How to choose what to read next?

[Faithhopelove24]

Hey, how do you guys choose what to read next when you have a long list of things you need to read?

My context is that I have roughly a year til I will start seminary but I really don’t feel all that well-read, and I know I’m not going to have a lot of extra reading time during seminary, I’ll just be reading what I need to read for class.

I’m trying to figure out what I should prioritize over the next year before I don’t really have a choice for 3 years. There are things I’d like to read to prepare me for seminary, as well as things I’d like to read for pure enjoyment since I won’t have any time for that during seminary. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!!

 

[ZackF]

Hey, how do you guys choose what to read next when you have a long list of things you need to read?

Avoid going to PB for advice on more things to read.

 

[Faithhopelove24]

Avoid going to PB for advice on more things to read.

Haha, that's fair. Thankfully, most recommendations are already on my list to read. But I want to see what other people prioritize.

 

[Charles Johnson]

It's hard to make good reading recommendations without knowing where one is at, and his strengths and weaknesses.

But my general advice for everyone is "read Puritan sermons."

Edwards, Jonathan. Sermons, vol. 1; vol. 2.

Goodwin, Thomas. Works, vol. 12.

The Morning Exercises at Cripplegate. (Vol. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

The Berry Street Sermons.

Tuckney, Anthony. Fourty Sermons.

Ussher, James. Twenty Sermons preached at Oxford in 1640.

Owen, John. Works, vol. 9

 

[The Calvinistic Methodist]

Hey, how do you guys choose what to read next when you have a long list of things you need to read?

My context is that I have roughly a year til I will start seminary but I really don’t feel all that well-read, and I know I’m not going to have a lot of extra reading time during seminary, I’ll just be reading what I need to read for class.

I’m trying to figure out what I should prioritize over the next year before I don’t really have a choice for 3 years. There are things I’d like to read to prepare me for seminary, as well as things I’d like to read for pure enjoyment since I won’t have any time for that during seminary. Any thoughts greatly appreciated!!

Look for books on the Character of Christ, and books on prayer.

Seminary is tough, I’m half way through my MDIV right now. For me it’s important to read books that remind me of the importance of prayer, and books that make me reflect on how wonderful Christ is.

 

[paranymph]

I have a few categories and try to rotate through them: Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, Pastoral Theology, and Biography

 

[Andres]

My first suggestion is to ensure a great familiarity and knowledge of the Scriptures. Many in our day both in the ministry and in the pew, have little knowledge of the bible. Devote extra time to reading more of the bible first and foremost. After that, below is some of the best advice I’ve heard on reading for theological knowledge:

1. Read the Westminster Confession, and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms, repeatedly. I know of no better brief summary of the Christian faith, or first step toward reading theology. They are also useful guides in prayer.

2. Read solid devotional books, regularly. Series like the Puritan Paperbacks are simple, sound, and practical. You should never graduate from this. (Warning: in this genre few can compare to the 17th-c. Covenanters and Puritans. Generally avoid devotionals written since the 19th c.)

3. Move to more lengthy or more technical works only with the above foundation laid. And build on it slowly, not taking on too much at once. If you've never read theology, start with a commentary on the Shorter Catechism (e.g. Thomas Watson's Body of Divinity), not a giant systematic.

4. Among systematic theologies, start with those known for simplicity and application. Choose Brakel or Mastricht's practical theology over Turretin's detailed elenctics, at first. And don't read something full of error like Aquinas, or any modern theologians, unless you have good reason to, and are well-equipped to handle it.

Beyond this, I would throw in a mix of good church history books, including those that are more general in scope to help you have a good foundation of church history; later you can focus on particular areas.

 

[Faithhopelove24]

Look for books on the Character of Christ, and books on prayer.

Seminary is tough, I’m half way through my MDIV right now. For me it’s important to read books that remind me of the importance of prayer, and books that make me reflect on how wonderful Christ is.

Thanks, brother. I pray your time in seminary goes well and benefits you greatly. Cheers from Fort Wayne!

My first suggestion is to ensure a great familiarity and knowledge of the Scriptures. Many in our day both in the ministry and in the pew, have little knowledge of the bible. Devote extra time to reading more of the bible first and foremost. After that, below is some of the best advice I’ve heard on reading for theological knowledge:

1. Read the Westminster Confession, and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms, repeatedly. I know of no better brief summary of the Christian faith, or first step toward reading theology. They are also useful guides in prayer.

2. Read solid devotional books, regularly. Series like the Puritan Paperbacks are simple, sound, and practical. You should never graduate from this. (Warning: in this genre few can compare to the 17th-c. Covenanters and Puritans. Generally avoid devotionals written since the 19th c.)

3. Move to more lengthy or more technical works only with the above foundation laid. And build on it slowly, not taking on too much at once. If you've never read theology, start with a commentary on the Shorter Catechism (e.g. Thomas Watson's Body of Divinity), not a giant systematic.

4. Among systematic theologies, start with those known for simplicity and application. Choose Brakel or Mastricht's practical theology over Turretin's detailed elenctics, at first. And don't read something full of error like Aquinas, or any modern theologians, unless you have good reason to, and are well-equipped to handle it.

Beyond this, I would throw in a mix of good church history books, including those that are more general in scope to help you have a good foundation of church history; later you can focus on particular areas.

This is extremely helpful, thank you.