Theology for a non-denominational student

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations about good theological books that have been written by non-denominationalists? I'm going to an independent church right now and I'm persuing a Bachelors at a Christian school that is also non-denominational. I'm reading John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion because I had started reading it a while back and never finished it so it was something that I had to come back to because I want to understand his theology, however I don't know what else I should read from there. It seems like the only theological volumes I can find are either by Catholics, or by the Reformed churches. Help?

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Sean

Hi. I'm a former professor of systematic theology. The fact is that field, at least for protestants, is basically owned by the reformed tradition--as in they write the most books in it by far. Many are more consensual than others, and nearly all are useful for people from other perspectives. (I myself am not reformed but use their books all the time.)

A lot depends on where you're starting from and what you're looking for. I have found very few works in systematics under 1,000 pages that I like. This is a more recent one I found good:

https://www.logos.com/product/187941/christian-dogmatics-an-introduction It's reformed but not dogmatically so.

https://www.logos.com/product/177271/renewal-theology-systematic-theology-from-a-charismatic-perspective This one is good though not particularly well written. Williams is supposedly reformed but most of the theology in it is not classically Calvinist.

https://www.logos.com/product/6689/systematic-theology This one is classically Calvinist and dogmatically so, but you know what? The way it's put together, it's one of my favorite go-to resources for finding quick answers to theological questions. Very accessible and useful.

So I've recommended 3 reformed works in systematic theology, which is not what you were asking for. But I'd recommend reading one of these, or a similar one, and then looking up specific questions in other reference works or more narrowly focused monographs.

Rosie Perera

Some options for you as far as systematic theologies are concerned:

The Moody Handbook of Theology, Revised and Expanded (Paul Enns)

Christian Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Systematic (Adam Harwood, Lexham Press)

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 2nd ed. (Wayne Grudem, Zondervan)

Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction, 2nd ed. (Michael F. Bird, Zondervan)

Christian Theology, 3rd ed. (Millard J. Erickson, Baker)

Of course there are plenty of other theological books that treat only one or two topics rather than attempting to cover it all. But a broad theology book is a good foundation.

Sean

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298616#Comment_1298616

Some options for you as far as systematic theologies are concerned:

The Moody Handbook of Theology, Revised and Expanded (Paul Enns)

Christian Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Systematic (Adam Harwood, Lexham Press)

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 2nd ed. (Wayne Grudem, Zondervan)

Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction, 2nd ed. (Michael F. Bird, Zondervan)

Christian Theology, 3rd ed. (Millard J. Erickson, Baker)

Of course there are plenty of other theological books that treat only one or two topics rather than attempting to cover it all. But a broad theology book is a good foundation.

Thanks for the suggestions, Rosie; please forgive that I have to critique them a bit.

The Moody volume, at least before its revision, was very heavily biased and flat out wrong on factual questions in some places. I can't recommend it for a student as it's not reliable and for anyone else it's not worthwhile.

Grudem's book is beautifully organized and laid out, but if I commented on what I thought about the actual theology I'd have to violate forum suggestions guidelines.

Erickson is solid. The others I'm not that familiar with.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298617#Comment_1298617

Thanks for the suggestions, Rosie; please forgive that I have to critique them a bit.

Fair enough. I am not familiar with any of them. I used ChatGPT to find out which systematic theologies were from a non-denominational perspective, and did a bit of fact-checking on that, but didn't check the quality of the volumes. I would most likely strongly disagree with Grudem's theology as well, but the OP wasn't asking for things we would agree with, just things he would. Not familiar with any of the others. I was mistaking Paul Enns for Peter Enns, who I was surprised would have written a handbook of theology for Moody, but now that makes more sense.

I should probably refrain from making suggestions when I don't have personal knowledge of the books in question.

Sean

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298624#Comment_1298624

I should probably refrain from making suggestions when I don't have personal knowledge of the books in question.

That's okay; you are normally full of good suggestions and a huge stimulator of thought.

Grudem I'm a bit touchy about because he's basically cornered the market in undergrad level systematic theologies due to terrific marketing and actually having the words "Systematic Theology" in the title. Many (better) works in systematics don't, so students are automatically drawn to him. (Or Pannenberg. Jorge and other students reading this, please do not start with Pannenberg! Tough stuff!) I tell people I teach systematic theology and they think I mean I teach Grudem. It's infuriating. I have almost all the STs in Logos but refuse to buy Grudem--although I will again admit the work is beautifully organized.

scooter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298625#Comment_1298625

Sean, have you written a ST? Is it in Logos?

Sean

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298631#Comment_1298631

Sean, have you written a ST? Is it in Logos?

I have not, unfortunately. I would like to at some point, but my career kind of went a different direction. I'm a megachurch pastor now.

Paul Caneparo

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298632#Comment_1298632

I find this one very balanced and very readable too. I think the book would satisfy your criteria. He's definitely what I call evangelical in the true sense.

https://www.logos.com/product/190416/evangelical-theology-a-biblical-and-systematic-introduction-2nd-ed

Sean

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298632#Comment_1298632

Almost as important as reading theology is reading the history of theology. I took a glance and this one is on sale for $9.99. It's a nice read.

https://www.logos.com/product/215157/the-story-of-christian-theology-twenty-centuries-of-tradition-and-reform

scooter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298632#Comment_1298632

Sean, have you written a ST? Is it in Logos?

I have not, unfortunately. I would like to at some point, but my career kind of went a different direction. I'm a megachurch pastor now.

Definitely a busy man. May God bless your church!

scooter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298634#Comment_1298634

Almost as important as reading theology is reading the history of theology. I took a glance and this one is on sale for $9.99. It's a nice read.

https://www.logos.com/product/215157/the-story-of-christian-theology-twenty-centuries-of-tradition-and-reform

I'm Calvinist. Olson wrote 'Against Calvinism.' Makes me a bit leery of him. How does he treat Calvin + friends?

EastTN

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298647#Comment_1298647

Jorge, I would second the suggestion to read a history of theology - or at least a good church history that touches on theological topics. It would help you understand the controversies that led the various denominations in different theological directions. In other words, it would help you understand the theological "choices" that we all have to make.

The other thing I would suggest is that you consider reading - very consciously - a couple of systematic theologies from different schools of thought. That will allow you to see how much the different denominations agree on (and it is quite a lot), and where the significant differences are.

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298647#Comment_1298647

How does he treat Calvin + friends?

Much more graciously than they have treated him (or other Arminians). In fact his 'Against Calvinism' is the more irenic of two side-by-side books.

Regarding "The story of...", let me share a paragraph:

The true father of Reformed Protestant theology is Ulrich Zwingli. Unfortunately for him, he has been overshadowed in history by his younger French-Swiss counterpart John Calvin. Calvin’s great claim to fame, however, is simply that he organized, systematized and articulated Reformed theology as never before. In doing so he stood firmly on the shoulders of Luther and Zwingli. It would be difficult to find any doctrinal insights or contributions in Calvin’s work that were not already discovered and articulated by Luther and Zwingli. The two first-generation Reformers simply did not have Calvin’s great gifts of organization, and they did not influence the English-speaking world as did Calvin through the Presbyterians and Puritans of Great Britain and the American colonies, whose founders studied under Calvin in Geneva and considered that city under Calvin “the most perfect school of Christ since the days of the apostles.”

Roger E. Olson, The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition & Reform (Downer Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), 399.

Sean

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298647#Comment_1298647

Almost as important as reading theology is reading the history of theology. I took a glance and this one is on sale for $9.99. It's a nice read.

https://www.logos.com/product/215157/the-story-of-christian-theology-twenty-centuries-of-tradition-and-reform

I'm Calvinist. Olson wrote 'Against Calvinism.' Makes me a bit leery of him. How does he treat Calvin + friends?

Olsen is definitely Arminian and one of the more prominent voices for it. 'Against Calvinism' is the companion volume to 'Against Arminianism' that another author wrote. IIRC neither of them were happy that their publisher gave their books those titles; they didn't pick them. Olsen complains about it whenever he mentions the book because of this (quite understandable) reaction.

It's been over a decade since I read Story so I don't remember its treatment of the reformers, and I can't find my copy at the moment. He covers the whole 20 centuries though, so there's quite a bit more to it than that.

scooter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298649#Comment_1298649

Thanks for your reply, Mick.

I own Horton's. The green circle + rub marks say I read it, but the lack of highlighting was a surprise. I always mark up the text, as I want to read the underlinings when I reread.

Anyway, I was going to see if I could find places where Horton was not irenic, by looking at my highlights. But, alas......Alas as well in that the book has no index; I am not impressed.

I don't know how to search a book for a topic, other than to use the index, so am stymied.

David Thomas

I don't know what else I should read

The faculty of premier non-denominational Bible Colleges/Seminaries in the USA would be a good place to start.

I would commend Moody Bible Institute, BIOLA (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) and their graduate schools Moody Theological Seminary and Talbot School of Theology.

Also Dallas Theological Seminary, Gordon-Conwell, Regents College and Columbia (in South Carolina)Multnomah School of the Bible was good as well. The school is closed but their faculty wrote good resources.

There would also be some that lean more toward Pentecostal beliefs that are non-denominational.

Yasmin Stephen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298650#Comment_1298650

'Against Calvinism' is the companion volume to 'Against Arminianism' that another author wrote. IIRC neither of them were happy that their publisher gave their books those titles; they didn't pick them. Olsen complains about it whenever he mentions the book because of this (quite understandable) reaction.

It's been over a decade since I read Story so I don't remember its treatment of the reformers, and I can't find my copy at the moment. He covers the whole 20 centuries though, so there's quite a bit more to it than that.

Re 'Against Arminianism', are you referring to Horton's For Calvinism? Or another book?

(https://www.logos.com/product/26686/for-calvinism-and-against-calvinism)

Sean

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298660#Comment_1298660

Re 'Against Arminianism', are you referring to Horton's For Calvinism? Or another book?

(https://www.logos.com/product/26686/for-calvinism-and-against-calvinism)

You are right; thanks for the correction!

Jan Krohn

I'm also attending a non-denominational college for my Masters, however, with a clear moderately Reformed orientation - even though I'm not a Calvinist.

I've made the same experience that most of the recent theology books, especially the systematic theologies, come from the Reformed camp. Don't let that deter you from reading them. You can still find a wide range of theological views within the Refomed camp, and not all of it is bad. On the contrary. As long as you keep away from soteriology, Reformed theology is usually quite solid.

And as for the usual Calvinist proof texts, you can usually find more balanced explanations by Leighton Flowers, for example, although he doesn't have any books in Logos as far as I'm aware. But it's all available on his blog for free.

My two go-to systematic theologies are the ones by Norman Geisler and by Wayne Grudem. Both are available in Logos. Also, both are Reformed, and both have their biases. But as I already said, don't let that deter you.

scooter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298651#Comment_1298651

I always mark up the text, as I want to read the underlinings when I reread.

I remove the book from being up, then click it again. Now, all highlights are available.

Yasmin Stephen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298634#Comment_1298634

Almost as important as reading theology is reading the history of theology. I took a glance and this one is on sale for $9.99. It's a nice read.

https://www.logos.com/product/215157/the-story-of-christian-theology-twenty-centuries-of-tradition-and-reform

Thanks for the rec. I browsed through the Kindle sample and it looks good.

(Aside: $9.99 is a very nice price; Amazon has it for $31.99.)

Christian Alexander

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298612#Comment_1298612

I agree with Sean here in this forum. Roger E. Olson, The Mosaic of Christian Belief, InterVarsity Press is a great work. It is a truly inter and non denominational text. In order to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the discipline and its future prospects for individuals conducting research and teaching in the field, the Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology compiles a set of unique and authoritative accounts of all the major areas of current research in Christian systematic theology. The Handbook conducts a thorough analysis of topics and methodologies, directing the reader through discussions and literatures of the present day within the framework of the historical evolution of systematic theological study. I have heard that a former professor of mine Stephen J. Wellum has written a good Systematic Theology. I also had to read Denominational Doctrines by Jerry Moffitt in my seminary studies a few years back.

Alister McGrath's introduction to Christian theology is arguably the most comprehensive in a single volume. The book starts with an overview of the key players and trends in the history of theology, written by McGrath, a superb historical theologian. From then on, every chapter is overflowing with material, which is both advantageous and disadvantageous. It can be like drinking from a fire hose. It contained so much material in so little space that it left several chapters lacking, such as the eschatology chapter.

During my freshman year of seminary, Wayne Grudem's huge book served as my first theology textbook. I read this book cover to cover, hungry for religious clarity. It was awful. In my second year, I chose to read Erickson, who I thought had far more thorough research. Grudem's work has serious methodological flaws. He views Scripture as a single, flat collection of propositions that need to be structured in a certain way. Grudem's inability to discuss opposing viewpoints or even to critically examine his own makes his observations dreadfully dogmatic, frequently extremely superficial, and, worse, antagonistic toward positions he hardly comprehends, such as egalitarianism or open theism. It is undoubtedly a sign of peril for non denominationalists.

Here is something you should read https://community.logos.com/forums/t/215801.aspx

HJ. van der Wal

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1298612#Comment_1298612

I'd like to second Sean's first suggestion:

The Christian Dogmatics has become a popular textbook at universities in the Netherlands. It was written with undergraduate students in mind. Here is a quote from the preface to the original edition:

[quote]

It is true enough that we cannot possibly write for the whole Christian tradition, or even do limited justice to Christianity in all its diversity. And we admit at the outset that we write from within the context of the Reformed faith tradition. This work, however, is not intended as a dogmatics for Reformed Christians only. Dogmatics must always keep the entire faith community in mind. What Karl Barth wrote about confessions of faith (GA 3:610) applies in a derived sense to this book: we are dealing with insights that arose in specific circumstances, within a specific tradition-historical constellation, but that need to be submitted to the judgment of the entire (world) church, and not just to a part of it.

Source: Cornelis van der Kooi and Gijsbert van den Brink, Christian Dogmatics: An Introduction, trans. Reinder Bruinsma and James D. Bratt (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2017), ix.

During my own studies I had to read Pannenberg and I agree with what Sean said:

please do not start with Pannenberg! Tough stuff!