Favorite Theologian

[daveleau]

Hi everybody!

I believe Scripture is the only inerrant writing, with theologians being fallible, but who is your favorite Christian writer/ theologian?
(Without theologians and Christian writers, many would not make it to read Scripture, so there is a definite need for theologians and Christian writers.)

My favorite theologian is Norman Geisler. Geisler has a great knack for describing multiple sides of an argument and telling why the conservative evangelical belief is the right belief.
My favorite pastoral writer is Charles Stanley. Dr. Stanley...well anyone that's heard/read his work...it speaks for itself. :)

[DeaconDean]

Hi daveleau, that for me would be hard to narrow down. While I was in seminary school I was introduced to a lot of theologians whom I just love to read and study their work. John Gill is one who comes to mind right off the bat. James Petigru Boyce is another. Benjamin B. Warfield is another. I could go on but these are just a few of my favorites.

[daveleau]

I've read a little of BB Warfield, and I like him too. Boyce is one I am not too familiar with.

[tateziwin]

ok I have a few favourites that I think are worth recommending -


C.S.Lewis ....." Mere Christianity " ( essential reading!)

John Macarthur ...." Hard to Believe " (this book is an eye opener)

Donald Whitney...." The Spiritual Disciplines " ( how committed are you really?)

Fritz Ridenour...." How to be a Christian without being Religious" ( he brings the book of Romans alive )

Well, I have many more but this will do for now! :thumbsup:

[mlqurgw]

Hi daveleau, that for me would be hard to narrow down. While I was in seminary school I was introduced to a lot of theologians whom I just love to read and study their work. John Gill is one who comes to mind right off the bat. James Petigru Boyce is another. Benjamin B. Warfield is another. I could go on but these are just a few of my favorites.Boyce's "Abstract of Systematic Theology " was the first book I owned after God saved me. Gill's "Body of divinity" came not too much later.

[mlqurgw]

I've read a little of BB Warfield, and I like him too. Boyce is one I am not too familiar with.Boyce is considered by many to be the principal founder of Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Ky. He is not as well known as Broadus and Manly though.

[Andyman_1970]

My current favorite theologian is NT Wright, I'm currently reading his "Paul, fresh perspectives" book that just came out.

[MrJim]

A few years ago I'd said Louis Berkhof or further back I'd said Pilgram Marpeck.

In the spiritual transition I'm in now there is no human teacher I'm "following" though I am getting interesting teaching from ECF like Ignatius, Cyprian, and Justin Martyr, though those guys probably wouldn't consider themselves as "theologians".

[mesue]

It would be quite spiritual for me to say that I exclusively read the Bible. And wouldn't that be very Corinthian of me to do so, to show how much more spiritual I am than you for reading the Bible? Neener, neener, neener :P

I used to feel that way. All I ever need to read is my KJV. And for the most part, that's true. However, I do find different perspectives to be most enhancing for my walk with the Lord. So my prayer can be "Lord, So-and-So said this about that. How do You feel about it?"
These aren't awe inspiring truths. Some are just answers to questions I have for Him. Like If You hung a special star for Jesus, and You are eternity past, and this time during creation You called men to replenish the earth, are all the stars for everytime Jesus was here? I read the answer today Genesis 1:16.
As for Authors? I like C.S Lewis, Virginia Fugate, Henrietta Mears. I don't read too much, because I don't have time enough.

[Flynmonkie]

I too have much from Charles Stanley. In fact I am working on two of his books right now. "The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785277471/qid=1136224637/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/103-7919126-1892661?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)" & " Our Unmet Needs (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0840791437/qid=1136224682/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7919126-1892661?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)". I continually refer to his work. I believe his book "Handle with Prayer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0896939634/qid=1136224593/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-7919126-1892661?n=507846&s=books&v=glance)" is the BEST I have ever found so far that explains a healthy prayer life.

Gary Smalley is another I enjoy. The book that literally changed my thinking I highly recommend it to others is "The Joy that Lasts (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310242819/qid=1136224779/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7919126-1892661?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)" Amongst many others. Especially in relationship issues, forgiveness, expectations etc..

Beth Moore has also become another favorite, so far I really like her work. I think everyone should read "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things: Arming Yourself in the Age of Seduction (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805424652/qid=1136224965/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/103-7919126-1892661?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)" it is a real eye opener.

John MacArthur gave me a wonderful start. I still refer to him quite often I have his library.

Mostly when I read, I am reading others perspectives on how to apply the Bible in our lives. I spend most of my time learning how to improve my Christian walk.

[MatthewPoole]

1. Matthew Poole
2. Matthew Henry
3. Albert Barns
4. C.I. Scofield
5. John Gill
6. John Calvin
7. John R. Rice

there's alot more... but for space that'll do!

[Erinwilcox]

1. John Calvin
2. Augustine
3. Charles Spurgeon
4. Matthew Henry
5. Jonathan Edwards
6. John Owen
And More!

[mesue]

...Gary Smalley is another I enjoy. The book that literally changed my thinking I highly recommend it to others is "The Joy that Lasts (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310242819/qid=1136224779/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-7919126-1892661?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)" Amongst many others. Especially in relationship issues, forgiveness, expectations etc..
...
I love Gary Smalley. He's very good with relationship issues.

[eaglex]

I'm gong to say HAL LINDSEY. He's not only a prophecy teacher but, he dows explain a lot outside of prophecy also.

[tattedschmoe]

Paul Tillich
Marcus Borg
Origen(even though it's very hard to find books of his, still going to be searching a lot.)
Brian McLaren

[Joykins]

C.S. Lewis.

Marcus Borg through whom I discovered the wonderful N.T. Wright.

Chesterton, for making my mind explode with beauty.

Tony Campolo.

St. Augustine.

I'm also reading Brian MacLaren's book "A Generous Orthodoxy" right now, and liking it a lot.

[ZiSunka]

My favorites are Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rich Mullins and Philip Yancy. I've learned so much about God from all of them.

[Flynmonkie]

I love Gary Smalley. He's very good with relationship issues. :thumbsup:
I still haven't gotten to the newer DNA of relationships series but I hear it is wonderful! My husband and I both watched the Keys to Lasting Relationship series (needs updating!!) "Love is a Decision" was a wonderful book that helped me tremendously too. (Overall in my life!) I started with “How to win your husband back, before it’s too late” (don’t let the title fool ‘ya) and each book it seems emphasizes many of the points he discusses. I always recommend those to others that experience problems in the marriage (very common) even the most basic of disagreements. But I think all of this things are a good read anyway – gives a perspective we don’t often realize with all things!

[tattedschmoe]

I'm also reading Brian MacLaren's book "A Generous Orthodoxy" right now, and liking it a lot.

of all the people i forgot, i forget to put Brian McLaren. i'm a bit out of it today. he goes on my list as well (and i will edit it, haha :) )

[Andyman_1970]

I'm also reading Brian MacLaren's book "A Generous Orthodoxy" right now, and liking it a lot.

I just got done reading that about 2 weeks ago myself............

[Joykins]

My favorites are Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rich Mullins and Philip Yancy. I've learned so much about God from all of them.

They are some of my favorites as well. How could I have forgotten them? :doh:

[Leimeng]

~ In no particular order:
* Chesteron
* Lewis
* Francis Schaeffer
* Kennith Hagin
* Dave Roberson
* Augustine
* Erasimus
~ Dozens of others as well, I will post as I remember.
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves....

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

[Petunia]

I like Norman Geisler too. Especially his 'Baker Encyclopedia of Christian apologetics'.

I liked Josh McDowel's theology work.. even though I don't think he's as involved in theology these days as much as he used to be a few years ago. He's more in other parts of the ministry now. He used to be an atheist.. and set out to disprove Christianity.. and ended up proving it to himself. It set him on a different road and he went into Christian apologetics because of it.

Same thing with Lee Strobel. Former atheist who set out to disprove Christianity.. and ended up proving it to himself. I've read some of his work. "A case for faith'.. and 'a case for Christ'. I don't care much for his style of writing though.

Also like Ravi Zacharias. If I'm remembering correctly.. years ago he used to be an atheist too.. but now strong in Christian theology and apologetics.

I liked Floyd H. Barackman's 'Practical Christian Theology' book. I don't know much about him.. but his theology was on the mark.

I also like much of Ron Rhode's work... but don't care for his connection to Hank Hannegraaf.

[arunma]

My favorites are:

Saint Paul (the only writer of infallible theology on the list)
Saint Justin Martyr
Matthew Henry
Saint Augustine
Adam Clarke
John Wesley
Martin Luther

[Project 86]

John MacArthur, Albert Barnes and C.S. Lewis to name a few that come to mind.

[angela 2]

20th century?

Karl Barth
Hans Frei
George Lindbeck
George Hunsinger
the Torrance guys
Karl Rahner
Hans Kung
Alister McGrath
Allen Dulles
S. Mark Heim

[Imblessed]

At this moment I'm struggling through "Desiring God" by John Piper. It's good, but not easy.

The only theological writer I've read much of is C.S. Lewis, mainly because my mom has most of his books.

I honestly don't read too much theology. I'm a fiction person myself. I did enjoy R.C. Sproul's Grace Unknown though, and wouldn't mind reading some of his other works.

Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages has been invaluable to me--my husband and I have given it to several couples we know. I think it should be a must read for all married couples.

I read the Case for Faith by Strobel. It's pretty good. I gave it to my sister-in-law hoping she'd read it, but honestly, the book is not going to work unless the reader is "looking". She didn't even open the book.

Right now, I'm vastly enjoying Spurgeon's sermons online. He's brilliant. I would have loved to have actually heard him speak.

[Diane_Windsor]

Hi everybody!

Hi Dave :wave:

who is your favorite Christian writer/ theologian?

John Wesley, who may be a possible ancestor of mine :)

DIANE
:wave:

[KEPLER]

Greetings from a Lutheran lurker! :wave:

Here's my top 10 (after the first three, no particular order...):

1) St. Paul
2) St. Luke
3) Martin Luther (who else?! ;) )
4) Kenneth E. Bailey
5) C.S. Lewis
6) Athanasius
7) C. H. Spurgeon (the devotional stuff)
8) Martin Chemnitz (the so-called "Second Martin")
9) Martin Lloyd-Jones
10) F.F. Bruce

Technically Bruce and Bailey are not theologians, per se, but biblical scholars. That's OK. Good stuff.

Cheers,

Kepler

[JPPT1974]

Greetings from a Lutheran lurker! :wave:

Here's my top 10 (after the first three, no particular order...):

1) St. Paul
2) St. Luke
3) Martin Luther (who else?! ;) )
4) Kenneth E. Bailey
5) C.S. Lewis
6) Athanasius
7) C. H. Spurgeon (the devotional stuff)
8) Martin Chemnitz (the so-called "Second Martin")
9) Martin Lloyd-Jones
10) F.F. Bruce

Technically Bruce and Bailey are not theologians, per se, but biblical scholars. That's OK. Good stuff.

Cheers,

Kepler

Good ones my friend
Especially C.S. Lewis is an awesome one! :thumbsup: