What books should
Reformed Christians own?
An Annotated Bibliography for Building a Basic Library
Select Bibliography Suggested and Annotated by Rev.
Michael Brown
The purpose of this brief bibliography
is simply to provide Reformed Christians with a guide to
some of the best books
available on a number of subjects, and to suggest some
of the volumes that a basic home library might contain.
{B} = Basic
{I} = Intermediate
{A} = Advanced
New to the Reformed Faith?
{B} Three
Forms of Unity: Heidelberg Catechism (1563); Belgic Confession
(1561); Canons of Dordt (1618-19). If
you want to understand what Reformed theology is all about,
you must start with Reformed confessions, for in them we
find the most essential summary of Calvinism and the Reformed
faith. Put simply, one cannot claim to be Reformed without
being confessional,
{B} Westminster Confession of Faith
{B} W.
Robert Godfrey,
An Unexpected Journey: Discovering Reformed Christianity (Phillipsburg:
P & R, 2004).
Dr. Godfrey gives his personal story of how he discovered
Reformed Christianity in high school and why, decades later,
he is more convinced than ever that it is the purest expression
of Christianity to be found. A very helpful and eye-opening
little book.
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{I}
Michael Horton,
Putting Amazing Back Into Grace (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1994). Probably the best book in print
as an introduction to the Reformed faith. A classic!
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{I} RC Sproul, Grace
Unknown (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1997). An excellent treatment of and introduction
to the doctrines
of grace and some of the foundations of Reformed theology.
A great book for people newly interested in Reformed theology.
Basic Biblical Reference
{I} D. A. Carson,
Douglas J. Moo, and Leon Morris, An Introduction
to the New Testament (Grand
Rapids: The Zondervan Corporation,
1992). A very up to date and useful volume dealing with
questions of New Testament introduction--i.e., the date,
authorship and historical circumstances surrounding the
books of the New Testament. Useful material for responding
to higher-critical theories of NT origins.
Recommended Classics
{I}
John Calvin,
The Institutes of the Christian Religion, ed.,
McNeil and Battles (Philadelphia:
The Westminster
Press, 1960). An amazing work of theological reflection
that every Christian should read. To quote Kim Riddlebarger, “Reformed
Christians need to stop talking about Calvin and start
reading Calvin!” This scholarly work can also be
used as devotional material.
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{I} Zacharias Ursinus,
Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (Phillipsburg:
P & R, n.d.). Ursinus was the chief
author of the Heidelberg Catechism. This book is a classic
work on Reformed theology.
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{B}
J. Gresham Machen,
Christianity and Liberalism (Grand
Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1981). Though this was written
in the 1920's to combat Protestant Liberalism, it reads
as though it was written yesterday about contemporary Evangelicalism.
Highly recommended. This is a brilliant and insightful
book.
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{I} Martin Luther,
Basic Theological Writings, edited by Timothy
Lull (Minneapolis: Fortress
Press, 1989). An excellent
resource to get at the core of Luther’s greatest
work, including Babylonian Captivity of the Church, Freedom
of the Christian, and Bondage of the Will.
Systematic Theology
{B} Louis Berkhof,
Manual of Christian Doctrine (Grand Rapids:
William B. Eerdmans, 1994). This is basically a
scaled-down version of his larger work. Probably the best
place to begin as an introduction to systematic theology.
{I}
Louis Berkhof,
Systematic Theology (Grand
Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1986 [also printed by Banner
of Truth]). An indispensable work on Reformed systematic
theology. If you have tackled the “Manual,” you
will want to secure a copy of this larger work as a useful
reference.
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{I} Louis Berkhof,
History of Christian Doctrines (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1987). This
volume supplements
his Systematic Theology. It includes very helpful summations
of the history of various Christian doctrines.
{I}
Richard A. Muller,
Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms (Grand
Rapids: Baker House, 1985). This book is a
real gem, with great articles on the Trinity, Christology,
and a host of other topics from the perspective of Lutheran
and Reformed orthodoxy. An English index enables the reader
to find the right article even if you do not read Greek
or Latin. This is highly recommended, especially as a supplement
to Berkhof.
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{A} Herman
Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics [3
volumes] (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2006) Recently translated into English from
Dutch, we now have access to one of the giants of the Reformed
tradition at the turn of the 19th century. One of the greatest
systematic theologies ever produced.
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{I} David VanDrunen [ed.], The
Pattern of Sound Doctrine (Philipsburg:
P & R, 2004) A fantastic book in honor
of Dr. Robert Strimple, long-time professor of systematic
theology at Westminster Seminary California. Excellent
essays by DG Hart, Edmund Clowney, Michael Horton, Robert
Godfrey, R. Scott Clark and David VanDrunen. (331 pages)
{I} Sinclair Ferguson, The
Holy Spirit (Downers Grove: IVP,
1996) Probably the best book I have ever read on the
Holy Spirit. Highly recommended! (288 pages)
{A} Herman Witsius, The
Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man (printed
by the den Dulk Foundation and distributed by P & R,
1990). A two-volume work that integrates systematic
theology with biblical theology. An enormous help to
anyone wanting to better understand covenant theology.
{A}
Francis Turretin, Institutes
of Elenctic Theology (Phillipsburg:
P & R, 1992). A beautiful three-volume work from
the seventeenth century Genevan scholar and Reformed
Scholastic Turretin. A treasure of a resource to all
interested in systematic and historic theology.
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Biblical Theology
{A}
Geerhardus Vos, Biblical
Theology (Grand
Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1977). Vos is tough reading,
but will yield treasures to the one who makes the effort.
Vos looks at the framework of redemption as it unfolds
historically through the pages of Scripture.
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{A} Meredith Kline,
Kingdom Prologue (Overland Park: Two Age Press, 2000) Dr. Kline taught Old
Testament and Hebrew for over half a century at Westminster
Seminary Philadelphia, Gordon-Conwell Seminary and Westminster
Seminary California. This is his magnum opus on Genesis.
A colossal work of covenant theology. This book will take
you to new heights in your understanding of the unfolding
drama of the Bible. Highly recommeded for the very serious
student of covenant theology. (406 pages)
{I} Meredith
Kline,
The Structure of Biblical Authority (Eugene:
Wipf and Stock, 1989) So, just what is an "ancient
Near Eastern suzerainty treaty" after all? How does
the covenantal nature of the canon of Scripture determine
its authority? Read Kline's Structure and find out! A great
book. (218 pages)
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{B} Graeme Goldsworthy,
According to Plan (Downers Grove: IVP, 1991) A great book
that gives an orientation to biblical theology to the uninitiated,
yet curious, student. (251 pages)
{I} Michael
Horton,
God of Promise (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2006) How do the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants
relate? Why is this so important to how we read and interpret
the Bible? Horton's book deals with these crucial questions
and gives an excellent survey of covenant theology. A must
read for the thoughtful reader and lover of covenant theology.
(204 pages)
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{B} Edmund Clowney,
The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old
Testament (Philipsburg:
P & R, 1988)
A great book for people who want to see that the Old Testament
is ultimately about Christ. Clear and simple. (208 pages)
{B} Derke Bergsma,
Redemption: The Triumph of God's Great Plan (Kearney: Morris, 1989) Another great
book for beginners who want to see the connecting plan
and unfolding drama of Scripture. (140 pages)
{A} Geerhardus
Vos, Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation (Philipsburg:
P & R, repr.1980) Everything by Vos is
amazing. It is like fine wine: not meant to be guzzled,
but sipped, savored and enjoyed. As Scott Clark once told
me, "Read a little bit and walk away. Go think about
it." (559 pages)
Historical Theology
{I} Stanley Grenz & Roger
Olsen, 20th Century Theology (Downers
Grove: IVP, 1992) If you are looking for a good survey
of major thinkers from the Enlightenment until the 20th
century and how the modern church has been effected by
them, this is a pretty good book and worth reading and
owning. (393 pages)
Salvation
{B} John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1955).
This is
one of the
best introductions to Reformed soteriology. Highly
recommended.
{I}
R. C. Sproul,
Chosen by God (Wheaton:
Tyndale House Publishers, 1987). Still one of the best
introductions
to the Reformed doctrine of predestination. Highly
recommended.
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{I} R. C. Sproul,
Faith Alone: The Evangelical
Doctrine of Justification (Grand Rapids:
Baker Book House, 1995).
An excellent book clearly describing the differences between
a Protestant and a Roman Catholic understanding of the
doctrine of justification by faith alone.
The Church
{A} Edmund P. Clowney,
The Church (Downers
Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1995). An excellent treatment
of the nature, mission
and purpose of the church of Jesus Christ.
Sacraments
{I} Keith Matthison,
Given For You: Reclaiming Calvin’s
Doctrine of the Lord’s Supper (Phillipsburg:
P & R,
2002). By far the very best book in print today on the
Lord’s Supper. Read, re-read it, and give it to pastors
and elders. Highly recommended for anyone interested in
understanding the Calvinistic and Reformed position on
the Lord’s Supper.
{I} John Murray,
Christian Baptism (Phillipsburg:
P & R,
1980). An excellent little book (only 90 pages!) on the
historic view of Baptism, which gives a clear and cogent
defense of the biblical doctrine of paedo-baptism.
{A} Meredith Kline,
By Oath Consigned: A Reinterpretation of the Covenant
Signs of Circumcision and Baptism (Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 1968) Probably the
greatest thing ever written on the sacrament of baptism.
If you are struggling to understand why Reformed people
believe in the doctrine of infant baptism, this IS the
book. Hard to find (as it is out of print) but worth the
search!
Worship
{I}
Michael Horton,
A Better Way (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2002). Hands down the best book in print
today on worship.
In this superb defense of Reformed liturgy and worship,
Horton shows us what the worship is, namely, a covenant
renewal ceremony. This book will help clear up the “contemporary” v. “traditional” debates
that we too often hear and will refocus our attention on
what is actually taking place during a worship service.
Read it, re-read it and recommend it!
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{B} D. G. Hart and
John Muether, With Reverence and Awe (Phillipsburg: P & R, 2002). An excellent book written
on a very basic and readable level for all people in the
pew. You will find this book very enjoyable and very helpful.
Highly recommended.
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{A} D. G. Hart, Recovering Mother
Kirk (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003). A thoughtful book with many
excellent scholarly
essays arguing the case for liturgy in the Reformed tradition.
Stimulating and provocative.
{B} Hughes Oliphant
Old, Guides to the Reformed Tradition: Worship (Atlanta: John Knox Press,
1984). A great book
that serves as a basic historical survey of worship in
the Reformed tradition. Very readable.
{I} John Calvin,
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (Audubon: Old Paths, repr. 1994). While not
a treatise
on the subject of worship alone, this is an excellent primary
resource to discover how important proper worship was to
Calvin. Will give every Christian a clearer understanding
of what the Reformation was all about.
{I} Give Praise
to God, ed. Philip Graham
Ryken, Derek Thomas, J. Ligon Duncan III (Philipsburg:
P & R, 2003).
An impressive collection of thoughtful and well-researched
essays on the subject of worship by such notable scholars
and authorities on Reformed worship as Ligon Duncan, Hughes
Oliphant Old, Terry Johnson, Michael Horton and W. Robert
Godfrey. An excellent book.
{I} Horton
Davies, The Worship of the English Puritans (Morgan:
Soli Deo Gloria, 1997). A classic resource on
the English Puritans’ understanding of the worship
service.
Eschatology
{B} Kim
Riddlebarger, A Case For Amillenialism (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 2003). Probably the best thing in print
as an introduction to Reformed eschatology. Dr. Riddlebarger
(pastor of Christ Reformed Church in Anaheim, CA and co-host
of the White Horse Inn) walks the reader through the different
eschatological views, the covenantal basis for Reformed
eschatology, and exposits the critical texts in the Bible,
such as Daniel 9, Matthew 24 and Revelation 20. A must
read!
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{A} Anthony Hoekema,
The Bible and the Future (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1979). A thorough
and careful defense
of amillennialism. Highly recommended for every serious
student of eschatology.
{I} Cornelis Venema, The Promise of the Future (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2000). Another
well-written and
carefully researched work on Reformed eschatology that
is of great benefit to the Christian interested in understanding
the last things. Highly recommended as a supplement to
the titles above.
{I} Dennis Johnson,
Triumph of the Lamb (Phillipsburg: P & R,
2001). How do Reformed Christians understand the book
of Revelation? Why does this apocalyptic book offer the
Christian so much comfort? Johnson answers these questions
in his very readable and accessible commentary on Revelation.
In my opinion, the best book in print for laity who desire
to study and understand the book of Revelation.
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{A} G.K. Beale, The
Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999).
This is the definitive commentary on the book of
Revelation from an amillennial perspective. This is a critical
commentary and very technical. It weighs in at 1245 pages.
If you are still wrestling with how to understand the book
of Revelation after reading Johnson’s Triumph of
the Lamb, consult Beale!
Christianity and Culture
{I} Gene
Edward Veith, Jr., Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary
Thought and Culture (Wheaton,
IL: Crossway Book, 1994). Probably the best thing in
print as a basic introduction to post-modern thinking.
Very readable and very informative. An excellent book.
{I} Michael Horton,
Where in the World is the Church? (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995). A practical
and informative treatment
of the Christian's role in culture. Highly recommended.
{I} Michael
Horton, Beyond Culture Wars (Chicago:
Moody Press, 1994). How do we as Christians relate to the
culture wars and political activism?
{I} Michael
Horton, In the Face of God (Dallas:
Word Books, 1996). This is a brilliant book and will
be enjoyed especially by those looking for a way out
of the subjective maze of modern Christian worship and
piety.
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{B} Ken
Myers, All God's Children
and Blue Suede Shoes (Wheaton:
Crossway, 1989) Myers shows why it is so important is
for us to be able to distinguish between “folk
culture,” “high culture” and “pop
culture,” and tells us why we simply cannot afford
to be indifferent about culture “any more than we
can be indifferent about the toxicity of the water we drink
or the air we breathe.” A very thoughtful book calling
Christians to think about what they engage in on a daily
basis and how pop culture shapes the way we think and feel.
If you are a Christian, alive and breathing and living
anywhere in the United States, I highly commend this book
to you. Even though it was written in 1989, its message
is every bit as relevant to the cultural milieu today.
You can't afford to miss this one! (336 pages)
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{B} David VanDrunen, A Biblical Case
for Natural Law (Grand
Rapids: Acton, 2006) A fantastic little book that clearly
and plainly explains what natural law is and how it relates
to human nature, the civil and spiritual kingdoms. (74
pages)
Christian Life and Family
{B} J. I. Packer,
Knowing God (Downers
Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973). This is one of those
books that every Christian
should read once every few years. An excellent devotional
work which helps the reader to refocus upon the glory of
God.
{B} Donald Van Dyken,
Rediscovering Catechism: The Art of Equipping Children (Phillipsburg:
P & R, 2000).
A treasure of a book for every parent, pastor and catechism
or Sunday school teacher. Highly recommended.
{B} Terry Johnson,
The Family Worship Book
{B} Michael
Horton,
Too Good to Be True (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 2006) In my opinion, this could
be the greatest book that Mike has written yet. A basic
synopsis of all his theology applied to the inevitable
experience of suffering. Highly recommended for anyone
who isn't in heaven yet. (189 pages)
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Church History
{B}
W. Robert Godfrey,
Reformation Sketches (Phillipsburg:
P & R, 2003). Church historian and Westminster Seminary
President W. Robert Godfrey takes the reader through a
clear and simple journey through the lives of some of the
major players of the Reformation. This book will not only
teach you about the Reformers themselves, it will show
you why knowing their theology remains so vital for us
today. A must read!
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{A} Nathan O. Hatch,
The Democratization of American Christianity (New Haven: Yale University Press,
1989). Why is American
Evangelicalism the way it is? Historian Nathan Hatch
unfolds the answer to that question in this excellent book.
One
of my personal favorites!
{I} J.N.D. Kelly, Early Christian
Doctrines (San
Francisco: Harper Collins, 1978) This is an excellent work
on the early church and indispensable to any study on the
development of critical doctrines like the Trinity and
Christology. Kelly is a first rate scholar and historian
who writes very well. Highly, highly recommended.
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{I} Henry Chadwick, The Early Church (London:
Penguin, 1967) A clearly written, excellent summary of
the main figures and events of the first several centuries
of church history.
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{I} Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church [8
vols.] (repr.1858-92, Peabody: Hendricksen, 2006) Schaff’s
work is a classic and a must-have for any serious student
of the first 1600 years of church history. Beautifully
written, well-researched, and, though from the nineteenth
century, very easy to read.
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{A} Cyril Richardson [ed.], Early Christian Fathers (New
York: Touchstone, 1996) Contains important primary resources
from the early church, such as a translation of The
Didache, The First Apology of Justin Martyr, and selections
from Irenaeus’ monumental work combating Gnosticism, Against
Heresies. A great resource for serious students of
the ancient church.
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{A} S.L. Greenslade [ed.] Early Latin Theology (Louisville:
The Westminster Press, 1956) Another great collection of
important primary resources from some of the largest figures
from the ancient western church: Tertullian, Cyprian, Ambrose
and Jerome.
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