Can you point me in the right direction?

[SOTK]

I am a fairly new 5 Point Calvinist, however, I feel I have a decent grasp on the 5 Points of Calvinism- enough to explain them to a person who has never heard of them or doesn't understand them.

I want to go deeper. What else is there to Calvinism? What should I read or study next? The first book I read was decent. It was entitled The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture. I am looking for a book, lectures, sites, or maybe threads here which can help me to go deeper.

Thanks!

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

A good place to go after learning the 5 points, I think, is to read Calvin's Institutes. That's how I learned most of what I know about Calvin. Monergism.com has a wealth of information concerning the Reformed faith, and that site seems to be a favorite here, and rightfully so. If you click the "Start Here" link on the side menu, they point you to some articles which a new Calvinist would find very profitable.

 

[HiredGoon]

For those New to the Reformed Faith...

Introduction to Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Shape of Sola Scriptura by Keith Mathison. This was one of the first Reformed books I read. Before I really new what Reformed theology was, I guess God used it to guide me toward the Reformed Faith. In this book Mathison describes the historic Reformed doctrine of sola scriptura which is different than the common modern evangelical understanding.

Given For You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper also by Keith Mathison. A good look at the Reformed view of Communion, but be forewarned he seems to advocate a pro paedo-communion view at the end.

What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics by R.C. Sproul.

The Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes by G.I. Williamson. The WCF represents the apex of Puritan Reformed theology, a must read for all calvinistic or reformed Christians. The Westminster Standards as well as the Three Forms of Unity can also be found on various internet sites for free.

 

[SOTK]

Thanks, guys!

 

[Cajun Huguenot]

I am a fairly new 5 Point Calvinist, however, I feel I have a decent grasp on the 5 Points of Calvinism- enough to explain them to a person who has never heard of them or doesn't understand them.

I want to go deeper. What else is there to Calvinism? What should I read or study next? The first book I read was decent. It was entitled The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture. I am looking for a book, lectures, sites, or maybe threads here which can help me to go deeper.

Thanks!

There are so many good books--where to start?
I recommend, if you have a grasp of the doctrines of grace that you start looking at God's covenant relationship with His people.
Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson

A good systematic theology:
Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof (there are some good new ones out there, but I have not read them)

Anything by R.C. Sproul Sr. (Jr is ok, but read senior first)

More to recommend if you want it.

In Christ,
Kenith

 

[SOTK]

There are so many good books--where to start?
I recommend, if you have a grasp of the doctrines of grace that you start looking at God's covenant relationship with His people.
Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson

A good systematic theology:
Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof (there are some good new ones out there, but I have not read them)

Anything by R.C. Sproul Sr. (Jr is ok, but read senior first)

More to recommend if you want it.

In Christ,
Kenith

I've heard a lot about systematic theology...I mean people bringing this subject up a lot. I would love to learn about it. Is the book that you recommended pretty deep? In other words, is it geared for the fellow new to the theology?

Also, I have been interested in presuppositionalism lately. This looks like a great apologetic system. Have any of you heard of it?

 

[Cajun Huguenot]

I've heard a lot about systematic theology...I mean people bringing this subject up a lot. I would love to learn about it. Is the book that you recommended pretty deep? In other words, is it geared for the fellow new to the theology?

Also, I have been interested in presuppositionalism lately. This looks like a great apologetic system. Have any of you heard of it?

Berkhof is pretty deep, but he is a very good reference. For good starter work (theology light) I recommend Concise Theology by JI Packer.

I hold to presuppositionalism (from a VanTil point of view). I recommend you study other matters before dipping your toes into this subject. But do listen to the Bahnsen - Stein Debate. Bahnsen was the best presuppositionalist from the Van Til wing.

In Christ,
Kenith

 

[SOTK]

Berkhof is pretty deep, but he is a very good reference. For good starter work (theology light) I recommend Concise Theology by JI Packer.

I hold to presuppositionalism (from a VanTil point of view). I recommend you study other matters before dipping your toes into this subject. But do listen to the Bahnsen - Stein Debate. Bahnsen was the best presuppositionalist from the Van Til wing.

In Christ,
Kenith

Thanks! I will check this stuff out. Also, I will take your advice. Presuppositionalism looks somewhat complicated although I understand the premise. I'll study the other things first.

 

[Rolf Ernst]

I am a fairly new 5 Point Calvinist, however, I feel I have a decent grasp on the 5 Points of Calvinism- enough to explain them to a person who has never heard of them or doesn't understand them.

I want to go deeper. What else is there to Calvinism? What should I read or study next? The first book I read was decent. It was entitled The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture. I am looking for a book, lectures, sites, or maybe threads here which can help me to go deeper.

Thanks!

I am certain that there are many good references and there are many good people on this forum who can be helpful. There is a good deal being offered on some books by A. W. Pink. CBD has been offfering three of his books combined in one binding for less than $7.00. One is his The Attributes of God, and another of the three is The Sovereignty of God. There are many who believe His The Sovereignty of God is the best place to start. Others believe R.C. Sprouls Chosen By God is a good start. In the beginning of such a study, The Five Points of Calvinism by Steele would also be a good choice.

 

[SOTK]

Thanks! By the way, your username looks familiar. Did you once post at TOL?

 

[frumanchu]

Also, I have been interested in presuppositionalism lately. This looks like a great apologetic system. Have any of you heard of it?

I don't hold to presuppositionalism, but I understand why some do. I side more with the classical approach of men like Sproul. He has some good books and tapes on classical apologetics, especially his "Defending Your Faith" series.

 

[mlqurgw]

A great deal depends on your perspective in the first place. Are you a Presbyterien or Baptist? Are you desiring to prepare to preach or just to have an apologetic? What are you looking for? Many good books and references have already been given you. I would reccomend that you read Spurgeon's Sermons to begin with. Especially the New Park Street Sermons. Pink is excellent and so is Gill. It is difficult to direct you without knowing where you intend to go. Do you desire to get into theology in a deeper way or just to better understand and be able to give an answer for your faith?

 

[SOTK]

A great deal depends on your perspective in the first place. Are you a Presbyterien or Baptist? Are you desiring to prepare to preach or just to have an apologetic? What are you looking for? Many good books and references have already been given you. I would reccomend that you read Spurgeon's Sermons to begin with. Especially the New Park Street Sermons. Pink is excellent and so is Gill. It is difficult to direct you without knowing where you intend to go. Do you desire to get into theology in a deeper way or just to better understand and be able to give an answer for your faith?

I am a Baptist. I am desiring to Preach, Teach, and debate. Calvinism has helped me immensely with my personal relationship with Jesus Christ so going deep is always a good thing in that respect! In answer to your last question, I would say "yes" to both.

I am taking on more of a Leadership role within my Church. I have been asked to teach as well. The theology of Calvinism always comes up. I want to have a deep and thorough spiritual understanding of it. I obviously find Calvinism as the truth and scriptural. Again, my studies in Calvinism have really helped me to grow in my relationship with God. I want to share this. I am also involved in debating particularly at another forum where Calvinists are in the minority. I want to have an excellent grasp on it in order to adequately defend it and show it as the truth.

I hope that gives a little more perspective to my position.

Also, I don't have a lot of money right now. In fact, I am pretty broke so internet sites and references are really welcome and needed right now.

Thanks for taking the time to help me.

SOTK

 

[heymikey80]

I am a fairly new 5 Point Calvinist, however, I feel I have a decent grasp on the 5 Points of Calvinism- enough to explain them to a person who has never heard of them or doesn't understand them.

I want to go deeper. What else is there to Calvinism? What should I read or study next? The first book I read was decent. It was entitled The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture. I am looking for a book, lectures, sites, or maybe threads here which can help me to go deeper.

Thanks!

I'd highly recommend Loraine Boettner's "The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination". It covers the 5 Points of Calvinism in a readable manner, collects prooftexts for review of each point, describes each doctrine so you get a good handle on what's meant, and covers many of the objections you'll hear constantly.

A great deal of this book used to be available on-Web, too ... ah, here's one: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/boettner/predest.toc.html

 

[McWilliams]

Search www.monergism.com and you'll find a wealth of information on a rolling index with some of the greatest reformed authors! Whatever your question theres an article to fill in the blanks with all you ever wanted to know!

 

[SOTK]

Thanks! I will check it out!

 

[mlqurgw]

Thanks! I will check it out!

If you are wanting to preach then I would definatly suggest you read Spurgeon's Sermons. Here is a link for him.
http://www.spurgeon.org/mainpage.htm

The best theology book I have ever read is Gill's Body of Divinity. I believe you can fin it on monergism.com Also JP Boice's Abstract of Systematic Theology is excellent. You can find it there also. Dagg is also very good from a Baptist perspective. That should keep you busey for a while.

 

[SOTK]

If you are wanting to preach then I would definatly suggest you read Spurgeon's Sermons. Here is a link for him.
http://www.spurgeon.org/mainpage.htm

The best theology book I have ever read is Gill's Body of Divinity. I believe you can fin it on monergism.com Also JP Boice's Abstract of Systematic Theology is excellent. You can find it there also. Dagg is also very good from a Baptist perspective. That should keep you busey for a while.

Thanks, mlqurgw. Thanks to all of you. It's appreciated. You have all given me many things to read. All of this should keep me busy for a very long time!

 

[Proeliator]

Thanks, mlqurgw. Thanks to all of you. It's appreciated. You have all given me many things to read. All of this should keep me busy for a very long time!

Its about time you came back around here!

 

[cubanito]

What do y'all think of John McArthur's stuff? Seems to me that he's a 5 pointer, an adult baptizer and a dispensationalist.

As for RC Sproul, the best tape series by him I've seen is "Foundations", which I found excellent. RC and MaCarthur seem to be good friends these days, with McCarthur often appearing at Sproul's "Ligonier" conferences.

JR