9 of Our Favorite Books about Biblical Theology
From easy-to-read beginner books, to specific applications for preaching and ministry, to comprehensive reference books or commentary on the Old Testament to the New Testament; we want to offer a resource of some of our favorite books about biblical theology.
Here are 9 of our favorite books about biblical theology and the reason CCU recommends them:
1. A Little Exercise For Young Theologians by Helmut Thielicke
In this short read, Thielicke encourages young theologians to make their spiritual health a top priority while studying theology academically.
Why CCU Recommends: The theological student needs to remain humble, and always open to listen and learn. This novel gives advice and helpful wisdom to those interested in theology.
2. A New Testament Biblical Theology – The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New by G.K. Beale
G.K. Beale explores the unity of the Bible from the point of view of the New Testament. Beale discusses how the two storylines of the Old Testament and the New Testament align.
Why CCU Recommends: In this novel, G.K Beale shows how the New Testament authors use the Old Testament.
3. Concise Theology – A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs by J.I. Packer
From a Reformed perspective on Christian beliefs, J.I. Packer puts theology in a message that is easy to understand and digest.
Why CCU Recommends: This book does an amazing job of describing complex things in straightforward explanations. It is simple, straightforward, and packed with profound statements about the basic Christian doctrines.
4. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
World-renowned author and journalist, Lee Strobel, writes about the scientific evidence there is for Christ and addresses his salvation experience from being an atheist to now a Christian.
Why CCU Recommends: As a former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, Lee Strobel cross-examines a dozen experts about the evidence for Christ from the fields of history, science, and philosophy. This book shows the evidence for Christ and the resurrection.
5. The Story of Christian Theology by Roger Olsen
Roger Olsen believes that Christian theology should be explained with all of the exciting plots, turns and twists, and fascinating people. Through this novel, Olsen discusses the main theme throughout all theology; salvation.
Why CCU Recommends: This book is important since it gives the historical context and stories behind the events, ideas, and lives that have shaped Christian theology. It highlights the history of Christian thought and gives great context to the people and events that shaped theology over the centuries.
6. Cultural Engagement by Joshua Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior
Joshua Chatraw and Karen Swallow Prior discuss social trends as it relates to morals. When the Bible addresses these, it can be confusing to understand. Chatraw and Swallow Prior address these morals and more.
Why CCU Recommends: This is a new publication on culturally relevant topics that need engagement from Christians. This novel touches on a broad variety of topics from cultural issues to cultural expressions.
7. The New Pastor's Handbook by Jason Helopoulos
Jason Helopoulos discusses the first years of ministry and the difficulty between having wisdom about the Bible vs. practical ministry action steps. Helopoulos helps walk you through the first years of ministry with purpose and grace.
Why CCU Recommends: This brand new novel tackles practical issues of a pastor but also takes a more contemporary approach to ministry.
8. Spiritual Formation as if the Church Matters by Robert Wilhoit
In this novel, Robert Wilhoit brings out practical steps the local church can take to fill in the gap of the body of Christ longing to be in heaven but still on earth. Wilhoit not only acknowledges individual desire and spiritual growth but also what it would look like for the local church to grow in its sense of community.
Why CCU Recommends: The main idea of Wilhoit’s book is community. Wilhoit cuts against the idea that spiritual formation only happens between God and an individual. It addresses practical ways in which the community of Christians can advance individual spiritual formation.
9. Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland and Ruth Haley Barton
Robert Mulholland and Ruth Haley Barton discuss the journey it takes to follow Christ and become more like Him. Mulholland and Barton discuss the concept that whether you are a new Christian or have known God your whole life, you will gradually become more like Him.
Why CCU Recommends: Addresses spiritual formation from the perspective of the personality test, Myers-Briggs. Thus, Spiritual Disciples are addressed via their applicability to a person’s personality and giftedness. Similar to Wilhoit, spiritual formation is done in the community and for the world.
We hope that our favorite books about biblical theology encourage you to grow your faith and wisdom about Jesus Christ.