[b:830c8e7e32]Western Civilization [/b:830c8e7e32]
[1] Jackson Spielvogel, Western Civilization (rather long and may be more than you want)
[2] Warren Hollister, Medieval Europe: A Short Sourcebook. It is readable and used in many college course.
[2] The Odyssey (my favorite fiction book)
[3] The Iliad
[b:830c8e7e32]Church History [/b:830c8e7e32]
Not all of these may interest you, but are by topic.
[1] For a high-level overview of church history, try Justo Gonzalez' Church History: An Essential Guide, which is very manageable reading. It is less than 100 pages, as I recall. For a longer overview, try his The Story of Christianity. It is used in some Reformed seminaries. It is in two volumes and is good.
[2] Eusebius, The History of the Church
Unlike many patristics, this is easy reading, and essential primary source material for understaning the early church.
[3] Hughes Oliphant Old, The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship. If you want to understand the historical roots of Reformed worship and their attempts to defend biblical worship based on historic church practice.
[4] Ramsay MacMullen's Christianizing the Roman Empire (New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1984). Excellent short book surveying the records about what caused early Christians to convert.
[5] Nathan O. Hatch, The Democratization of American Christianity (New Haven: Yale University Press 1989). Great history of how the American Christianity has been made democratic. Early Calvinists and others resisted this trend. Must reading for understanding why churches in America are as they are today.
[b:830c8e7e32]Philosophy [/b:830c8e7e32]
Gordon Clark, Thales to Dewey. A high-level overview of major philosophical systems written in understandable English.
James Sire, The Universe Next Door. Superb general introduction to various worldviews (including religious worldviews)
James Sire, Chris Chrisman Goes to College. Excellent overview of worldviews, told in a story format, which makes it very readable.
[b:830c8e7e32]Systematic theology [/b:830c8e7e32]
[1] While not systematic theology per se, the Westminster documents are invaluable to understanding theology. In that regard, I recommend reading the Larger Catechism in conjunction with:
J.G. Vos, The Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary
Also, you can read the shorter catechism in conjunction with many great commentaries free online at:
Shorter Catechism Project
http://www.bpc.org/wsc/index_wsc.html
[2] Calvin's Institutes are invaluable. I consult them, along with Calvin's commentaries, regularly. They are available free online, too, which is how I normally use them. Not really a systematic theology, although it will address the issues a systematic theology would.
[3] Francis Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology are great too. Also not really a systematic theology, but provides broad overview of theological issues.
[b:830c8e7e32]Devotional reading[/b:830c8e7e32]
[1] Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Praying the Psalms
[2] Martin Luther, A Simple Way to Pray
Available free online at
http://www.holytrinitynewrochelle.org/yourti14836.html
[3] The Book of Common Prayer (Anglican).
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/bcp.htm
I like the 1928 version. It can be used to help structure prayer life, with a cycle for praying the psalms monthly, collects for various occassions, and the like.
[4] Richard Baxter, The Christian Directory
A classic Puritan work. Has very helpful, practical advice on nearly all aspects of the Christian life. It include parts on Christian devotions, such as prayer and fasting. Very practical.
[b:830c8e7e32]Other[/b:830c8e7e32]
You did not ask for books in these categories, but I thought I would recommend them anyway. :yes:
[1] Keith Mathison, The Shape of Sola Scriptura. Outstanding book that will help shape a proper understanding of the roles of scripture and church.
[2] Keith Mathison, Given for You: Reclaiming Calvin's Doctrine of the Lord's Supper. Modern evangelical sacramentology is sadly low, evening reformed churches. Reformed churches have been heavily influenced by Baptist thinking. For that matter, just reading and re-reading the sections of the confessional standards addressing the sacraments in incredibly helpful.
[3] John Frame, Evangelical Reunion. Quick read and available free online:
http://www.thirdmill.org/magpt_main.asp#frame
Provides helpful thoughts on understanding the relations among different denominations.
[Edited on 5-5-2004 by Scott]
[Edited on 5-5-2004 by Scott]
