In 2018, I submitted a post on social media regarding resources that helped me gain much-needed clarity with Christian Theology and Worldview because I think they would be helpful to anyone regardless of where they were in their spiritual journey. After being inspired by a recently-read blog post, I've decided to share in this blog post the Top Christian Books and Videos to Help You Gain Clarity and Clear Up Confusion with Christian Theology and Worldview and Counter the False Theology of Armstrongism and other Cults of Christianity and Spiritually Abusive Systems.
The Kingdom of the Cults is a reference book of the Christian counter-cult movement in the United States, written by Baptist minister and counter-cultist Dr. Walter Ralston Martin. I was inspired to purchase and read this book as a result of watching a video of Dr. Martin, the founder of Christian Research Institute, when he was interviewed by John Ankerberg on major doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, Christian Science, The Way International, Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church, Transcendental Meditation, Armstrong’s Worldwide Church of God, Baha’i, Baghwan Shree Rajneesh, Seventh-Day Adventism, and Roman Catholicism. In the video and book, Martin covers each group's history and teachings and contrasts them with those of mainstream Christianity.
Here is a link to the video interview between Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. Walter Martin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggSYFl5OTjc
The Marks of a Cult: A Biblical Analysis with Eric Homberg
This documentary film was directed by James Gelet and hosted by Eric Holmberg. The film explores the topic of religious cults and provides a biblical analysis of the subject. This documentary from The Apologetics Group highlights the characteristics of a cult, such as adding to or subtracting from God's Word, relying on new revelations, and denying the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
I highly recommend this video to anyone who wants to learn more about religious cults and how to identify them.
This program is available on DVD here: http://bit.ly/1ci4Nl4
You can also watch it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-IlhkbHTRY
God-Breathed: The Undeniable Power and Reliability of Scripture is a book written by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell. This book presents a strong case for the Bible's divine inspiration, authority, and reliability from a Christian perspective. In "God-Breathed," the authors discuss the belief that the Bible is not merely a human creation but is divinely inspired by God. They explore the historical, archaeological, and textual evidence supporting the Bible's accuracy and claim to be God's Word. The book also addresses common questions and objections skeptics may raise about the Bible's trustworthiness.
The title "God-Breathed" is a reference to the phrase "All Scripture is breathed out by God" from 2 Timothy 3:16, highlighting the central claim of divine inspiration of the Bible.
Josh McDowell is a well-known Christian apologist and author, and Sean McDowell, his son, is also a Christian apologist and educator. Together, they bring their expertise to the book to provide a comprehensive and accessible defense of the Bible's authority and reliability. "God-Breathed" is designed for both believers who want to strengthen their faith in the Bible and for those seeking answers to questions about the authenticity of the Scriptures. It offers insights into the trustworthiness of the Bible as a foundational text in the Christian faith.
The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief is a book written by James R. White, a Christian theologian, apologist, and director of Alpha and Omega Ministries. This book focuses on the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which is the understanding of God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit in one Godhead. James R. White explores the significance of the Trinity and its central role in Christian theology. In "The Forgotten Trinity," White addresses a common issue in Christian belief – the neglect or misunderstanding of the doctrine of the Trinity, which is considered one of the core teachings of Christianity. He argues that a proper understanding of the Trinity is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith and for appreciating the true nature of God as revealed in the Bible. The book covers a wide range of topics related to the Trinity, including historical perspectives, scriptural support, and the practical implications of the doctrine. White also addresses common misconceptions and objections to the Trinity, offering a clear and systematic presentation of the biblical foundation for the belief in one God in three persons. Dr. White also refutes cultic distortions of God and shows how understanding this significant teaching leads to renewed worship and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. James R. White's "The Forgotten Trinity" is aimed at both laypeople and theologians, providing a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of this central Christian doctrine. It has been praised for its accessibility and its ability to make a complex theological concept more understandable for the average Christian reader. The book encourages readers to engage with the doctrine of the Trinity and to recognize its importance in their faith and relationship with God.
The Real Kosher Jesus: Revealing the Mysteries of the Hidden Messiah is a book written by Michael L. Brown, a Messianic Jewish Scholar, Theologian, and Christian Apologist. The book is a response to Rabbi Shmuley Boteach's "Kosher Jesus" and explores views concerning Jesus' identity and mission, Paul's influence in shaping our conceptions of Jesus, and more. "The Real Kosher Jesus" delves into the Jewish roots of Christianity and offers insights into how Jesus, as a Jewish figure, is viewed from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Dr. Brown examines the historical context of Jesus' life, the cultural and religious milieu of Second Temple Judaism, and the significance of Jesus' teachings and actions within that context. The book seeks to bridge the gap between traditional Jewish interpretations of Jesus and the Christian understanding of Him as the Messiah. Dr. Brown explores the life of Jesus and his mission in a way that respects both Jewish and Christian traditions, emphasizing the idea that Jesus can be seen as "kosher" from a Messianic Jewish standpoint. "The Real Kosher Jesus" has generated discussion and debate among scholars, theologians, and individuals interested in the intersection of Judaism and Christianity, as well as Messianic Judaism as a contemporary religious movement. It offers an alternative perspective on the historical Jesus and His relevance to Jewish identity and faith. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to learn more about the Jewish roots of Christianity and the significance of Jesus in Jewish culture.
Theology for Ordinary People: What You Should Know to Make Sense out of Life is a book written by Bruce L. Shelley, a Christian historian and theologian. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to learn more about the basic beliefs of Christianity in an appealing, conversational style. Shelley takes readers step-by-step through the essential beliefs of Christianity, offering clear and careful discussions of topics such as suffering, the doctrine of the Trinity, the Fall, and more. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to develop a deeper understanding of their faith and its significance in their lives.
God, Torah, Messiah: The Messianic Jewish Theology of Dr. Louis Goldberg is a comprehensive reference volume written by Dr. Louis Goldberg, a Distinguished Professor of Theology and Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute. The book is an essential addition to the library of those students who wish to survey systematic theology with a distinctly Messianic Jewish emphasis. The first section deals with the Torah and the New Covenant and how various aspects of the Word of God relate to one another. Goldberg then covers the nature and character of God before delving into the doctrines of man, sin, and the world of angels and demons. The volume concludes with ecclesiology and offers thoughts on this doctrine for Messianic congregations. In addition, two central chapters introduce the reader to watershed issues that divided Jewish believers from the mainstream Jewish community at the end of the first century: the deity and the humanity of the Messiah, and the idea that the Messiah would die for our sins. A biography of this well-respected scholar and teacher and a bibliography and index are included.
Foundations of the Faith is a book written by Moran Rosenblit and Baruch Korman. The book asks important questions: What is the Word of God, and what is its importance? What is the meaning of the numbers, holidays, and festivals that appear in the Scriptures? Who is the Messiah, the Son of God, and what is His purpose? It challenges the reader to delve deep into these questions together with the authors and gives the reader a number of points that will help to know and interpret the Scriptures. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to know about the Biblical foundations of the Christian faith found in the Scriptures.
The book can be downloaded here: https://holylandmarketplace.com/products/foundations-of-faith-pdf
Messiah in the Feasts of Israel is a book written by Sam Nadler, a Messianic Jewish Pastor, Theologian and Author. The book explains the feasts, festivals, and holy days of the Bible, including Passover, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Day of Atonement. Nadler provides insights into how God's redemptive plan is unveiled through the Old Testament feasts and how their symbolism is fulfilled in the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). The book also discusses the prophetic purposes of the feasts of Israel from a Christian viewpoint and explains how the Jewish feasts are symbolic of Jesus as the great high priest and perfect sacrificial lamb. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to learn more about God's Holy Feast Days and their significance in Christianity.
Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels is a book written by J. Warner Wallace, a former cold-case homicide detective who applies his investigative skills to examine the historical claims and reliability of the New Testament Gospels, specifically with regard to the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book presents a unique and compelling perspective, as Wallace draws parallels between his work as a detective solving cold cases and the process of examining the evidence for Christianity. He approaches the Gospels as if they were cold-case files, applying the principles of forensic science and investigative reasoning to assess their trustworthiness.
In "Cold-Case Christianity," Wallace addresses a range of key topics, including:
The reliability of the Gospel accounts: He explores questions related to the authorship, dating, and accuracy of the Gospels.
Evidence for the resurrection: Wallace delves into the historical evidence surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus and examines alternative theories that skeptics have proposed.
The role of eyewitness testimony: Drawing from his experience as a detective, Wallace emphasizes the importance of eyewitness accounts and their relevance to the Gospel narratives.
The cumulative case for Christianity: He builds a comprehensive case for the truth of Christianity by examining various lines of evidence, including archaeological findings, textual criticism, and the internal consistency of the Gospels.
Throughout the book, J. Warner Wallace provides readers with a systematic and logical approach to evaluating the claims of Christianity. He encourages readers to think critically and objectively about the evidence, ultimately making a case for the Gospels' reliability and the Christian faith's rationality. "Cold-Case Christianity" has an accessible style and a unique perspective it offers on the historical and evidential aspects of Christianity. It has been a valuable resource for both believers seeking to deepen their understanding of their faith and for skeptics or seekers looking for a reasoned examination of the Christian worldview.
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church is an enlightening work co-authored by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen. This seminal work sheds light on the often concealed issue of spiritual abuse within religious organizations, particularly within Christian churches. The authors draw upon their extensive experience and expertise to explore the dynamics of spiritual manipulation and how it can manifest as false spiritual authority within the church. The book delves into the subtle ways in which individuals can be ensnared in systems of spiritual abuse. It discusses the emotional and psychological tactics employed by those in positions of authority within the church to control and manipulate congregants. It aims to support and guide those who have experienced spiritual abuse, helping them recognize the signs, find healing, and escape from these harmful dynamics. Additionally, it offers a valuable perspective for individuals who may unintentionally contribute to spiritual abuse, encouraging them to reflect on their actions and work towards creating a healthier, more spiritually nurturing environment within the church. Overall, this book is a crucial resource for those interested in understanding the complexities of spiritual abuse within religious institutions and provides a roadmap for recognizing and addressing these issues. It offers insights and guidance for individuals seeking to promote a more compassionate and spiritually enriching community within their church.
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