Building a Theological Library, Part 1

Building a Theological Library, Part 1

February 1, 2008 · 54 min

Part one of a panel discussion on the importance of books and building a theological library. The panel begins by discussing the book medium and its importance and then moves to general principles in building a library. Part one concludes with book recommendations for the theological encyclopedia.

General mindset

Books are more important than your television. Read Amusing Ourselves to Death (no, there’s not a video version on youtube).

When you hear of a great book that you would like to read, put it on a wishlist. The next time you have a handful of books on your list and can spare the money, buy them.

Building a general library

You don’t want to waste your money

Bigger isn’t necessarily better

Why build a library?

This might be the only theological library you have access to.

As a pastor, your congregation will probably be asking you to borrow books.

You’ll have something to pass on to your children.

Types of books to get

Average churchgoer

Elder/deacon/well-informed church member

Pastor

Commentaries – check out Longman and Carson’s commentary surveys

Build with the classics, not the trendy, e.g. Get James Bannerman’s The Church of Christ before you get Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Church (if you must get it all)

Scholar (you should call in and tell us)

Where to buy

Abebooks

used.addall.com

Amazon.com (use our links, help pay our web hosting fees)

wtsbooks.com

Credo Books

eBay / half.com

Panel Members

Jim Cassidy

Jeff Waddington

Camden Bucey

Links

Green Baggins

Against Heresies

Christianity: Doctrine and Ethics

Heidelblog

Building Old School Churches

Ligonier Recommended Commentaries

Westminster Recommended Reading List

Abe Books

AddAll Used Book Search

LibraryThing

Book Jacket Covers

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Reformed Forum

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