There are a bewildering number of resources,
books, and podcasts to help us in our theological and spiritual journey. It can
be difficult to determine which of these resources will be beneficial for us. After
quizzing the theology faculty of Alphacrucis for their recommendations of
resources for thoughtful pentecostal who want to improve their theological and
biblical knowledge, we have produced the following list. Some may challenge
your thinking. You might not agree with all they say, but it will stretch you
as you grow in your theological literacy. Here is our list:
Developing your thinking
· After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith without Losing It by A.J. Swoboda. Also check out the podcast ‘In Faith & Doubt’ with A.J. Swoboda and Nijay K. Gupta (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-faith-doubt/id1556188087)
Basics in Christian theology
· Essentials of Pentecostal Theology: An Eternal and Unchanging Lord Powerfully Present & Active by the Holy Spirit by Tony Richie
· Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically by Beth Felker Jones
· The Gospel Revisited: Towards a Pentecostal Theology of Worship and Witness by Kenneth J. Archer
· Knowing God by J.I. Packer
· Simply Christianity by N.T. Wright
Reading the Bible
· The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible by Scot McKnight
· Them, Us & Me: How the Old Testament Speaks to People Today by Jacqueline Grey (AC)
· The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament by Sandra L. Richter
· The New Testament in Its World by N.T. Wright and Michael Bird. Also available as part of a Zondervan lecture series (https://masterlectures.zondervanacademic.com/new-testament-in-its-world)
· How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
· How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns
· Biblical Hermeneutics: Essential Keys for Interpreting the Bible by Lee Roy Martin
Digging Deeper in the Bible
· Podcast by John Griffiths (AC): ‘The Bearded Pentecostal’ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKKDjvTy6AwMklClkPqueg
· A Pentecostal Commentary on Revelation by Jon Newton (AC)
· Podcast by U-Wen Low (AC): Revelation https://www.unveilingapocalypse.com/
· The Bible in the Contemporary World: Hermeneutical Ventures by Richard Baukham
· Website and Podcast series by Craig Keener: https://craigkeener.com/ & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXTqB5Tu6LAjygcApagdMxw
· Website by N.T. Wright: https://www.ntwrightonline.org/blog/
· Blog by Michael Bird: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/euangelion/
Holy Spirit & Spiritual Gifts
· Gift & Giver: The Holy Spirit for Today by Craig Keener
· Baptized in the Spirit by Frank Macchia
· Speaking in Tongues: Jesus and the Apostolic Church as Models for the Church Today by Robert P. Menzies
· Mighty in Word and Deed: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts by James B. Shelton
· The Spirit and the Common Good: Shared Flourishing in the Image of God by Daniela C. Augustine
· Power Evangelism by John Wimber
Christian Spirituality
· The Disciple: On Becoming Truly Human by Lucy Peppiatt
· Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us by Adele A. Calhoun
Theological topics (particularly Pneumatology, Trinity & Christology)
· The Trinity & Subordinationism: The Doctrine of God & the Contemporary Gender Debate by Kevin Giles
· Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation by Miroslav Volf
Creation Care
· Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says about the Environment and Why it Matters by Sandra L. Richter
· Let Creation Rejoice by Jonathan Moo & Robert White
· A Climate of Hope by Claire Dawson and Mick Pope
Women in Ministry
· Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women: Fresh Perspectives on Disputed Texts by Lucy Peppiatt
· Blog by Marg Mowczko: https://margmowczko.com/ (this is highly recommended)
Leadership
· Light a Fire by Stephen Fogarty (AC)
· The L Factor: Identifying and Developing Christian Leaders by Ian Jagelman (AC)
(Note: for AC students most of these are available via the AC library)