Book recommendations

[thomas15]

I'm doing a self-study of the debate between Covanent and Dispensational theologies. I have assembled a few books from both sides of the debate but would like to hear from you all which books are recommended. Big thick theology books do not scare me, by the way.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

ON EDIT: I'm not looking for comparative pro/con books as much as books that teach one or the other systems. For example, for Covanent theology-Berkhof, for Dispensational- Chafer

 

[Todd W. White]

Pro-Dispensational Books (just a few):

The Revelation by Dr. W. A. Criswell

The Apocalypse by J. A. Seiss

The Revelation of Jesus Christ by John Walvoord

Revelation, Illustrated and Made Plain by Tim LaHaye

 

[swaimj]

For dispensationalism, see

Dispensationalism Today by Charles Ryrie

There Really is a Difference by Renauld Showers

 

[Brandon C. Jones]

On the Covenant side of things I recommend the Particular Baptist Nehemiah Coxe's treatise from the late seventeenth century. It was reprinted with a helpful introduction: amazon link. Thomas Grantham, a seventeenth-century General Baptist, also utilized covenant theology, but much differently than the Particular Baptists. I don't know of an accessible reprint of Grantham though, but if you have access to EEBO, then you can checkout his works there.

There is also Stephen Wellum's article in "Believer's Baptism: Sign of the New Covenant in Christ": amazon link. Wellum doesn't argue from Baptist history, but he echoes much of what Coxe says regarding Scripture and does it well in my opinion.

There is also Fred Malone's, "The Baptism of Disciples Alone: A Covenantal Argument for Credobaptism versus Paedobaptism": Founder's Link. I have not read Malone's book completely, but what little I have read of it I have not liked, so I don't heartily recommend it as I do the others.

On Dispensationalist side, I'm out of the loop. I enjoyed Progressive Dispensationalist works in the past, but I could not recommend anything helpful. Hopefully, others can help you there.

BJ

 

[Deacon]

Go to the source for Progressive Dispensationalism
by Blaising & Bock

Rob

 

[Plain Old Bill]

Go to CBD (Christian Book Distributors) select acedemic then select theology. You should find an abundance of what you are looking for there at discount prices.
You can also refine your search further buy going to the search box and typing in dispensational theology or covenent theology. Hope this helps.

 

[RustySword]

I'd say you are on the right track with Chafer and Berkhof. Both were texts that I had for first-year Systematic Theology at Dallas Seminary.

I also have Hodge's Systematic Theology to cover on the Reformed/Covenant side.

I've also found it helpful to use commentaries from both sides. Barnes Notes is an example of how a non-dispensationalist handles prophetic passages that are normally put forth to support Dispensationalism. Commentaries by Calvin, Wesley, Matthew Henry, etc., would give the Covenant viewpoint (and are downloadable free through e-sword.net). Commentaries by Walvoord, Ryrie, Pentecost, Toussaint, etc., would give the dispensational viewpoint.

I've had my share of Theology, but it's always best, IMHO, to base doctrines on the study of books or passages rather than the proof-texting and "logic" that is typically the bane of Systematic Theology.

Although I'm not sure it would actually be considered a Theology text, Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion is incredible. If you haven't read it already, I'd highly recommend you do. You don't need to be a Calvinist to enjoy it or get a blessing from it. It may not be the easiest reading you've ever done, but it's well worth it.

 

[Humblesmith]

Systematic Theology by Norman Geisler. In this, he has a very good discussion of all sides of the issue.

 

[Todd W. White]

What about Strong's Systematic Theology?

I studied Erickson's at Criswell College - didn't care for it. Nothing wrong with it, I just didn't like his style of presentation.

 

[OldRegular]

Covenant Theology by Southern Baptists

Manual of Theology by John Dagg, first book on theology by a Southern Baptist.

Christian Doctrine by W. T. Conner is a fairly easy read.

Abstract of Systematic Theology by James P. Boyce, one of the founders of Southern Seminary

By His Grace and For His Glory, by Thomas Nettles. Both a brief history and theology of Baptists.

A Body of Divinity by John Gill an English Baptist, a tough read.

Covenant Theology by Others

God the Father, God the Son; God the Holy Spirit; The Church and Last Things. Three volume set [now in one by Martyn LLoyd Jones] This is an excellent choice based on a series of sermons at the Westminister Chapel in London after WWII. The one fault is he harshly disagrees with immersion.

A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith by Robert Reymond, a difficult read.

The Bible and the Future by Anthony Hoekema. A discussion of eschatology and an excellent read.

Saved by Grace by Anthony Hoekema. An excellent discussion of the Doctrines of Grace.