Does anyone know of any Christian scholars/philosophers that would be agood read? Im looking to learn more about Christianity from the more reasonable, down to earth Christians that existed. Now I only know of Aquinas, but im not sure if he even fits the description of what im looking for. Id just like to read up Christian writings that deal more with the spirituality and philosophy behind Christianity rather than just the biblical aspect.
Walter Rauschenbusch http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Rauschenbusch John Nelson Darby http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Nelson_Darby not down to earth, but basically the father of American Fundamentalism
Essentials of Christian Theology edited by William Placher came out in the past two years. It has a series of essays on huge topics of the Christian faith by well-read, creative new theologians. Within this book, some theologians to check out are John Cobb and Paul Knitter. No Other Name? A Critical Survey of Christian Attitudes toward World Religions - Paul Knitter Jesus: a Revolutionary Biography by John Dominic Crossan Books by Paul Tillich, particularly the first half of his first book in the Systematic Theology series. (or Dynamics of Faith) Thomas A'Kempis' Imitation of Christ ..I think that's from the 16th century though. Also Martin Luther's table talks or..I'm not sure what they're called...bar talks? They're copies of theological discussions had over a pint. I've heard they're great, and Luther is a great writer... For nonfiction stories with good theology look for: Ragman by Walter Wangerin.... or even Amazing Grace by Kathleen Norris Let me know if there's something else in particular you're looking for. For the best theology I've ever read check out Justification by Faith by Gerhard Forde peace
I'd recommend studying the writings of the early christian philiosophers who were involved in the monastic (contemplative) orders rather than the clergy (political). A good way to start would be to pick up a book on early christian mystics. A good text should give you a brief bio of each one and a summation of their philosophys. Thomas Aquinas is a mixed bag; alot of what he wrote made sense but then, as far as I'm concerned, he blew it all by saying something to the effect that "..and I think it best that anyone who chooses to reject these truths be killed". Considerring that this was right about the time of the begining of the inquisistions, this wasn't just idle chatter.
Yeah, that and his argument that its smarter/safer to believe in God than not to - that makes me doubt his credibility also.. But thanks for the early christian mystics, I will look into that as well
Ronald Nash - Faith and Reason and Life's ultimate Questions are great places to start. This will introduce you to a presuppositional method (much of which finds it's roots in St. Augustine and Plato) Norman Geisler - His systematic theology volumes (I believe 3 volumes). A good place to start with that is Volume One Introduction Bible The first 200 or so pages deals heavily in the philosophical preconditions of Christianity. Also look into his (co-authored by Ron Brooks) book called When Skeptics Ask. This will introduce you to a modern evidentialist method(much of which finds it's roots in St. Thomas Aquinas) Vincent Cheung - his philosopy is heavily flawed, in my opionion, however it will introduce you to the Christian rationalist method (often called dogmatism), and his books are availible online for free! Systematic Theology and Ultimate Questions are good places to start with that. Some other names to look into are: -Alvin PlantingaBy far, one of the smartest Philolosphers -JP Morelandv - His book Scaling the Secular City is supposed to be a good book. -William Lane Craig - Many articles available online -C.S. Lewis - Check out his books Mere Christianity, The Problem of pain, and Miracles -RC Spoul -Greg Bahnsen ...theres plenty more, but I'm tired of making links right now Just let me know if you have any questions.
