Theology Proper
Book Reviews by
Fred G. Zaspel
Almighty Over All by R. C. Sproul, Jr. (Baker Book House)
I don't know if this is RC Jr's first book, but it is the first I've read. He does a nice job surveying this wonderful theme of God's sovereignty. It is light, easy reading, and it handles the primary related issues well. Like his father, Sproul enjoys making philosophical concepts simple. My only criticism of the book is that it is very weak exegetically. Outside of a very few chapters, most concepts are developed philosophically and theologically -- and rather accurately, I should add. But there is too little grounding of theology in the Bible; Sproul is much more likely to cite the Westminster Confession than he is the Scriptures. This is a glaring weakness and one which is characteristic of too many theologians. But the book still serves well as a helpful and easy and even enjoyable introduction to the study.
The Battle of the Gods by Robert Morey (Crown Publications)
I'm not sure if this is in print any longer, since Crown has gone out of business. But if you can find it, and if you're planning to study the doctrine of God and His attributes, then you'll appreciate the help that Morey gives. He is always clear and helpful in this reaffirmation of the historic, Biblical teaching about God. A very good defense against the modern alternatives, which are becoming all too popular.
Children of the Living God by Sinclair Ferguson (Banner of Truth)
Vintage Ferguson -- a rich and warm study of what it is to have God as our Father and to live as his children. An excellent study.
The Claims of Truth by Carl Trueman (Paternoster)
An excellent piece of work analyzing John Owen's Trinitarian theology. Show's that Owen, contrary to common opinions, was not so influenced by Aristotelian or scholastic thought as he was by the Biblical teaching on the triune Godhead. Provides a solid portrait of the Reformed understanding of the Triunity and work of God. For advanced students.
Concepts of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by Matthew Alfs (Old Theology Book House)
A very helpful summary of the varieties of Trinitarian and non-Trinitarian theology. Explains clearly and simply the views of Roman Catholicism, Lutherans, Reformed and other Protestand bodies, and some of the cults. The treatment of the Reformed views is comparitively weak, but the book is a helpful statement of the various positions on the Trinity, the nature of the Son's generation and incarnation, the Spirit's procession, subordinationism, etc.
Creation: A Witness to the Wonder of God by Mark Futato (Presbyterian & Reformed)
This is not your typical book on creation! Futato, Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, is not so concerned in this book to address the question of evolution. His concern is to show how creation bears witness to God's Glory, Power, Wisdom, Love, Justice, and Faithfulness. His study is well-informed and devotional, theocentric and practical. Good for personal study and for study groups. A very refreshing and enriching study of what creation has to say about God.
The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D. A. Carson (Crossway Books)
In this new book by Carson he examines the love of God Scripturally in light of many confusing contemporary notions and misunderstandings. Sentimental ideas about God's love as well as questions regarding God's love in relation to his sovereignty and wrath. Biblical, theological, and pastoral -- a definite help in understanding better the great truth of God's love.
Retail -- $12.99 -- your price $9.25
Discovering God in Stories from the Bible by Philip Ryken (Crossway)
An excellent series of studies of God's attributes as illustrated in various narrative portions of the Bible. Ryken does a great job both of teaching about the various aspects of God's character and of illustrating and applying the same in the various stories from the Bible -- Saul and God's immutability, Jonah and God's omnipresence, and so on. Solid theology in most enjoyable reading. Great for mind and heart. Highly recommended.
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility by D. A. Carson
Carson provides a rather thorough treatment of the subject and ends up with a healthy "both - and" conclusion. His demonstration of ancient Jewish beliefs from the intertestamental literature is fascinating, a treasure of study that would be difficult to find anywhere else. But his examination of subject in the OT and the Gospel of John is solid and clear and persuasive. It is one of the best treatments of the subject you will find. Highly recommended.
The Doctrine of God by John Frame (P&R)
This new book deserves first place on the theology shelf. Frame is thorough, insightful, widely read, well informed, contemporary, Biblically precise, and refreshingly reverent in his presentation of the Biblical teaching about God. Must reading for any serious study of the doctrine. Very highly recommended!
The Doctrine of God by Herman Bavinck (Banner of Truth)
The standard Reformed classic systematic treatment of the doctrine of God. Especially helpful on the attributes of God. Excellent -- must reading for any serious study.
The Forgotten Trinity by James White (Bethany House)
A very plain and effective presentation of the doctrine of the trinity -- exegetically, theologically, and historically. Very good for pastors and laymen alike.
God the Father, Almighty: A contemporary exploration of the divine attributesby Millard J. Erickson (Baker Book House)
This is an excellent contemporary defense of the historic Christian doctrine of God against process theology. Erickson is clear, precise, thorough, and helpful. A most valuable contemporary contribution to the study. Certainly one of the best criticisms of process theology and the openness of God views available. I have thoroughly enjoyed the read.
God in Three Persons by Millard Erickson (Baker)
A Contemporary Interpretation of the Trinity. Erickson shows a strong acquaintance with the teachings of the early church and of contemporary theologians but comparitively little with that of the Reformers and the Puritans -- a demension which would help considerably in his discussion. But his work is very satisfying and helpful. He gives clear historical, theological, and philosophical analysis of the various intricacies of this difficult doctrine and presents them in a way in which most any diligent student can easily understand. And the Biblical data, although it comprises less of the study, is relatively thorough and very clear. His work is contemporary, theologically precise, and very useful. Highly recommended.
God is King by Tom Wells (Evangelical Press)
An excellent study of the Sovereignty of God. Tom's writing is always profoundly simple -- he takes on a glorious subject like God's sovereignty and writes in a way a 6th grader can grasp easily and well. This book is most higly recommended for anyone wishing to deepen his understanding of God. A great resource for your church book-table or library!
The God of the Bible and Other Gods by Robert P. Lightner (Kregel Publications)
A nice overview of the doctrine of God by a moderate Calvinist. Biblical issues regarding the Existence of God, the Tinity, and the Perfections of God are surveyed and summarized well. The primary passages are treated briefly. A helpful first introduction to the study.
God's Lesser Glory by Bruce Ware (Crossway Books)
If the title doesn't tip you off as to Ware's point, the subtitle surely does -- "The Diminished God of Open Theism." Ware presents an insightful analysis of and mounts a devastating attack on the "openness" views of God advocated by Sanders, Boyd, Pinnock, and company. This "God is ignorant" view indeed does diminish God, and needs to be answered -- and Ware answers it clearly and well. Treating the subject fairly and writing very plainly, Ware examines the issues biblically, theologically, and pastorally. This is one of the few book-length critiques of the openness view, and I trust that it will be around for a while to come. This is perhaps the best book for general use on the subject, simply presented and popularly written as it is. This is a subject on which Christians should be well informed -- the very deity of God is at issue! -- and this book provides all the "ammunition" most will ever need. Highly recommended.
The Grandeur of God by Sam Storms (Baker Books)
Storms does a most helpful job of treating the attributes of God in a concise way. I like his concern for right thinking about God and his clear, precise treatments of the subjects. I think it is now out of print, but I'd bet it will be back.
A Heart for God by Sinclair Ferguson (Banner of Truth)
"Superb . . . profound. Our debt to Ferguson increases with every sentence he writes." So writes J. I. Packer in his endorsement of this book. I said on another page here that Ferguson is truly a theologian of the heart, and that is as evident here as anywhere. The subtitle reveals his aim: If He Can Be Known, How Can We Discover Him? This is an extremely helpful book on knowing God by learning Who He is. You will quickly recognize that Ferguson faithfully presents the God of the Bible – a God of holiness, sovereignty, grace, kindness, love, faithfulness – and you'll be impressed by it very soon into the book. Subjects include the knowing God, God the Trinity, God the Creator, God the Savior, God's Holiness, Faithfulness, and the Worship of God. You already know I love Ferguson, and this book is just another good reason. Get it, and read it – for your own sake. Very highly recommended.
Knowing God by J. I. Packer (InterVarsity Press) is an Evangelical classic which deserves as much reading as it can possibly get. Since its first release 25 years ago it has been widely recognized as a rich and profitable study of the Person of God. Packer's high view of God, coupled with a heart for the Biblical gospel, results in a book that provides spiritual refreshment on virtually every page. Ask anyone who's read it, and you'll receive still another warm recommendation. Right thinking about God is crucial, and this book will help you think rightly about God like few other books can. Highly recommended – valuable reading.
The Knowledge of the Holy, as I have mentioned elsewhere, is another little volume by A. W. Tozer that contributes to his reputation as a fervent Christian whose heart is sincere and passionate for God. His "What comes to your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you" long ago made an impression on me, and here in this little book (a study on the attributes of God) you can learn well how to think about God. Rich. Well worth the reading.
Making Sense of the Trinity by Millard Erickson (Baker)
Another volume in the "Three Crucial Questions" series from Baker Books, the "three questions" being, 1) Is the Doctrine of the Trinity Biblical? 2) Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Make Sense? and 3) Does the Doctrine of the Trinity Make Any Difference? Erickson handles the Biblical data related to this difficult concept very well, surveying the relevant OT and NT passages concisely and simply. Similarly, his explanations in part 2 are clear and helpful. A very good book both for first time study and for review of the important questions related to the discussion.
Our Sovereign God by John Reisinger
The Sovereignty of God in Providence
The Sovereignty of God in Prayer by John Reisinger (Sound of Grace)
These three booklets are a very helpful study of the subject of Divine sovereignty. I heard John teach on these subjects and enjoyed it thoroughly. He clarifies these sometimes difficult subjects in a wonderfully simple way. You will find your thinking sharpened and your heart warmed as you read them. Highly recommended.
The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God by John Piper
John Piper has done us a great service by re-emphasizing this great theme, and that in such a warm and enriching way. "God's delight in being God" is a thought that should liven and strengthen our faith, and Piper does a very good job of explaining why. This aspect of theology is not commonly expounded, and Piper's book is valuable if only for that reason. This is very good reading. Highly recommended for all!
Still Sovereign edited by Thomas Schreiner and Bruce Ware (Baker)
One of the few good things that has come from the rise of "openness theology" is the new wave of its critics who have rallied in outspoken defense of historic, biblical truth. This is one of those books. Originally published as The Grace of God, the Bondage of the Will (two volumes), this book draws on the work of various noted theologians who bring their work to bear on the subject of God's sovereignty from three angles -- exegetical, theological, and pastoral. Contributing authors include Don Carson, Ray Ortland, Robert Yarbrough, Donald Westblade, John Piper, Wayne Grudem, S. M. Baugh, Jerry Bridges, C. Samuel Storms, Edmund Clowney, and of course the editors themselves. My favorite are in the exegetical section of the book, but all the essays are consistently good and helpful and to the point. Subjects include the sovereignty of God in the OT, divine election, perseverance, the meaning of foreknowledge, assurance, effectual calling, living under a sovereign God, and so on. A very important contribution to the contemporary discussion. Perfect for a series of studies. Highly recommended -- every pastor should have it!
Sour Notes:
God, Freedom, and Evil by Alvin Plantinga (Eerdmans, 1974)
Well, I bought the book, but I'm not buying the book's thesis. I'm not even renting it. Plantinga has become famous for his "Free Will Defense" of the problem of evil, but his thesis is indefensible exegetically and does serious damage to the Bible's presentation of the sovereignty of God. It "solves" the problem by domesticating God to human proportions. His "solution" is worse than the problem! Don't waste your money.
When Faith is Not Enough by Kelly James Clark (Eerdmans, 1997)
More of the "god who couldn't help it" theology. For the life of me I cannot understand how after arguing for such a god he (Clark) can call on us to trust Him! "Trusting" a god who cannot decisively intervene against evil is an odd concept indeed. We could well look to such a god for sympathy, but it would be difficult to trust him. Again, don't waste your money on this one.
The God Who Risks by John Sanders (IVP)
God of the Possible by Gregory Boyd (Baker Books)
You can tell by the titles where these guys are going -- more of the "god who can't help it." Emotional arguments, faulty logic, and serious interpretive mistakes result in a theology of a finite, bungling deity -- a deity not worthy of your study, much less your worship.
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