Christian theology is more than just an academic pursuit; it shapes the way millions of people think, live, and relate to God. At its core, theology is about understanding who God is, how He interacts with humanity, and what that means for our daily lives. Whether you’re new to Christian thought or a seasoned scholar, reading theology books can challenge your perspective, deepen your faith, and even reshape how you see the world.
Why Christian Theology Matters
Many people think theology is reserved for pastors or seminary students, but in reality, it affects everyday believers. When we think about God, we’re already engaging in theology. Whether it’s trying to understand why suffering exists or what it means to live a righteous life, theological concepts shape our moral compass and worldview. Books on Christian theology provide a structured way to explore these ideas, offering insights from centuries of wisdom.
Key Themes in Christian Theology
Christian theology covers a vast range of topics, but a few core themes consistently appear across different works:
1. The Nature & Limits of Revelation
You might be surprised that I did not list knowing God first, but let me explain. God is not visibly or physically present to get to know; He is invisible Spirit. The only way to come to know God is through the means which He Himself has chosen to make Himself known. First, there is natural revelation. But it is very limited. Creation only reveals that God is powerful and intelligent; but it reveals very little on its own about His character.
The second means by which God has revealed Himself is by revealing His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14-8-10). But He is no longer here. After his birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection, He returned to His heavenly home. But for 33 years He lived on this earth and trained disciples who recorded his activities and teaching.
This brings us to the third means of revelation, the written word. It is often called Special Revelation. God has spoken to us through men who recorded His message. This includes not just the narratives about Jesus during the short time He walked this earth, but the message of Old Testament and the teachings of the Epistles (letters) of the New Testament. Although 40 different men were used to write the Scriptures over 1400 years, their writings perfectly communicate the mind of God Himself. This is the Biblical doctrine of inerrancy. Since the Bible represents the mind of God it is without error in everything that it affirms. How powerful does that make the Scriptures? The Apostle Peter stated that men twist the Scriptures “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). Here’s the thing: You cannot twist a merely human book to your own spiritual demise! But when the Bible is approached humbly and honestly, then it is enough to prepare you to face God Himself (Hebrews 4:12-13). No other book can do that.
2. God’s Nature and Attributes
Who is God? Is He loving? Just? All-powerful? Theology proper books explore the nature of God Himself, exploring how He Himself portrays Himself in Scripture. There is a popular aphorism about diet: “[Physically,] You are what you eat.” Spiritually, the same is true: [Spiritually,] You are what you believe about God. The Scriptures can teach us many things, but nothing in them is more important than learning about the nature of God Himself.
3. The Trinity
One of the most complex yet central doctrines in Christianity is the belief in one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While this can be difficult to grasp (even the Apostle Paul confessed unfathomable nature of the Trinity 1 Timothy 3:16), it is essential; no one actually can say that they “know” God without embracing the full Deity of His Son (1 John 2:23). Thankfully, the Spirit of God can lead us to accept that truth.
4. Jesus Christ and His Role
For Biblical Christians believe Jesus is not just a historical figure but the Son of God, who came to save humanity from being separated from our Creator and God forever! Theology books explore His life, death, and resurrection, discussing why His sacrifice is significant and how it changes the relationship between God and humanity. The fact that God sent His Son to deal with our estrangement from Him means that embracing the Son’s role is absolutely essential for personal reconciliation with God.
5. Salvation and Grace
Salvation is the work of God alone. Period. Salvation is personally appropriated by embracing (i.e.: believing) the truth that Jesus did the work to earn salvation for sinners. God’s grace (it means “favor”) is undeserved so He is not obligated to provide salvation to anyone. God is only obligated to His Son in salvation (Isa. 49:1-6; 53). That He does dispense grace is entirely because of His sovereign and loving nature.
When I would teach children about salvation, I would display a picture of the Mona Lisa. Then I would ask: “What would happen to the Mona Lisa if a child tried to help Leonardo da Vinci paint her with his finger paints?” Of course, the picture would be ruined. The same principle applies to the finished work of salvation achieved by Jesus Christ on the cross. Unless we embrace the words that He uttered from the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), we will corrupt the Gospel.
6. The Church and Its Mission
What is the church supposed to do? Theology books examine the role of Christian communities in society, discussing everything from worship and evangelism to ethics.
Exploring The Tents of Shem
Not all theology books are written the same way. Some focus on theological history, while others emphasize doctrine and practice. The Tents of Shem is a significant work that explores the Jewish nation in a compelling and insightful way, primarily using Scripture but also including historical insights.
Systematic Theology
This type of theology looks at the total revelation of doctrines in the Holy Bible and organizes Christian beliefs into clear categories: revelation; God; man; sin & the Fall; salvation; sanctification (holiness); the Church; Israel; and end times are some of the larger doctrinal categories. The author of the Tents of Shem wrote on Israelology (the doctrine of Israel) because it has been largely misunderstood or ignored entirely.
Biblical Theology
Biblical theology focuses on how theological themes develop throughout Scripture. The Tents of Shem offers a chronological (through time) perspective on how the nation of Israel came to be, received unconditional Divine covenants, and developed as a nation. There were many bumps in their historical journey but the Jews persevere because they are the Chosen People through irrevocable covenants.
Historical Theology
This approach traces how Christian beliefs have evolved down through time during the Church age. The development of doctrines often takes negative turns when church leaders rewrite the faith in their own image and according to their own preferences. This means that biblical doctrines often have to be rediscovered down through the centuries for Christianity to be faithful to the message of the Scriptures. The Tents of Shem provides historical insights into anti-Semitic theological developments Yes! In the Church! and how they continue to shape Christian thought today. The Tents of Shem also includes the historical revival of renewed appreciation of the Jewish people and their permanent place in God’s redemptive plans.
Practical Theology
Some books focus on applying theology to everyday life. They answer questions like: How do we live out our faith? How does theology affect our decisions? The Tents of Shem bridges the gap between theory and practice, making theological insights accessible and relevant. For what we think of the Jews impacts our appreciation of the revived Jewish state of Israel. Also, many of God’s promises to the Jews are as yet prophetic and unrealized. A personal appreciation of the future realization of their covenant promises, one that is informed by the Scriptures, will affect our affection and support for the Jews in the here and now, countering the widespread anti-Semitism that refuses to die.
Engaging with Theology Books
Reading a theology book can be intimidating, especially when encountering deep philosophical arguments or unfamiliar terminology. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
- Start with the Bible – Every true theological concept is rooted in Scripture. In fact, no true doctrine has its origin outside the Holy Bible because it is God’s own written self-revelation. Every religious precept that originates outside of the Scriptures represents merely “the commandments of men” and results in false worship that God does not accept (Matthew 15:9). Personal darkness comes from rejecting and substituting Biblical insight for false spiritual sources (Isaiah 8:20).
- Take Notes – Jot down key points and questions. Reflecting on what you read enhances understanding. Admit what you don’t understand and feel free to put notes and questions in the margins of your Bible (You might want a wide-margin Bible for personal study) and in the theology books you read.
- Discuss with Others – Talking about theological ideas with a friend, pastor, or study group can make complex topics more digestible.
- Be Open-Minded – You might encounter viewpoints that challenge your beliefs. That’s okay! Wrestling with different perspectives can strengthen your faith. Having your viewpoints challenged is good; sound theology can stand-up to cross-examination.
The Impact of Theology Books
Christian theology books aren’t just for intellectual stimulation; they shape lives. Many people have found clarity, encouragement, and even life-changing transformation through them.
At the end of the day, theology isn’t just about knowing facts it’s about knowing God. The more we learn about Him, the more our faith grows, and the better we can live out His calling. Whether you’re looking to build a strong theological foundation or explore specific questions, The Tents of Shem offers valuable insights that can deepen your understanding and enrich your faith.
