... ADVANCED

* Bird, W.R., The Origin of Species Revisited (Hardback - 2 Volumes; Regency, 1991) - Bird is a well-known lawyer and member of the American Law Institute. He has obviously done his homework here and has in fact argued the subject of origins before the Supreme Court. This is the most detailed, thorough treatment of origins I have ever seen in print. A massive work, this two-volume set purposely avoids quoting creationists and instead focuses on "secular" scientific sources in its examination and ultimate rejection of neo-Darwinian theory. This is no "quick read" and represents the finest scholarship. I challenge believers to read this book and I dare evolutionists to do the same! STATUS: OUT OF PRINT, but available from ICR.

* Geisler, Norman L., Christian Apologetics (Paperback; Baker, 1988) - I am no great philosopher, and my exposure to competing worldviews is limited. In the day that we live (& witness) in, this can often be crippling. I have reached for this book many times in the past when I felt that I was "in over my head." I'll make it very easy: GET THIS BOOK. It is an invaluable reference tool. All of the major worldviews - agnosticism, rationalism, fideism, experientialism, pragmatism, combinationalism - are given a well organized treatment that won't go over your head. Geisler is a true asset to the Body of Christ. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* STANLEY M. BURGESS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT - Burgess has authored a trilogy of books that examine - in great detail - the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and His activity throughout Church history. The research is excellent, and these books fill a gap (detailed pneumatology works are not plentiful). Writing from a Classical Pentecostal perspective, Burgess' books present compelling historical evidence for the continuance of ALL of the spiritual gifts. All three are paperback and published by Hendrickson :

* Vos, Geerhardus, Biblical Theology (Paperback - 463 pp.; Banner of Truth, 1996) - Vos (Professor of Theology at Princeton for many years) uses big words, but wading through them is well worth it. The strengths here are in his explanation of why BIBLICAL theology is different from SYSTEMATIC theology, the unity of the Old and New Testaments, his definition of the Kingdom of God, and a Reformed context. Again, challenging reading - but it's good for us! STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Erickson, Millard J., Christian Theology (Hardcover - 1200 pp.; Baker, 1998) - Weighty overview of every area and type of theology imaginable. Recommended for seminary students by the publisher, but good reading for all. Placed here in this section simply because of the massive amount of material Erickson covers, but actually written in very plain language. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Buchanan, James, The Doctrine of Justification (Hardback; Banner of Truth, 1991) - The classic textbook on justification by faith, written from a Reformed perspective. Buchanan gives an exhaustive treatment of the doctrine. Recommended by J.I. Packer. Read an ONLINE EXCERPT. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* The SUMMA THEOLOGICA of Thomas Aquinas - Perhaps the most complex and exhaustive system of theology ever written, Aquinas' work has served as inspiration for many other thinkers throughout history. Although some complain that Aquinas is too "deep," I actually find his presentation to be quite "reader-friendly." However, because there is so much material, and given the fact that this is material to be DIGESTED, I recommend that one start out with Kreeft's edited introduction/sampling (below), and then perhaps move on to the entire Summa itself (also ONLINE) :

* Russell, J. Stuart, The Parousia (Paperback - 592 pp.; Baker, 1999) - Recently, some respected teachers have "bad-mouthed" this book because it is often used by the heretical "full preterists." I AM NOT A "FULL PRETERIST" & I DO NOT ENDORSE EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK! However, I am a partial preterist; that is, I believe that many of the prophecies considered by many to be yet future found their fulfillment in past history. R.C. Sproul calls this book "One of the most important treatments of biblical eschatology available today. The issues raised . . . are vitally important not only for eschatology, but also for the debate over the credibility of sacred Scripture." There is some great material in this book, but please read with discernment. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Lewis, C.S., God in the Dock : Essays on Theology and Ethics (Paperback - 346 pp.; Eerdmans, 1994) - A collection of 48 essays and several letters written by Lewis covering various subjects in theology and ethics. The content is excellent - this is easily my favorite Lewis book. The essays deal with such subjects as the problem of evil, apologetics, the laws of nature, women in ministry, science and faith, old books, modernism, revival, Christmas, and many more. Two essays in particular have made a great impression on my beliefs: "We Have No 'Right to Happiness'" and "The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment." The latter will forever cause you to question the supposed wisdom of 'rehabilitation' over 'deserved punishment'. One of the best things about this book is that all of the essays are fairly quick reads, and can be read separately. In fact, each one should be read seperately for contemplation. You haven't read Lewis at his best until you read this collection! STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Kelly, J.N.D., Early Christian Doctrines (Paperback - 528 pp.; Harper & Row; 1988) - Still the best overview of the early Christian Church and the development of orthodox doctrine. Kelly is very objective and writes in non-sectarian fashion. It is so important that modern believers understand the history analyzed in this book. A good book to read along with Hughes' The True Image (see above). STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Custance, Arthur, The Doorway Papers (10 volumes; originally pub. by Zondervan) - Custance was a Canadian scientist and lay theologian that strongly believed in both the authority of Scripture and its ability to shed light on all learning disciplines. These papers cover supposed Biblical contradictions, hard historical questions, creation-evolution issues, anthropological issues, and thorny theological problems. In every paper Custance digs out, not "nuggets," but GOLD BARS of truth from the scriptures - the vast amount of it entirely original thought (i.e., you won't find this stuff in ten different commentaries. Much of it you'll find nowhere else!). Every believer will gain many new insights here, as well as a special appreciation for the inspiration and authority of Scripture. STATUS: OUT OF PRINT, but ONLINE.

* Calvin, John, The Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 volumes, Hardcover; Westminster John Knox Press, 1960) - Probably the most complete exposition of the Christian faith from the Reformed Protestant perspective. Near exhaustive in content, Calvin takes up theological subjects in a systematic fashion, immersing each in Scripture. I do not agree with every conclusion drawn by Calvin, but this work will force you to the Scriptures in serious contemplation. STATUS: ONLINE and IN PRINT.

* Owen, John, The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (Paperback; Banner of Truth, 1984) - The classic defense of the Calvinist view of the atonement, from both the Biblical and logical perspectives. The introduction by J.I. Packer is itself some excellent reading. For all who rail against "limited atonement," here is the book you must answer. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT. Also recommended :

* Athanasius, On the Incarnation (Paperback; St Vladimirs Seminary Press, 1996) - Athanasius was the Church Father who stood for the Trinity at Nicea in the fourth century. This is his classical defense of Christ's Deity. With a forward by C.S. Lewis. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Augustine, The City of God (Paperback; Image, 1958) - This classic sets forth the Christian philosophy of culture and history. As two competing worldviews - Christian and pagan - war throughout history, God providentially reigns Supreme. This is one of those you will find yourself reading several times over the years. Get ready for a major paradigm shift! STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Guinness, Os, The Dust of Death (Paperback - 409 pp.; Crossway; 1994) - "Never judge a book by its cover." Upon first examining this book, take that age-old cliche literally. On first inspection, DofD appears to be an outdated analysis of the 1960s counter-culture revolution. The mistake one makes here is in assuming that the book is in any way "outdated." BY ALL MEANS, READ THIS BOOK. Guinness traces our modern culture to its roots, showing the significant changes that transpired over peace, love, psychedelic drugs, and "free sex." Changes, I might add, that still affect our culture today. Written within the context of a Christian worldview, this is a history lesson you won't get in school. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Chilton, David, The Days of Vengence : An Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Hardcover; Dominion Press, 1997) - Now this should tell you something: I am recommending a POSTMILLENNIAL commentary on Revelation! This may seem strange to some since I am amillennial, not postmillennial. But this book sheds so much needed light on passages of Scripture that, regardless of your eschatological viewpoint, it should not go unread. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Fudge, Edward, The Fire That Consumes (Paperback; Providential Press) - This book, which I have reviewed in THINKMAIL #4, will forever (no pun intended) change your view of "hell" and the final destiny of the wicked. Fudge, who is thoroughly evangelical, exegetically works through every Biblical reference to the judgment and final end of the unsaved. I put this book under "ADVANCED" for a reason; most of us undergo a fair amount of brainwashing from our denomination as new Christians. If you are prepared to carefully research this topic and to possibly reject the traditional viewpoint on the basis of Scripture, then read this book. STATUS: IN PRINT.

Custance, Arthur, Journey Out of Time (orig. publ. by Doorway Pub.) - Another excellent book from the late Canadian scientist and theologian. Custance deals with the intermediate state and Biblical difficulties concerning how we should interpret its teaching in this area. He goes a long way toward a resolution by applying the contrast between time and eternity. Custance's conclusions come a good deal closer to conditionalism than to the "immortal soul" dogma. STATUS: OUT OF PRINT, but ONLINE (in both HTML and PDF formats).

* Custance, Arthur, The Seed of the Woman (hard cover; originally pub. by Doorway Pub.) - This massive volume offers new insight into the virgin birth of Christ, His person, and His work. Custance draws his insights from a vast amount of knowledge and research, all illuminated by the truth of the scriptures. Probably the fullest treatment of Messiah that I have read! STATUS: OUT OF PRINT, but ON LINE (in both HTML and PDF formats).

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Upon reading any of the above books, let me know what you think! Or perhaps you can recommend some "must reads" to me?

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