Docs share setting to "anyone with the link can view". If you would like permission to edit in order to share your comments and recommendations, please let me know. Thanks for your help.

Here is the link to my initial list of "best books": Core List

Friday, October 31, 2014

Which Books Should Be in Every Church Library?

A friend asked me if I had such a list to be used to start a church lending library. I did a little research and came up with a quick list of just under 150 books (link below). I'm sure there are gaping holes, so I would like to know what you would add.

One of the many difficulties in creating a list of "best books of all times" for Christian readers is the fact that I haven't read them all myself. Frankly, I'm still in the discovery mode, and I'm sure you are, too. So, if many of you will share what is on your short list, I can compare notes and come up with the most commonly recommended. The more recommendations we have from as many sources as possible the better this list will be.

Such a short list should include titles covering the following categories:

books for every age group
books for both men and women
books from the church fathers to modern authors
books from a variety of cultural perspectives (this reminds me: for this project I suppose we should narrow this list to the English language, and assume a broad, American/European, melting-pot culture)
books covering at least the following categories:

Apologetics
Bible Study Aids
Biographies
books on Christianity and Culture
books on Church History
good Fiction
books on Marriage & Family
books on Mission
books for Pastoral Ministry
books on Spiritual Formation
books on key Theological topics

Here is a link to my initial list of "best books": Core List. This list was compiled by using the Core List for the bookstore at my home church (Trinity), a list from Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, a list from Tim Keller at Redeemer Church, and a couple other smaller lists I found. Your feedback will be appreciated. Thank you.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Free Rid of My Disgrace ebook from Crossway.com

Rid of My Disgrace is a book that has been highly recommended to our congregation by one of our pastors, and you can download a free copy through April 3, 2012.

Here is the note posted on the Crossway Blog:

Did you know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month? Sexual assault is shockingly prevalent in our culture. Consider this: One in four women and one in six men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. What's more, this grim statistic doesn't begin to speak to the darkness and grief experienced by the victims. Because sexual assault causes physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain, victims need clear help, hope, and healing.

This is why Justin and Lindsay Holcomb, a couple experienced in counseling victims of sexual assault, have written Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault. In this book they explain how the grace of God can heal the broken and restore the disgraced.

To help you to think biblically and holistically about sexual assault we are offering the Rid of My Disgrace ebook free for the next two days, April 2-3. From April 4–18 it will be available for $3.99. You can download it from Crossway's website, from the Resurgence, or from your preferred ebook distributor.

Our hope and prayer is that this resource will make it's way into the hands of those seeking gospel restoration, and equip those seeking to enact it.

Thank you, Crossway!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Recommendations on the Gospel of Mark

A new list has been posted focusing on book-length works on the Gospel of Mark. I have been tweaking the TheoSource database in order to clean up the presentation of these lists. I am still hoping for help with moving to a more web-friendly version of these recommendation lists, but for now this is the next best I have been able to develop. A recognized issue with the format of the previous lists has been gaps and unnecessary markers indicating information not yet available. I have been wanting to clean up the bibliographical entries in order to present them in a truer form. I have found a way to do that, but the remainder of the lists need to be cleaned up.

Although this list is much cleaner and more concise, I am still limited to standard font. Because of this, book titles do not appear in italics as I wish they did. This will have to suffice until I find another solution.

A major distinguishing feature of the TheoSource Recommendation Lists is the inclusion of recommendation sources (i.e. Who has recommended this work?). Most recommendations you will find are either individual recommendations, school recommendations, or aggregated recommendations supplying limited information as to who is recommending what. The TheoSource project has as its aim to provide a platform for aggregating recommendations from as many sources as are available.

So, the list on the Gospel of Mark is embedded below, available via Google Docs. I'd appreciate your feedback. For an introduction and explanation of the TheoSource Recommendation Lists, read here.

Blessings,
Jason Button

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Recommended Resources: Work, Faith, Ethics

This has been a subject of great interest to me in recent years. There is a lot to read on this subject, so I will create a new page to keep track of resources like this. Here is a great bibliography I found today:

Faith and Work Bibliography compiled by Robert Barnett (Mockler Center for Faith and Ethics in the Workplace at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)

Topics Included...

Biblical Theology and Work
Theology of Work by Evangelicals
Theology of Work by Selected Non-Evangelicals
Culture and Daily Life
Economic Thought by Evangelicals
Economic Thought by Selected Non-Evangelicals
Sociology of Economic Behavior
Christian Response to Technology
Primary Historical Sources
General History of Economic Behavior
Church History and Economic Behavior
Foundations for Ethics
Business Ethics by Evangelicals
Business Ethics by Selected Non-Evangelicals
The Purpose of Work
Vocation and Calling
Personal Discipleship on the Job
Leadership
Management and Business
Workplace Issues and Problems
Business Stories
Shaping the Workplace Culture
Evangelism and Discipleship
The Workplace and Missions
Study Bibles for Workplace Christians
Workplace Devotionals and Bible Studies
Background for Workplace Ministry
Workplace Ministry in a Church
Preaching with Workplace Sensitivity
Periodicals
Reference Works

Titles not referenced in Barnett's bibliography: (I have not read any of these, but have found references to them. Have any of you read any of these? What are your thoughts?)

Darrell Cosden, . "Theology of Work." Unpublished Ph.D. thesis. St. Andrews University, 1998. Note: Barnett cites this title, but it has since been published by Wipf & Stock, 2006 in the Paternoster Theological Monographs series: see here.)
Miroslav Volf, Work in the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Work (Wipf & Stock, 2001)
Ben Witherington, Work: A Kingdom Perspective on Labor (Eerdmans, 2011)

I have read a good bit of this volume and highly recommend it:

Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae, Business for the Common Good: A Christian Vision for the Workplace (IVP Academic, 2011)

Until I post the new page, here are a few other links that I have collected:

Center for Integrity in Business (Seattle Pacific University - School of Business and Economics)

The Fellows Initiative

I would really appreciate your input. What have you found helpful on this subject? Please send me an email.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

New Updates to the Commentary Recommendation Lists

At the heart of this blog/website is a collection of book recommendation lists that I have been building for more than a decade. I periodically draw attention to them, and they are always accessible by visiting the Book Rec's page. I have recently updated many of the lists and corrected a few broken links. All of the lists are now being stored in Google Docs and are free for public viewing/downloading.

While my aim in building these lists it to be comprehensive, I am constantly reminded of how impossible a task this is. Nonetheless, this remains my goal. The lists include more than just commentaries. I have also added lists of recommended biographies and theological works. In the future I will upload recommended works on Church History and Philosophy. For now, the primary focus is on Biblical commentaries and supporting works.

One new feature that I am in the process of adding (out of necessity) is the division of commentaries by century. Some of the lists have become so large, that it is difficult to get a sense of the progress of research over the centuries. For this reason, I have begun dividing the Biblical commentaries by the century in which they were originally produced. Thus far, I am about half way finished with this task. In the meantime, here are links to the individual lists that have been uploaded. As always, I'm interested in your feedback. Thanks.

Classification Guide

General Reference Works

Top Commentaries

Commentaries on the Whole Bible

Recommendations by Series

Old Testament Commentaries
OT Introduction
OT Pentateuch
OT Historical Books
OT Poetical Books
OT Prophetical Books

New Testament Commentaries
NT Introduction
Gospels and Acts
Pauline Epistles
Hebrews, General Epistles, and Revelation

Other Lists
Theological Works
Church History Works (under construction)
Christian Biographies
Philosophy (under construction)

Christian Chronology
Christian Missions Chronology

Friday, December 10, 2010

CT Share's Michael Ward's Top 5 Books on C. S. Lewis

Michael Ward, author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis (Oxford University Press, 2008) and of The Narnia Code (Tyndale, 2010), recommends five (5) books on the life and writings of C. S. Lewis.

C.S. Lewis: A Complete Guide to His Life & Works by Walter Hooper (HarperOne, 1998).
Owen Barfield on C.S. Lewis by Owen Barfield, ED. G. B. Tennyson (The Barfield Press, 2006).
C.S. Lewis: A Biography by Roger Lancelyn Green and Walter Hooper (2nd edition, HarperCollins Entertainment, 2003).
Remembering C.S. Lewis: Recollections of Those Who Knew Him edited by James T. Como (Ignatius Press, 2005).
The Cambridge: Companion to C.S. Lewis edited by Robert MacSwain and Michael Ward (Cambridge University Press, 2010).

Read Ward's comments on each title here.

Monday, December 6, 2010

"Must Read' from Ferguson, Godfrey, Lawson and Sproul, Jr.

Here's an excellent list of "must read" books from Ligonier's Teaching Fellows: Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steve Lawson, and R. C. Sproul, Jr.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Notable: "Köstenberger’s Guide to the Best of 2010"

Dr. Andreas Köstenberger offers his "Guide to the best of 2010" here.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Commentary Recommendations by Joel Beeke

For a list of classic commentaries on the OT and NT, especially those from a Reformed perspective, see Joel R. Beeke's list posted on the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary website.

They have also included a 28-page Bibliography of Secondary Sources on the Puritans which was excerpted from Beeke's Meet the Puritans (Reformation Heritage Books, 2006).

I've also added these links to our Book Rec's page.

BTW, if you know of any other recommendation lists, please let me know. Thanks.

OT Commentary Recommendations by John H. Walton

Here's another helpful list of commentary recommendations. I've also added a link to this list on our Book Rec's page.

Academic Old Testament Commentaries
John H. Walton
“go-to” list

John H. Walton is currently Professor of Old Testament at Wheaton College.

The following are some of his more recent publications:

The Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary: Old Testament (General Editor, Zondervan, 2009)
The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate (IVP, 2009)
Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament (Baker: 2006)
Essential Bible Companion (Zondervan: 2006)
Old Testament Today (Zondervan: 2004)
Genesis, NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001)
IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2000). Co-authored with Victor Matthews and Mark Chavalas

(HT: James K. at Developing Theology)

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Book Review: Same Lake, Different Boat by S. Hubach

This book review was originally posted in June of 2007. I am re-posting this review in anticipation of a reception for Stephanie Hubach at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL on Sunday, February 28, from 2:30 - 4:00 pm. If your are in the area, I encourage you to attend. During this session, Stephanie will share her vision, “A Kingdom Mindset: Why Special Needs Ministry Enriches the Body of Christ.”

UPDATE: I should also note that when I originally wrote this review, I was actively involved in a small Baptist church in South Carolina. At the present time, I am actively involved in a large Presbyterian (PCA) church and am also serving as pulpit supply in another small Presbyterian church in Alabama. I edited this post, ever so slightly, before re-posting it, but I retained the references to the needs represented in the small church in which we were attending in SC. What I have found over the past few years is that every church has an opportunity and obligation to address "special needs" whether it is a big church or a small church.
________________________________________________________________________________

Stephanie O. Hubach. Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2006. Paperback, 234 pages.

(Review copy courtesy of P&R Publishing)

Purchase: P&R

ISBNs: 1596380519 / 9781596380516

Sample Chapter

Subject: Disabilities; Church & Ministry

Listen to an interview with the author on the “Joni and Friends” radio program. Look for the “Stephanie Hubach interview” program dated September 7, 2006.

Stephanie O. Hubach (M.A., Economics) and her husband Fred lead the disability ministry at Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. They have been married since 1983 and have two sons: Fred and Tim, who has Down syndrome. Stephanie has served as chairperson of the Lancaster County MH/MR Advisory Board, as a board member of the Arc of Lancaster County, as board president of the Infant Evaluation Program in Centre County, and as a member of the Lancaster County Respite Coalition. She currently serves as the Director of Special Needs Ministrie s, an Outreach Ministry of Mission to North America (PCA). Stephanie frequently speaks at conferences, special events, and churches.

Every time I see a child or adult with Down syndrome or some other physical or intellectual disability, I think immediately of the Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones was the name given to a Sunday school class my dad worked with and taught for about 15 years. The class was an outreach ministry to those with intellectual disabilities.

Well, I thought I had it all figured out—how I am supposed to respond to people with disabilities. After reading the first chapter of Same Lake, Different Boat, I quickly realized that I have a lot to learn. As I continued to read the book, I took note of how many people connected with our little church are touched by some form of disability. We have one who has both physical and emotional instability, others who have troublesome limbs, one who has a form of autism, others who have suffered strokes, another who has a form of Lou Gehrig’s disease, another who deals with seizures, and others. I’ve been scratching my head in some of these situations, wondering, How am I to be thinking concerning such and such a person’s situation? What can I do? And what can I say?

Same Lake, Different Boat is a biblically grounded, readable, and entertaining book addressing this vital issue of church life, namely, responding rightly to disabilities and to those touched by them. Stephanie has written to the church with the purpose of equipping God’s people with a biblical view of disabilities, of informing God’s people about the needs of families touched by disabilities, and of suggesting plans of action for each member of the body of Christ to help those touched by disabilities. I am amazed at how much I enjoyed and have learned from this treatise.

By way of addressing this subject, Stephanie relies upon the Word of God, which has molded her perspective. Her many years of dealing with disabilities within her immediate family, within her church family,
and in her local community have also provided ample experiences of trial and error. She first unwraps her presentation by laying down a theological foundation for understanding disabilities, then by building an awareness of the realities families face as they deal with disabilities, and finally by detailing ways the church can effectively minister to all of its own special needs.

The first major point of this book is the distinction between three prevailing views “as to what is true about the nature of disability and about the nature of the world at large” (p. 24). She calls the first view “The Historical View” and defines it as holding that “Disability Is an Abnormal Part of Life in a Normal World” (p. 24). This is the view that considers disabilities as problems, defects, and nuisances. This view underlies the historical records of neglect, discrimination, hatred, abuse, and even extermination.

She identifies the second view as a reaction to the historical view, namely, “The Postmodern View: Disability Is a Normal Part of Life in a Normal World” (p. 25). This view is what began the re-introduction of some disabled peoples back into society within the last half-century. Those who hold and promote this view want to clean up the terminology. Gone are the days of derogatory words and classifications. Rather, they speak of celebrating disabilities. Disabilities, they claim, are no different than “any other human characteristic” (p. 26). Finally, after showing the deficiencies of each of the previous views, she introduces “The Biblical View: Disability Is a Normal Part of Life in an Abnormal World” (p. 27). These last four words make the difference. This is so because of The Fall.

For the first time in human experience, brokenness and difficulty were introduced. This marring of creation permeated not only the spiritual but also the physical, the intellectual, the emotional, the psychological, and the social. . . . For some people, the effects of brokenness are more noticeable or more dramatically experienced in one part of life over another. . . . However, all of us face the slow, incremental process of inching toward death on a daily basis. It has been said that “Health is just the slowest form of dying”—and so it is! (pp. 28-29)

From this cornerstone of truth about our common disability because of the fall, the proper response is to learn to identify with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have more pronounced forms of disabilities. Our usual posture is that of fear and/or awkwardness around those with disabilities. My mom just recently shared with me that some of the people in her church had commented with surprise that she seemed so comfortable speaking with and responding to a visitor who was wheelchair-bound with a physical disability. She gave him eye contact and told him she was glad he had visited. Since he couldn’t shake her hand, she at least knew to place her hand on his arm—a sign of identification and acceptance similar to that of handshaking. He received her greeting and that of others and happily stated that he wanted to return next Sunday because he had been made to feel welcome.

Chapter 2, "On Identification,” is the source of the book’s title. Stephanie recalls some of the slogans we use and shows how they have been altered over time and corrects them. One is the common expression, “We’re all in the same boat.”

One doesn’t have to experience much of life to recognize that this statement is an oversimplification of reality. A more accurate statement would be same lake, different boat. It reflects the truth that, as human beings, we share a common story, but the details of our experiences and life circumstances may vary significantly. (p. 37)

We tend to see ourselves not in the same boat with our neighbors but in different lakes altogether. Identification with someone goes beyond understanding who and where they are but associating with them. “If God, who, in all his splendor and transcendence can choose to be immanent to us,” she argues, “shouldn’t we, who are clearly not transcendent, strive for association with our fellow human beings?” (p. 38).

From “Identification,” Stephanie turns to “Respect.” Respect in relationships is first rooted in the acknowledgment that we all are created in the image of God.

Consider it this way: the image of God within each individual can be likened to a mirror that reflects God’s glory, in part, to others. Unmarred at creation, what an incredible and awesome reflection that must have been! In a world now impacted by the fall, each person’s mirror is cracked, yet all reflects a distorted view of God’s glory—but it remains a partial mirror of him just the same. Our struggle enters in because we find it so much easier to identify the cracks in the mirror, and so we miss the image entirely. It takes a conscious effort for us to concentrate on the most fundamental blessing of creation—that we are all created in the image of God—and to gaze speechlessly at his goodness, truth, and beauty in others. (p. 46)

Second, respect in relationships is rooted in grace. “[G]race-based relationships,” she explains, “impart respect to others in our path. Whenever we encounter brokenness in others we do not judge it, but we meet it—just as God meets us” (p. 48).

The benefits of following God’s pattern to building respectful relationships are, at least, fourfold: (1) the powerful message of the gospel is demonstrated, (2) our perspective is corrected, (3) our motivation to be involved in the lives of others is properly grounded, and (4) the value of human life is protected.

In chapter 4, Stephanie addresses the all-too-real issue of the “Relentlessness” of life—when difficulties don’t quit, cannot be beaten, and cannot be escaped. She identifies three responses to the relentlessness of life: “The first one is to develop a victim attitude. The second is to attack it with an ‘I will beat this’ attitude. The third is to engage reality with a perspective that is honest and God-reliant” (p. 57). In fleshing out these responses, she draws upon the biblical example of Joseph showing how he had to work his way through these options and chose to rely upon God.

Chapter 5, “On Restoration: Thy Kingdom Come,” is an excellent display of how good theology ought to impact daily life. Throughout the book, Stephanie points out the fact that she is a member of Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA). She refers to things she has learned from her pastor, anecdotes from church, and aspects of her and her husband’s involvement in the ministry. It is also clear that she is not only well-taught but also well-read in Christian literature and theology. In this chapter, she turns our attention to a practical out-working of the theology of the Kingdom of God.

“There is . . . ,” she explains, “a kingdom to be experienced whose substance is not ‘magical’ or ‘come and gone.’ Nor is it tied to the ‘compensation of all things.’ Instead, it is ‘real’ and ‘already, not yet.’ And it promotes the ‘restoration of all things.’ It is a partially present reality with a future, consummating hope—it is the kingdom of God.” (p. 69)

This theology of the kingdom impacts our lives when, having identified with the kingdom of God through salvation, we become . . .

instruments of the kingdom of God—vehicles through whom the loving power of the King flows into the lives around us through our voluntary, obedient service. God’s love displays its power of restoration in and through the powerful, active presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. . . . One way of looking at how God delivers his restorative power is through healing, help, and hope. Think about the ‘already-not-yet-ness’ of the kingdom being reflected along a spectrum of expressions of restoration. Healing is the fullest and most present expression of restoration, hope is the most future-oriented expression, and help is in the continuum in between. (pp. 70-71)

“Part Two, About the Families” is a must-read for pastors and parishioners alike. We know what issues we face and often consider them to be unique. Do we really understand what families touched by disability have to deal with? I trembled at many points in this section considering what those I know might be dealing with—things I have never considered. She walks the reader through the process of “Coming to Terms with a New Reality,” “Negotiating a Path to Acceptance,” “Living a New Normal Life,” and “Grappling with the Great Opportunity.”

Sprinkled throughout Part 2 are tips and bits of advice for church leaders and members to consider when trying to reach out and help individuals and families touched by disabilities. In Part 3, Stephanie addresses “Facilitation in the Church.” In this section, she deals with “Hospitality,” “Belonging,” “Wisdom,” and “Change.”

All of the stories are well-written, pertinent, and memorable; but the story she uses to begin chapter 10, “On Hospitality,” was shaking. She makes her segue from the story to the main point about hospitality by insisting that “the essential characteristics of what the church is called to be—a hospital for sinners, as opposed to a country club for members only—can be found in this passage [Matt. 23:23-24]: justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (p. 154).

It is true that “the mere mention of ministries of justice or mercy can be met with raised eyebrows” but, as she rightly concludes, “the church must practice one without neglecting the other, for the true gospel in word and deed is one integrated gospel” (p. 154). The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. We must never neglect to preach the gospel, calling men to repentance and belief, but we must ensure that we do not invalidate the very message we are preaching by dealing unjustly, unmercifully, and unfaithfully. This section was especially challenging to me.

Stephanie concludes her book with a chapter “On Wisdom” and a chapter “On Change.” These chapters are very helpful in that they help us begin to figure out ways to act upon the issue at hand. In the chapter “On Wisdom,” she addresses questions, such as, “Whom Do We Help?”, “How Much Do We Help?”, “When Do We Help?”, “From Where Do We Help?”, and “With What Attitude Do We Help?” In the final chapter, “On Change,” she addresses the questions “Do You Want to Change Your Church?” and “Revolution or Reformation?”

In conclusion, I would like to encourage everyone who loves the church of Christ to prayerfully read this book. It will equip and encourage you to take up the challenge of loving and ministering to all of God's children.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Thine Is My Heart by John Calvin

With the approach of Calvin's 500th birthday and the books being published about him to commemorate this event, I'd like to point out an older book of devotional readings—Thine Is My Heart. This book of 366 daily devotions was edited from Calvin's writings by Dr. John H. Kromminga, who was president of Calvin Seminary in 1958 when Zondervan published this collection. Dr. Kromminga gives his own introduction to Calvin and his writings:

As anyone who reads his writings must come to recognize, there is a strong devotional strain in John Calvin. This devotional spirit stands out clearly in his many Sermons, a number of which are represented in these selections. Here Calvin is seen as the true pastor, bringing the full message of the Word of God with a genuine concern for the needs of his hearers. The spirit of devotion is strongly present also in his Commentaries, especially in the practical applications of the truths he expounds. Somewhat more surprising, however, are the brilliant flashes of devotional insight which are present in Calvin's major doctrinal work, the Institutes of the Christian Religion. Christian doctrine was not for him a mere intellectual exercise, but a pathway to the presence of God. And devotion is also clearly present in the tender concern, the Scriptural consolation, and the brotherly reproof which abound in Calvin's extensive Correspondence.

Among students of John Calvin it is common knowledge that the Reformer has been a badly misunderstood man. The perverted conception of his character, which is of long standing and continues to the present day, pictures him as a cold, impractical, one-track theologian.

That this popular picture is untrue is evidenced by the selections contained in this volume. It is a manly Christianity which is reflected in these writings. The practical application of Christian truth is never far from Calvin's mind. The Reformer exhibits everywhere a deep consciousness of the sovereignty of God. He engages in searching examinations of human frailties, speaking plainly and without compromise about the depravity of man. But throughout he manifests also a sturdy confidence in the grace of God which overcomes human sin.

. . .[I]t is especially desired and expected that the use of this book will bring the reader into the presence of the living God. This is most in keeping with the purpose of the man whose motto included this truly devotional element: "My heart I offer to Thee, O Lord."

This book is meatier than most daily devotionals I've seen. If you're unfamiliar with the writings of John Calvin, Thine Is My Heart is a good starting-point.

Hardback and paperback copies are available from Amazon.

Reprinted by Reformation Heritage Books, 2006

(recommended by Joel Beeke).

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Summer Reading: What's in Your Stack?

Summer Reading lists have been passed around and discussed over the past few weeks and here is a collection of the one's I've seen.

Dr. Albert Mohler's "The Annual Summer Reading List" focuses on history (predominantly military history). He followed this list up with a few further suggestions.

Prof. Carl Trueman's list includes a couple biographies, a couple historical works, and a classic novel.

Justin Taylor suggests a handful of works on Christ.

Phil Ryken offers a diverse reading list including both fiction and nonfiction, contemporary and classic, and theological and socio-political.

Derek Thomas also provides a diverse reading list (We do hope that he is able to find out and then tells us "what is the essence of 'an American'."

Ian Campbell is hoping to juggle moving with reading a handful of historical biographies and two excellent theological works published early this year (see here and here for my intro to these two).

R. Scott Clark will also reading this summer and he shares a few from his stack.

Stephen Nichols highlights a couple Anyabwile titles.

An interesting Book Meme has been started by Ken Brown asking readers to "Name the five books (or scholars) that had the most immediate and lasting influence on how you read the Bible." You can find links to many other lists in the comments.
UPDATE: A few more...
Colin Hansen (of CT) suggests Ten Theology Books for Your Beach Bag.
Mark Dever shared his lengthy, vacation reading list.
This summer, Dr. John Currid is reading through the the Hebrew OT, Greek NT, and portions of the LXX. (Sadly, this would take me numerous summers to accomplish.)
UPDATE [6/22/09]:
Nicole Whitacre (of girltalk) offers a few great suggestions for women.
Rebecca Blood linked to this post by including it in a very large collection of summer reading lists (Keep scrolling through her blog to find more lists). Thanks for the link and for pointing out the next list!
Colin Adams, at Unashamed Workman, has done a fantastic job putting together a of 100 Recommended Reads, categorized and with annotations. This is an excellent resource!
UPDATE [7/2/09]:
Thabiti Anyabwile shares his reading list here.
Stephen Nichols' list is here.
All of these lists include excellent titles.

So, What will I be reading this summer?
The majority of my reading has been dictated by review copies received from a couple of publishers. However, I am working hard to balance what has been given to me with what is immediately necessary, and what is the-latest-and-greatest with what is a-tried-and-true-classic. I don't have it worked out perfectly, but this is my goal.

Earlier this month I read an older work by the Rev. Thomas Smyth, late pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church (Charleston, SC), titled Why Do I Live? This was a very refreshing series of sermons on the essence of the Christian life. I'm very interested in church history, and have given particular attention to southern pastors and theologians.

Another book I have begun and hope to conclude this summer is a collection of essays on the life and legacy of John A. Broadus., edited by David S. Dockery & Roger D. Duke (B&H Academic, 2009).

From B&H Academic, I have also received and am working through The Love of Wisdom: A Christian Introduction to Philosophy by Steven B. Cowan & James S. Spiegel (so far I am finding this to be a refreshing review of so many things I have forgotten from my university days); The Advent of Evangelicalism edited by Michael A. G. Haykin and Kenneth J. Stewart (this book nearly assumes that readers will be familiar with David Bebbington's Evangelicalism in Modern Britain, and although I was not, I am finding this to be very helpful overview of the roots of Evangelicalism); and Augustine as Mentor by Edward L. Smither (I've barely begun this one, but I'm interested in learning more about the ministry of Augustine). This reminds me of another classic I need to finish reading: The Confessions of Augustine. I'll try to squeeze this one in somewhere.

From IVP, I just received in today's mail the latest addition to the Christian Doctrine in Global Perspective Series: The Holy Spirit: Lord and Life-Giver by Ivan Satyavrata. I'm looking forward to digging into this book and comparing it some of the other books I have read on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (namely Sinclair Ferguson's excellent treatise).

I am also well-entrenched in and thoroughly enjoying the utility of Robin Routledge's Old Testament Theology: A Thematic Approach (IVP, 2009). This volume is a significantly shorter work than that of Waltke, Goldingay, Brueggemann, von Rad, and others. Yet, it proves to be an excellent, introductory theology. Routledge has accomplished an amazing feat by providing a highly readable, stimulating, constructive, discerning and brief volume for those looking for an entry point into the vast field of OT theology. Routledge shows himself to be extremely familiar with all of the major theological works and a plethora of niche studies, and yet, I have not found any reference to the work~~s of Eichrodt or~~ [update] Oehler. Considering his conservative perspective, I thought I might find mention of Oehler, but at least he does include the excellent work by Prof. Eugene Merrill.

I have a handful of other great books from IVP, including Mark Noll's The New Shape of World Christianity and Manfred T. Brauch's Abusing Scripture, which I am eager to delve into, but, before I do, I want to finish a few that I recently purchased.

First, I am nearly finished reading through Peter Enns' Inspiration and Incarnation. Having heard some of the bad press, and reading a few reviews and essays that seemed to miss the point, I determined to acquire a copy and read it for myself. I have been very pleased with the treatment because Enns addresses issues that none of my former teachers ever countenanced although they are important for many students of the Scriptures. Sometime last year I listened to the recorded lectures an Introduction to the Old Testament class taught by Christine Hayes of Yale Divinity School. Hayes was the first to introduce me to the ANE texts and their relationship to the OT. Much of her presentation was startling to me because I had never been exposed to these ideas. What was more alarming was the elementary way Hayes presented the basic details of the Bible which assumed an audience of students who knew very little about the Bible. Enns is the first I have come across who addresses these very issues from an evangelical perspective. Whereas others are ready to discount the authority and authenticity of the Scriptures, Enns seeks to uphold and affirm these. To that, Enns is helping to equip evangelical students to be able to address the kinds of things that are being taught in many of the mainline schools. Although I am still working through some of his positions, I'm very glad that he had the courage to write this book.

I am also nearly finished with a very needed critique of pop Christianity: Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian. Tchividjian aims at heart-issues as opposed to external displays. He argues that "seeker" (a term that needs to be carefully qualified) are actually looking for something different, or transcendent, rather than mere sameness. But the Church has been convinced for years of the opposite. Even so, many believers are longing for something different; in fact, he argues, Christians are called to be different. We are to be "God's unfashionable society" (p. 92); we are called "to form a distinct, 'thick' Christian counterculture" (Keller's Forward, p. xvii). The message of this book pivots on an eschatological/missiological axis that is grounded in rich doxology.

Another book I just received is Kris Lundgaard's The Enemy Within (P&R, 1998). I found this book while purusing the Westminster Bookstore website and it reminded me of Paul Downey's Desperately Wicked, which I just recently read. I expect Lundgaard's book to delve into the same issue but on a more pastoral level. Do I say that I want to read this book, or I need to read this book? I believe that it is the latter.

On the way, is Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture by Daniel J. Treier and The New Testament Story by Ben Witherington III. I hope to read the first as a supplement to the Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. The second will be my first introduction to the writings of BWIII, a prolific NT scholar. I read a small portion of this book about a year ago when I checked it out of the library and found some help on a few particular details of NT history. I'm eagerly awaiting these two volumes although I have a way to go before I get to read them.

Well, for what it's worth, this is my reading list. What are you reading?

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

I've been reading an edifying book on finding God's will for your life. I love its full title—Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will*******OR*******How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Impressions, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, Etc.

In this book author Kevin DeYoung tackles a problem we all face at some time or other: what to do when we have to make a decision on something the Bible doesn't specifically address. DeYoung advocates "walking the way of wisdom" in our decision-making through regular intake of Scripture just like our regular intake of food.

But the Bible is not a casebook. It doesn't give us explicit information about dating or careers or when to build a church or buy a house. We've all wished that the Bible was that kind of book, but it's not because God is interested in more than getting us to follow His to-do list; He wants transformation. God doesn't want us to merely give external obedience to His commands. He wants us to know Him so intimately that His thoughts become our thoughts, His ways our ways, His affections our affections. God wants us to drink so deeply of the Scriptures that our heads and hearts are transformed so that we love what He loves and hate what He hates. (pp. 91-92, emphasis added)

As we digest the Word of God over a period of time we gain insight into the character of God; we learn His likes and dislikes. We become more like Him and desire to glorify Him. This is walking in the fear of the Lord, which is wisdom. The wisdom we receive from God will guide us in tough decisions.

I hope to say more about this book in the near future. In the meantime check out the helpful reviews by Tim Challies and Dan Phillips.

DeYoung, Kevin. Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009) paperback, 128 pages.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Sources for Studying the Biblical Canon

In response to a note from a reader, I have ransacked my database and library in order to construct a list of resources on the subject of the Biblical Canon. There are many more works to reference, and I'll add them where I can. But, for starters, this should keep anyone interested very busy.

This list is pulled from the TheoSource Theological Works list (which has been updated, as of 4/20/09). Titles are categorized according to a modified Dewey Decimal system of classification. A major modification is centennial divisions. Resources are listed in bold, black print. Sources of recommendations culled from bibliographies, footnotes, and texts are noted in blue beneath the resource's title. Resources without recommendations are included as significant although a forthright recommendation was not found.

Your feedback is welcomed.

220.12 '17 Biblical Canon (Seventeenth Century)

Cosin, John. A Scholastic History of the Canon of the Holy Scripture or the Certain and Indubitate Books Thereof, as They Are Received in the Church of England. (London: R. Norton, 1657; In Volume III of Works, Oxford: J. H. Parker, 1849). (GoogleBooks)

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

220.12 '19 Biblical Canon (Nineteenth Century)

Briggs, C. A. "Biblical Canonics" a sub-section of "Biblical Literature" in Chapter 2, "Exegetical Theology," in Biblical Study. (New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1884). (GoogleBooks)

pp. 21-22.

Briggs, C. A. "The Canon of Scripture," in Biblical Study. (New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1884). (GoogleBooks)

pp. 105-38.

Davidson, Samuel. The Canon of the Bible: Its Formation, History, and Fluctuations. (3rd ed. revised and enlarged. London: C. Kegan Paul, 1876). (GoogleBooks)

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended to the general public."

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

Reuss, Eduard. Histoire du Canon des Saintes Ecritures dans l'église chrétienne. (2nd ed. Strasbourg: Treuttel et Wurtz, 1863).

(English translation by David Hunter, Edinb. 1884)

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Reuss, Eduard. History of the Canon of the Holy Scriptures in the Christian Church. Trans. David Hunter. (Edinburgh, 1884; Edinburgh, 1887).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Westcott, B. F. The Bible in the Church: A Popular Account of the Collection and Reception of the Holy Scriptures in the Christian Churches. (London: Macmillan & Co, 1901).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Wordsworth, Christopher. On the Canon of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, and on the Apocrypha: Eleven Discourses, Preached Before the University of Cambridge: Being the Hulsean Lectures for the Year 1847. (London: F. & J. Rivington, 1948).

220.12 ‘20 Biblical Canon (Twentieth Century)

Abraham, William J. Canon and Criterion in Christian Theology. (Oxford: Clarendon, 1998).

~ Webster, John. "Canon" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. (2005; 2006).

Barclay, William. The Making of the Bible. Bible Guides. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1961).

Barr, James. Holy Scripture: Canon, Authority, Criticism. (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1983).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Thorsen, Don. Theological Resources for Ministry: A Bibliography of Works in Theological Studies. (1996).

Barton, John. Holy Writings, Sacred Text: The Canon in Early Christianity. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1997).

~ Allert, Craig D. A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon. (2007).

Recommended "for a more detailed account [of the subject of the Canon]."

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Prophecy and Canon. (Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1977).

Brenneman, James. Canons in Conflict. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997).

Bruce, F. F. The Canon of Scripture. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988).

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

~ Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

~ Reymond, Robert L. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. (1998).

~ Stitzinger, James F. "Study Tools for Expository Preaching," in Rediscovering Expository Preaching. (1992; 2002).

* "First item to purchase."

Campenhausen, H. F. von. The Formation of the Christian Bible. Translated by J. A. Baker. (London: Adam & Charles Black, 1972).

German original was published in 1968.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

~ Webster, John. "Canon" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. (2005; 2006).

Dunbar, David G. "The Biblical Canon," in Hermeneutics, Authority, and Canon. Ed. D. A. Carson and John D. Woodbridge. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986; 2005).

pp. 297-361.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Filson, F. V. Which Books Belong in the Bible? (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press, 1957).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

Folkert, K. "The 'Canons' of 'Scripture,'" in Rethinking Scripture. Ed. M. Levering. (Albany: SUNY Press, 1989).

pp. 170-79.

~ Webster, John. "Canon" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. (2005; 2006).

Franzmann, Martin H. The Word of the Lord Grows. (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1961).

~ Reymond, Robert L. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. (1998).

Grudem, Wayne. "The Canon of Scripture," in Systematic Theology. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994).

pp. 54-72.

Harris, R. Laird. Inspiration and Canonicity of the Bible: An Historical and Exegetical Study. Contemporary Evangelical Perspectives Series. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969; Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1989).

~ Barber, Cyril J. The Minister's Library. (1974; Reprint ed. 1985).

~ Beeke, Joel R. A Reader's Guide to Reformed Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology. (1995).

"Begin with R. Laird Harris."

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

~ Stitzinger, James F. "Study Tools for Expository Preaching," in Rediscovering Expository Preaching. (1992; 2002).

* "First item to purchase."

Kline, Meredith G. The Structure of Biblical Authority. (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1972; Revised ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1975).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

~ Reymond, Robert L. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. (1998).

Lienhard, Joseph T. The Bible, the Church, and Authority: The Canon of the Christian Bible in History and Theology. (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1995).

Lightfoot, Neil. How We Got Our Bible. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1963).

~ Beeke, Joel R. A Reader's Guide to Reformed Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology. (1995).

For "the beginning reader."

Lightstone, Jack N. "The Formation of the Biblical Canon in Judaism of Late Antiquity: Prolegomenon to a General Reassessment," in Studies in Religion. 8 (1979).

pp. 135-42.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Maier, G., ed. Der Kanon der Bibel. (Basel, 1990).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

Margolis, M. The Hebrew Scriptures in the Making. ( Philadelphia, PA, 1922).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

McDonald, Lee Martin and James A. Sanders, eds. The Canon Debate. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2002).

McDonald, Lee Martin. The Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1988; Revised & enlarged ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc, 1995).

~ Allert, Craig D. A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon. (2007).

Recommended "for a more detailed account [of the subject of the Canon]."

McRae, William J. The Birth of the Bible. (Scarborough: Everyday Publications, 1994).

~ Beeke, Joel R. A Reader's Guide to Reformed Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology. (1995).

For "the beginning reader."

Meade, David G. Pseudonymity and Canon. (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1988).

~ Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

Schniedewind, William. How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004).

~ Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

Sundberg, Albert. "The Bible Canon and the Christian Doctrine of Inspiration," in Interpretation. 29 (1975).

pp. 352-71.

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

220.12 Biblical Canon (Twenty-First Century)

Allert, Craig D. A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2007).

Bartholomew, Craig. Canon and Biblical Interpretation. Scripture and Heremeneutics Series. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006).

Bruce, F. F., J. I. Packer, Philip Comfort and Carl F. H. Henry. The Origin of the Bible. (Tyndale House, 2003).

Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2007).

Evans, Craig A and Emmanuel Tov, eds. Exploring the Origins of the Bible: Canon Formation in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective. Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008).

Hill, Charles E. "The Canon of Scripture," in The ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version. (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

pp. 2577-2583.

McDonald, Lee Martin & J. A Sanders, eds. The Canon Debate. (Reprint ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc, 2002).

~ Allert, Craig D. A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon. (2007).

Recommended "for a more detailed account [of the subject of the Canon]."

Webster, John. "Canon" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2005; Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006).

Webster, John. "The Dogmatic Location of the Canon," in Word and Church. (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 2001).

pp. 9-46.

~ Webster, John. "Canon" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. (2005; 2006).

221.12 '19 OT Canon (Nineteenth Century)

Buhl, Frants. Kanon und Test des Alten Testaments (Leipzig, 1891).

~ Briggs, C. A. General Introduction to the Study of Holy Scripture. The principles, methods, history, and results of its several departments and of the whole. (1884; 2nd ed, revised. 1899).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

Buhl, Frants. Canon and Text of the Old Testament. Trans. John MacPherson. (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1892).

Fuerst, Julius. Der Kanon des Alt. Test. nach den Ueberlieferungen in Talmud und Midrasch. (Leipzig: Dorffling & Franke, 1868).

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended for theological students and ministers."

Green, William Henry. General Introduction to the Old Testament: Canon. (New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1898). (GoogleBooks)

~ Barber, Cyril J. The Minister's Library. (1974; Reprint ed. 1985).

~ Beeke, Joel R. A Reader's Guide to Reformed Literature: An Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Theology. (1995).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Hölscher, Gustav. Kanonisch Und Apokryph Ein Kapitel Aus Der Geschichte Des Alttestamentlichen Kanons. (Naumburg a. S.: Lippert, 1905).

Ryle, Herbert E. The Canon of the Old Testament. (London, 1892). (GoogleBooks)

~ Briggs, C. A. General Introduction to the Study of Holy Scripture. The principles, methods, history, and results of its several departments and of the whole. (1884; 2nd ed, revised. 1899).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

Stuart, Moses. Critical History and Defence of the Old Testament Canon. (1849; Andover: W. F. Draper, 1865).

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended for theological students and ministers."

Wildeboer, G. Die Entstehung des Alten Testamentlichen Kanons. (Gotha: na., 1891).

Translated from the Dutch.

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

Wildeboer, G. Het ontstaan van den kanon des Oude Verbond. (Groningen: Wolters, 1891).

Wildeboer, G. The Origin of the Canon of the Old Testament. Trans. Benjamin Wisner Bacon. (London: Luzac, 1895).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

221.12 '20 OT Canon (Twentieth Century)

Beckwith, Roger T. "Canon of the Old Testament," in The Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980).

1:235-38.

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Beckwith, Roger T. The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church and Its Background in Early Judaism. (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1986; Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2008).

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

~ Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Chapman, Stephen B. The Law and the Prophets: A Study in Old Testament Canon Formation. (Mohr Siebeck, 2000).

Harris, R. Laird. "Chronicles and the Canon in New Testament Times," in Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Vol. 33, no. 1 (March 1990).

pp. 75-84.

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

House, Paul. "Canon of the Old Testament," in Foundations for Biblical Interpretation. Ed. David S. Dockery, et al. (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1994).

pp. 143-55.

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

Jugie, Martin. Histoire Du Canon De L'Ancien Testament Dans L'Eglise Grecque Et L'Eglise Russe. (Paris: G. Beauchesne, 1904).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

Leiman, Shnayer Z. The Canonization of Hebrew Scripture: The Talmudic and Midrashic Evidence. (Hamden, CT: Archon Books, 1976; 2nd ed. New Haven, CT: Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1991).

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Leiman, Shnayer Z., ed. Canon and Masorah of the Hebrew Bible: An Introductory Reader. (New York, NY: Ktav Publishing House, 1974).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

Newman, Robert C. "The Council of Jamnia and the Old Testament Canon," in Westminster Theological Journal. 38 (1976).

pp. 319-49.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Sanders, James A. From Sacred Story to Sacred Text. (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1987; Reprint ed., Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2000).

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Sanders, James A. Torah and Canon. (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1972; Reprint ed. Cascae Books, 2005).

Sundberg, A. C. The Old Testament of the Early Church. (Periodicals Service Co, 1964).

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Swanson, T. N. The Closing of the Collection of the Holy Scripture: A Study in the History of the Canonization of the Old Testament. Diss. Vanderbilt (1970).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

Thomson, James G. S. S. The Old Testament View of Revelation. (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1960).

221.12 OT Canon (Twenty-First Century)

Kaiser, Walter. The Old Testament Documents. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001).

225.12 '19 NT Canon (Nineteenth Century)

Charteris, A. H. Canonicity: a collection of early testimonies to the canonical books of the New Testament. (Edinburgh: William Blackwood, 1880).

Based on Kirchhofer's "Quellensammlung."

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended to the general public."

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Charteris, A. H. The New Testament Scriptures: Their Claims, History, and Authority. Being the Croall Lectures for 1882. (London: James Nisbet, 1882). (GoogleBooks)

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended to the general public."

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Credner, C. A. Geschichte des neutestamentlichen Kanon. Ed. Volkmar. (Berlin: Georg Reimer, 1860).

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended to the general public."

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Harnack, Adolf von. Das Neue Testament um das Jahr 200. (Freiburg, 1889).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

Vedder, Henry C. Our New Testament: How Did We Get It? (American Baptist Publication Society, 1908). (GoogleBooks)

Annotated Bibliography: pp. 8-10.

Vincent, M. R. "The History of the New Testament Canon" in Student's New Testament Handbook. (New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1893).

pp. 11-37.

Westcott, B. F. A General Survey of the History of the Canon of the New Testament. (5th ed. London: Macmillan & Co, 1881; Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2005).

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended for theological students and ministers."

~ Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament. The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library. (1997).

"A classic that reprints the basic ancient texts pertinent to canon."

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Zahn, Theodor. Forchungen zur Geschichte des Neuetestamentlichen Kanons u. der altkirchl. Literature. I Theil: Tatian's Diatessaron, II Thiel: der Evangeliencommentar des Theophilus von Antiochen. (Erlangen Deichert, 1881-6).

~ Briggs, C. A. Biblical Study: Its Principles, Methods and History Together with a Catalogue of Books of Reference. (2nd ed. 1884).

"Recommended for theological students and ministers."

Zahn, Theodor. Geschichte des Neuetestamentlichen Kanons. (4 Bde. Erlangen Deichert, 1888-92; Reprint ed. Adamant Media Corp., 2003).

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments. (1993).

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

~ Schaff, Philip. Theological Propaedeutic. (1892; 9th ed. 1912).

~ Vincent, M. R. Student's New Testament Handbook. (1893).

Zahn, Theodor. Grundriss der Geschichte des neutestamentlichen Kanons. (2nd ed., 1904).

225.12 '20 NT Canon (Twentieth Century)

Aland, Kurt. The Problem of the New Testament Canon. (Oxford: A. R. Mowbray, 1962).

Barnett, Paul. Is the New Testament Reliable? (Sydney: Hodder & Stoughton, 1986; Revised ed. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003).

~ Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

Barrett, C. K. "The Centre of the New Testament and the Canon," in Die Mitte des Neuen Testaments: Einheit und Vielfalt neutestamentlicher Theologie, Fs. Eduard Schweizer. Ed. Ulrich Luz and Hans Weder. (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht, 1983).

pp. 5-21.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Beare, F. W. "Canon of the New Testament," in IDB. (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1962).

pp. 334-58.

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

Belleville, Linda. "Canon of the New Testament," in Foundations for Biblical Interpretation. (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1994; Baptist Sunday School Board, 1999).

pp. 375-76.

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

Birdsall, J. N. "Canon of the New Testament," in The Illustrated Bible Dictionary. (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1980).

1:240-45.

~ Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. (1994; 2nd ed. 2000).

Bruce, F. F. "New Light on the Origins of the New Testament Canon," in New Dimensions in New Testament Study. Ed. Richard N. Longenecker and Merrill C. Tenney. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1974).

pp. 3-18.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Bruce, F. F. The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (London: InterVarsity Press, 1943; Revised ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003).

~ Akin, Daniel L. Building a Theological Library: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. (na; na).

Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. "The New Testament Canon," in An Introduction the New Testament. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992).

pp. 487-500.

Donner, Theo. "Some Thoughts on the History of the New Testament Canon," in Themelios. 7, no. 3 (April 1983).

pp. 23-27.

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

Farmer, W. R. and D. M. Farkasfalvy. The Formation of the New Testament Canon. (New York, NY: Paulist Press, 1983).

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

Frank, Isidor. Der Sinn Der Kanonbildung. (Freiburg: Herder, 1971).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Gaffin, Richard B. "New Testament as Canon," in Inerrancy and Hermeneutic. ( Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986).

pp. 165-83.

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

Gamble, Harry Y. The New Testament Canon: Its Making and Meaning. Guides to Biblical Scholarship. (Philadelphia, PA: Fortress Press, 1985).

~ Allert, Craig D. A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon. (2007).

"The best short introduction to the subject."

~ Webster, John. "Canon" in Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible. (2005; 2006).

Goodspeed, Edgar J. The Formation of the New Testament. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1926).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Grant, R. M. "The NT Canon," in The Cambridge History of the Bible. I. (1970).

pp. 284ff.

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Grant, R. M. The Formation of the New Testament. (London: Hutchinson University Library, 1965).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Gregory, Caspar René. Canon and Text of the New Testament. Charles A. Briggs & Stewart D. F. Salmond, eds. International Theological Library. (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, na; Reprint ed. New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1929).

Grosheide, F. W., ed. Some Early Lists of the Books of the New Testament. (Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1948).

~ Carson, D. A., Douglas J. Moo & Leon Morris. “The New Testament Canon,” in An Introduction the New Testament. (1992).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Hahneman, Geoffrey Mark. The Muratorian Fragment and the Development of the Canon. Oxford Theological Monographs. (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992).

~ Glynn, John. Commentary and Reference Survey: A Comprehensive Guide to Biblical and Theological Resources. (10th ed. 2007).

Käsemann, Ernst, ed. Das Neue Testament als Kanon. (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck und Ruprecht, 1970).

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1975).

pp. 475-510.

Lagrange, M.-J. Introduction á l’étude du NT I: Histoire ancienne du canon du NT. (1933).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Leer, E. Flessemann-van. "Prinzipien der Sammlung und Ausscheidung bei der Bildung des Kanons," Zeitschrift für Theologie und Kirche. 61. (1964).

pp. 404ff.

~ Dockery, David S. and David P. Nelson. "The Canon of Scripture," a sub-section of "Chapter 3: Special Revelation" in A Theology for the Church. Ed. Daniel L. Akin. (2007).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Leipoldt, Johannes. Geschichte des neutestamentlichen Kanons. (2 vols., Leipzig: J. C. Hinrich’sche Buchhandlung, 1907-08).

~ Kümmel, W. G. "The Formation of the Canon of the New Testament," in Introduction to the New Testament. (Revised ed. 1975).

Metzger, Bruce M. The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance. (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1997).