Theology

"For my own part I tend to find the doctrinal books often more helpful in devotion than the devotional books, and I rather suspect that the same experience may await many others. I believe that many who find that 'nothing happens' when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand."C. S. Lewis

The word theology brings certain images to mind—aged scholars in tweed jackets with leather elbow patches and thick glasses reading enormous dusty tomes in chilly rooms accessed only by a stone spiral staircase, or young university students smoking pipes and drinking black coffee while discussing the influence of Tillich on the doctrine of the hypostatic union of the the anthropic person. Academic theologians are seen as studious, patient, intellectual. . . boring.

In our postmodern culture, ideas are expressed not held. Since we can't know anything for sure, why try? Life is busy and stressful enough; we'd prefer to spend our free time doing something fun instead of poring over hard-to-understand books. And tweed passed out of fashion a long time ago (though pipes and black coffee are making a come-back).

But academic theologians aren't theology. Theology—from the Greek theos (God) and logos (to know)—is the study of God. In a broad sense we are, every one of us, theologians. Paul said even unbelievers have knowledge of God (Rom. 1:18-23). As Christians we have definite beliefs about God. Sometimes those beliefs are unclear because we haven't taken time to study them, so we downplay their importance. We act like theology is optional, claiming "no creed but Christ." But the question isn't whether we're going to have a theology or not, it's whether our theology will be true or false. Because we want true theology, we base our study on God's Word where He has revealed Himself.

Theology is intensely practical: as one fellow said, it comes out our fingertips. It's not just mental exercise, it affects everything we do. God is concerned with what we believe because it influences the way we live. As Christians, we are new creations who want to serve Him (2 Cor. 5:16-18).

Disclaimer:

Our goal is to provoke theological discussion and thought. To that end our selection of theology offers a significantly different perspective than you'll find nearly anywhere else—at least all in one place. (We don't think we're heretics.) While we aren't dogmatic in our defense of all of them, we aren't apologetic either. We don't mean to be rude or divisive, but we aren't afraid to step on toes if it leads others to reflection. We believe generous dialogue is necessary among Christians to help us clarify what we believe and introduce us to new ideas (Prov. 27:17). It is our prayer that the books we offer help unify the Church, not divide it.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.

 

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Active Filters: 10th grade (Ages 15-16), In-Stock Books & Materials
Amazing Grace - DVD & Workbook
by Jerry Johnson
from Apologetics Group
for 9th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$25.00 (4 in stock)
Archko Volume
by Drs. McIntosh and Twyman, translators
Reprint Edition from Keats Publishing, Inc
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in History for Adults (Location: ADU-HIS)
$6.00 (1 in stock)
Back To Basics
by David Hagopian, editor
from P&R Publishing
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$16.00 $10.00 (2 in stock)
Battle Belongs to the Lord
by K. Scott Oliphint
from P&R Publishing
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in Presuppositional Apologetics (Location: XAP-PRE)
$14.99
Biblical and Theological Studies
by Michael J. Wilkins, Erik Thoennes
from Crossway Books
for 10th-Adult
in Philosophy (Location: XWV-PHI)
$11.99
Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church
by Michael Lawrence
from Crossway Books
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in Biblical Theology (Location: XTH-BIB)
$8.50 (1 in stock)
Bondage of the Will
by Martin Luther
from Revell Publishing
for 9th-Adult
in Renaissance & Reformation Literature (Location: LIT3-REN)
$8.50 (1 in stock)
Bondage of the Will
by Martin Luther, translated by J. I. Packer and O. R. Robinson
from Baker Academics
for 9th-Adult
in Renaissance & Reformation Literature (Location: LIT3-REN)
$24.99
Bondage of the Will
by Martin Luther, translated by Henry Cole
from Canon Press
for 9th-Adult
in Renaissance & Reformation Literature (Location: LIT3-REN)
$12.95
Book of Psalms for Singing
by Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
from Crown and Covenant
for 7th grade-Adult
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$21.00
C. S. Lewis: The Signature Classics Audio Collection
by C. S. Lewis
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$59.99
Call the Sabbath a Delight
by Walter J. Chantry
from Banner of Truth Trust
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Challenge of Jesus
by N. T. Wright
from InterVarsity Press
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in Theology Proper: The Study of God (Location: XTH-GOD)
$8.00 (1 in stock)
Chosen by God
by R. C. Sproul
from Tyndale House
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Christian Theology and Ancient Polytheism
by Marcia Brim
from Brimwood Press
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$35.00
Church is Israel Now
by Charles D. Provan
from Chalcedon / Ross House Books
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$10.00
Concise Theology
by J. I. Packer
from Tyndale House
for 10th-Adult
in Various Theology (Location: XTH-MISC)
$16.99
Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Foreword by Eric Metaxas
1st edition from Touchstone
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$15.19
Developing Christian Character - Lecture series on DVD
by R. C. Sproul
from Ligonier Ministries
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Dispensationalism
by Keith Mathison
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Doctrine
by Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
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$9.00
Easy Chairs, Hard Words
by Doug Wilson
from Canon Press
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Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
by R. C. Sproul
from Tyndale House
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$17.99 $10.00 (2 in stock)
Experiencing the Trinity
by Darrell W. Johnson
from Regent College
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in Theology Proper: The Study of God (Location: XTH-GOD)
$10.00
Explicit Gospel
by Matt Chandler
from Crossway Books
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in The Gospel (Location: XTH-GOS)
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Explicit Gospel
by Matt Chandler
from Crossway Books
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in The Gospel (Location: XTH-GOS)
$14.99 $9.00 (1 in stock)
God in the Dock
by C. S. Lewis
from Eerdmans
Religion/Philosophy for 9th-Adult
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$18.00
God is the Gospel
by John Piper
from Crossway Books
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$12.50
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Volume 1
by Klaas Schilder
from Inheritance Publications
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$6.00 (1 in stock)
Gospel Treason
by Brad Bigney
from P&R Publishing
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Heaven Misplaced
by Douglas Wilson
from Canon Press
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$12.50
Heralds of the Reformation
by Richard Hannula
from Canon Press
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$15.00
Hero of Heroes
by Iain Duguid
from P&R Publishing
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in Knowing & Loving God (Location: XCL-KNOW)
$9.99
Holiness of God
by R. C. Sproul
2nd edition from Tyndale House
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$17.99
Hosanna in Excelsis
by David & Barbara Leeman
from Moody Press
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$15.99
House for My Name
by Peter Leithart
from Canon Press
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$21.00 $12.00 (3 in stock)
House for My Name: Questions & Answers
by Joshua Appel
from Canon Press
for 5th-Adult
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$10.00
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
by Douglas Stuart, Gordon D. Fee
3rd edition from Zondervan
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In These Last Days
by Vic Lockman
from Vic Lockman
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$4.00 (1 in stock)
Inspiration and Authority of the Bible
by B. B. Warfield
from Baker Books
in Various Theology (Location: XTH-MISC)
$8.00 (1 in stock)
Institutes of Christian Religion (abridged)
by John Calvin
from Baker Books
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in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$24.00 $12.00 (1 in stock)
Is Jesus Coming Soon
by Gary DeMar
2nd edition from American Vision Press
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$7.00 (4 in stock)
Justified by Faith Alone - Lecture series on 2 DVDs
by R. C. Sproul
from Ligonier Ministries
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Kingdom, Come!
by Philip Graham Ryken
from Crossway Books
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$10.50
Knowing God
by J. I. Packer
2nd edition from InterVarsity Press
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in Knowing & Loving God (Location: XCL-KNOW)
$20.00
Law and Liberty
by R. J. Rushdoony
2nd edition from Chalcedon / Ross House Books
for 10th-Adult
in Biblical Law (Location: XTH-LAW)
$9.00
Legacy of John Calvin
The Calvin 500 Series
by David W. Hall
from P&R Publishing
Biography for 9th-Adult
in Biographies (Location: BIO)
$4.00 (1 in stock)
Lessons from the Upper Room - Lecture Series on DVD
by Sinclair B. Ferguson
from Ligonier Ministries
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in Jesus Christ (Location: XTH-JES)
$8.00 (1 in stock)
Letters to a Young Calvinist
by James K.A. Smith
from Brazos Press
for 10th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$9.99
Life of Christ
by James Stalker
2nd edition from Christian Liberty Press
for 7th-12th grade
in Jesus Christ (Location: XTH-JES)
$14.50 $7.50 (1 in stock)
Life of Christ - Answer Key
by Michael McHugh & Edward Shewan
from Christian Liberty Press
for 7th-12th grade
in Jesus Christ (Location: XTH-JES)
$5.30 $2.50 (1 in stock)
Luther's Three Treatises
Christian Heritage Series
by Martin Luther, introduction by Steven Wedgeworth
3rd edition from Canon Press
for 10th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$12.95
Manual of Christian Doctrine
by Louis Berkhof
2nd edition from Christian Liberty Press
for 10th-Adult
in Systematic Theology (Location: XTH-SYS)
$20.75 $10.00 (1 in stock)
Manual of Christian Doctrine - Tests
by Louis Berkhof
from Christian Liberty Press
for 10th-Adult
in Systematic Theology (Location: XTH-SYS)
$5.30
Method of Grace
by George Whitefield
from Curiosmith
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in Justification & Sanctification (Location: XTH-JUS)
$3.00 (1 in stock)
Mind of the Maker
by Dorothy L. Sayers, with an introduction by Madeleine L'Engle
from HarperCollins
Christian Philosophy for 10th-Adult
in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20)
$17.99 $9.00 (1 in stock)
Miracles
by C. S. Lewis
from HarperCollins
Religion/Philosophy for 9th-Adult
in 20th & 21st Century Literature (Location: LIT7-20)
$16.99
More Than Conquerors
by William Hendriksen
from Baker Books
for 10th-Adult
in Eschatology & Prophecy (Location: XTH-ESCH)
$6.50 (1 in stock)
O Worship the King
by Joni Eareckson Tada, John MacArthur, Robert & Bobbie Wolgemuth
from Crossway Books
for 9th-Adult
in Devotionals (Location: XCL-DEV)
$8.00 (2 in stock)
On Christian Liberty
by Martin Luther
from Fortress Press
Religion for 10th-Adult
in Renaissance & Reformation Literature (Location: LIT3-REN)
$11.99
On Christian Teaching
by St. Augustine
from Oxford University
for 10th-Adult
in Medieval Literature (Location: LIT2-MED)
$12.95
Our Hymns, Our Heritage
by David & Barbara Leeman, foreword by Keith & Kristyn Getty
from Moody Press
for 9th-Adult
in History of Hymns (Location: XCH-HYMN)
$24.99
Passion of Jesus Christ
by John Piper
from Crossway Books
for 10th-Adult
in Various Theology (Location: XTH-MISC)
$2.00 (6 in stock)
Pierre Viret
by Jean-Marc Berthoud
1st edition
for 9th-Adult
in Biographies (Location: BIO)
$14.50
Plan of Salvation
by Benjamin B. Warfield
from Wipf and Stock Publishers
for 10th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$5.00 (1 in stock)
Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms
by Cherith Fee Nordling, David Guretzki, Stanley J. Grenz
from InterVarsity Press
for 10th-Adult
in Various Theology (Location: XTH-MISC)
$4.00 (1 in stock)
Practical Implications of Calvinism
by A.N. Martin
from Banner of Truth Trust
for 9th-Adult
in Clearance: Christian Books (Location: XCLE)
$1.00 (1 in stock)
Primeval Saints
by James Jordan
from Canon Press
Biography for 10th-Adult
in Bible Commentaries (Location: XBI-COMM)
$14.00 $7.50 (2 in stock)
Reading and Understanding the Bible
by Vic Lockman
from Vic Lockman
for 7th-10th grade
in Scripture & Hermeneutics (Location: XBI-HERM)
$4.00 (1 in stock)
Recovering Our Lost Theology
by Rick Brownell
from Tate Publishing
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in Covenant Theology (Location: XTH-COV)
$21.99
Reformed Faith
by Loraine Boettner
from P&R Publishing
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in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$2.95 $1.50 (5 in stock)
Reformed Means Missional
by Samuel T. Logan, Jr.
Fir from New Growth Press
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in Evangelism & Missions (Location: XAP-EVA)
$14.00
Renewing Your Mind
by R. C. Sproul
from Baker Books
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in Various Theology (Location: XTH-MISC)
$15.00 $4.00 (3 in stock)
Romance of Protestantism
Reformation Trail Series #04
by Deborah Alcock
from Inheritance Publications
for 9th-12th grade
in Reformation Trail Series (Location: FIC-WH06)
$12.95
Sabbath Readings for the Home Circle
by M. A. Vroman
from A. B. Publishing, Inc.
for 5th-Adult
in Morality Tales (Location: FIC-WH05)
$5.50 (1 in stock)
Surprised by Hope
by N. T. Wright
from HarperOne
for 9th-Adult
in Eschatology & Prophecy (Location: XTH-ESCH)
$24.99
Taking God Seriously
by J. I. Packer
1st edition from Crossway Books
for 9th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$12.99
Temptation: Resisted & Repulsed
Puritan Paperbacks #40
by John Owen
from Banner of Truth Trust
for 10th-Adult
in Puritan Writings (Location: XCH-PUR)
$9.00
Then Sings My Soul Trilogy
by Robert J. Morgan
for 9th-Adult
in History of Hymns (Location: XCH-HYMN)
Trinity and Reality
by Ralph Smith
from Canon Press
for 10th-Adult
in Theology Proper: The Study of God (Location: XTH-GOD)
$18.00
Visual Theology
by Tim Challies & Josh Byers
from Zondervan
for 7th-10th grade
in Various Theology (Location: XTH-MISC)
$22.99
What Christians Believe at a Glance
from Rose Publishing
for 9th-Adult
$8.00 (1 in stock)
What Is Hell?
Basics of the Faith
by Christopher W. Morgan & Robert A. Peterson
from P&R Publishing
for 10th-Adult
in Basics of the Faith (Location: XNC-BAS)
$3.50
What is Providence?
Basics of the Reformed Faith
by Derek W. H. Thomas
from P&R Publishing
for 10th-Adult
in Basics of the Faith (Location: XNC-BAS)
$2.00 (1 in stock)
What is Reformed Theology?
by R. C. Sproul
2nd edition from Baker Books
for 10th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$16.99
What is Reformed Theology?
by R. C. Sproul
2016 Reissue from Baker Books
for 10th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$4.00 (1 in stock)
What Is Worship Music?
Basics of the Faith
by Paul S. Jones
from P&R Publishing
for 10th-Adult
in Basics of the Faith (Location: XNC-BAS)
$3.50
Who Stopped the Clock?
by Vic Lockman
from Vic Lockman
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in Eschatology & Prophecy (Location: XTH-ESCH)
$2.50 (1 in stock)
Why Baptize Babies?
Answers in an Hour
by Mark Horne
from Athanasius Press
for 10th-Adult
in Baptism (Location: XWO-SAC1)
$5.00
Why the End is Not Near
Answers in an Hour
by Duane Garner
from Athanasius Press
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in Eschatology & Prophecy (Location: XTH-ESCH)
$7.95
Word of God in English
by Leland Ryken
from Crossway Books
for 10th-Adult
in Scripture & Hermeneutics (Location: XBI-HERM)
$7.50 (3 in stock)
Young, Restless, Reformed
by Collin Hansen
from Crossway Books
for 9th-Adult
in Reformed Theology (Location: XTH-REF)
$12.00