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Sound Advice for Studying Theology at Home
No Time for Seminary? Here is some sound advice for studying theology at home. Due to the compromising theological climate at many modern seminaries, we believe that if you take the time to carefully read the following materials you will get a better theological education than 90% of seminary graduates. Click on the following links if you are interested in learning more or want to purchase any of these books.
Theology 101 Bundle: Beginner-level Curriculum
This bundle includes the following 7 books:
1) Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
2) According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible by Graeme Goldsworthy
3) The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs
4) The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes
5) Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
6) Knowing God (paperback) by J. I. Packer
7) What is Reformed Theology? by R. C. Sproul
Theology 301 Bundle: Intermediate-level Curriculum
This bundle includes the following 6 books:
1) Westminster Confession of Faith
2) A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson
3) The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson
4) The Lord's Prayer (paperback) by Thomas Watson
5) Outlines of Theology by A. A. Hodge
6) An Old Testament Theology by Bruce K. Waltke
We suggest you read the books listed above in the following order: 1) Westminster Confession of Faith: a) the Shorter Catechism; b) the Larger Catechism; c) the Confession; 2) A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson; 3) The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson; 4) The Lord's Prayer by Thomas Watson; 5) Outlines of Theology by A. A. Hodge; & 6) An Old Testament Theology by Bruce K. Waltke.
Theology 501 Bundle: Advanced-level Curriculum
The Bundle includes the following seven items
1) A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith (2nd ed.) by Robert L. Reymond
2) Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos
3) The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther
4) Overcoming Sin & Temptation by John Owen (edited by Kelly M. Kapic & Justin Taylor)
5) The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards
6) God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology by Michael Horton
7) Institutes of Elenctic Theology (3 vol. set) by Francis Turretin
Comments
Is there a list for theology 201 & 401? I am in Bible college but I would like to complete this "training" on the side.
Posted by: JJ Boyle Jr | November 7, 2007 11:50 PM
JJ
There are no other levels. These numbers are arbitrary
Posted by: John | November 8, 2007 10:19 AM
Wow. Perfect. I am about 100 pages into Grudem's Systematic Theology. At this rate, it should only take me another 25 years to finish this curriculum *grin* I guess I should get on the ball!
Posted by: Michael | November 8, 2007 01:03 PM
Grudem's systematic theology - I think I'm allergic to that book (yes, I have read it). His QED starting point of the {insert as many theo-absolutes here as you like} of scripture is embarrassing - perhaps that is a common trait of all Systematic Theology books: their starting point.
Still lots of good fruit has come from sys-theo so I shouldn't complain too much - its just a nightmare to read if you have a leaning toward independent thought.
Posted by: Matt Parkins | November 24, 2007 08:23 AM
Looks like a good start, but a M.Div also includes things like:
- Languages - usually 3-4 semesters (each) of Greek and Hebrew.
- Church History: Ancient, Medieval and Post-Reformation.
- Pastoral Care & Counseling
- Homiletics, Expository Preaching, Public Speaking
- Missions, Evangelism, Church Planting
- Graduate Level English & Writing
Posted by: Chris | November 25, 2007 10:56 PM
Hi,
What Bible Translation do you recommend to study the above texts with? Thanks!
Posted by: David Garcia | February 6, 2008 09:49 PM
Hello,
I've been researching ways to get the knowledge of a Biblical Studies Degree or a Theology degree without having to go to college or seminary. I stumbled on this page and read the books listed. There seems to be so much to read and it looks almost like information overload.
In addidtion to the books listed is there anything else I would need to help me better understand and absord the Scriptures?
Thanks and God Bless.
Posted by: Jeremiah | January 11, 2011 06:13 PM
What about Calvin's Institutes?
Posted by: Yed A. | May 4, 2011 01:31 AM
Jeremiah,
I know your comment was about a year ago but that's less than half of the books you would be required to read at seminary and the ones above in some cases would be much better books. Seminary usually takes 3 to four years depending so don't give up.
Also check out the curriculum from TNARS and don't forget about the free lectures from RTS and Covenant. It's possible to get the same understanding man so hang in there and may God bless your efforts to know Him and His word better!
Posted by: Shaun | December 15, 2011 04:00 PM