Best christian education books according to redditors
We found 131 Reddit comments discussing the best christian education books. We ranked the 85 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
9. The Great Adventure: Bible Indexing Tabs (2017)
2 mentions
The Great Adventure: Bible Indexing Tabs
Conservative usually just refers to holding traditional views on a topic. I could have conservative views on changing rules in major league baseball, for example, and argue against the designated hitter rule or inter-league play since that is not the way the game was played originally.
Fundementalism originally defined itself as traditional theological views in contrast to the rise of modernism in mainline denominations in the early 20th century. Modernism denied inerrancy of scripture, miracles, the virgin birth, literal six-day creation, etc., conservative Christians published a series of booklets called The Fundementals defending traditional Christian doctrine against modernism.
By mid-century, fundementalism was increasingly associated with hyper conservative views and conservative politics (KJV only for example, or joining the John Birch Society, protesting integration, etc.) Many conservative Christians began using the designation "evangelical" for those who held to traditional doctrines like miracles and inerrancy, but were not necessarily right-wing radicals.
I highly recommend two books by George Marsden on Fundementalism and Evangelicalism: Fundamentalism and American Culture and Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New Evangelicalism.
The designation "evangelical" has slipped in the last few election cycles, now it is used in the media for hyper-conservatives who have confused support for right-wing politics and gun laws with evangelical theology.
The Evangelical theological Society, for example, has two points on their doctrinal statement, the Triune God and Inerrancy. The society defined inerrancy in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, and there are a wide range of theological views in the ETS, and papers offered at the national ETS meetings are generally non-political. There are a few (southern baptists) who might be conservative politically, but there is nothing in the ETS requiring a conservative political view, and there is a great deal of angst over the current use of the word evangelical and the use of the word by the president as he tries to portray himself as a Christian.
One example: Within the ETS, there is a wide range of opinion on creation, from Young Earth to theistic evolution. All those views are acceptable since they all agree "God created the Universe" even if they disagree on the mechanics of that creation since the mechanics are not clear in Scripture. On the other hand, there would not be a range of opinion on the Virgin Birth or Jesus doing Miracles, since these things are stated in Scripture.
We published a much lengthier catechism titles To Be a Christian published in a separate volume.
I do recommend giving the Gospels a read before anything else. The entire Bible points to the Gospels and it's good to get that under your belt first. They're the most important part of the entire thing. If you don't want to read all the Gospels, I would read Matthew or Luke, and then John (Matthew, Mark, and Luke contain most of the same stories).
If you can afford it, get the book Walking With God by Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins and read it along with the Bible. They split the Bible up into different time periods and each chapter covers a time period. It would be best to read the chapter in the book and then read the corresponding sections of the Bible. That way you know what you're reading. They focus mostly on what they call "the narrative books"-- the books that push the story forward. I would suggest sticking to those books first and then going back and reading the "supplemental books" after you know the general outline of the story and where those books fit into the overall timeline.
It may also be helpful to get the timeline pamphlet and, if you don't already have tabs on your Bible, the Timeline tabs to help you see easily where each book fits into the timeline. But those aren't necessary at all.
I think that's the best program out there for Catholic novice Bible-readers.
I hate to jump in, but you might find The Ultimate Quest: A Geek’s Guide to the Episcopal Church helpful here. The intent was to frame Episcopal practice in a way that is familiar to those interested in “geeky pop culture” (sci-fi/fantasy novels, dungeons and dragons, etc.) That won’t necessarily reach all younger folks, and the book is a bit dated now, but it might help to frame liturgical traditions in a different way that is more accessible for younger people who didn’t grow up in the church (I myself am one such person, and am grateful to those who took the time to explain the liturgies and practices to me).
I read the book God and the New Atheism about a year ago. It did a good job of showing how Dawkins and kin haven't done a very good job of dismantling Christianity but gave just knocked down a poorly represented version. I disagreed with some the author's stuff on science, it was lacking much understanding of the philosophy of science.
But if you want just plain theism, there are a whole host of philosophers who attempted to argue for God as an objective truth. You could start with Aquinas or Augustine.
For what it's worth, I've read most of the major arguments for and against the existence God. They all seem to fall short in different ways.
You might find these [three] books interesting:
What's going on in there?
Slow and Steady, Get Me Ready
Phonemic Awareness in Young Children
Every child will be different, and it does depend on what they are exposed to.
Building vocabulary (by reading to a child, not lessons or flashcards), phonemic awareness, problem solving and building skills, creativity, and physical agility and strength through play are all more important than learning facts right now. Think of it as creating the sponge that lets a child be ready to learn when they are ready. Knowing an alphabet at 2 isn't that useful, but being able to identify individual sounds in a word is a fundamental pre-reading skill. Knowing what architect designed a building is cute at 4, but problem solving and building things with blocks and such is more important.
Just keep playing, talking, and reading, and it will all be OK.
Contact the FFRF, the SSA, and AU for advice;
Also, check on ways to deal with the Good News Club. This may help;
They are the Bible tabs published by Ascension Press to go along with the Great Adventure Bible Study. The color codes denote the time period the book takes place in salvation history:
I didn’t realise the year 8 kid at our youth group who looks up funny bible verses was on reddit!
here’s a book you’ll enjoy 👍
This book is fantastic...
https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Tells-Me-Catechizing-Scripture/dp/1475296657
"The Bible Tells Me So"
Granted, it's written to a younger audience than you may be targeting, but I used it for RCIA and just changed the language when appropriate. It is written in spoken-word style (as though someone transcribed his classes) so I just took the core of the material and rewrote it to be appropriate. Something that he might cover in an hour, I could distill down to 15-30 mins usually.
Anything with videos is generally more captivating than a book series, and could be good to supplement that book with something directly focused on Confirmation. Two that I've used bits and pieces of before are...
Chosen by Ascension Press
Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic
And Formed.org, if your parish has it, is full of really solid resources. The Symbolon series would be good for Confirmation candidates as wood Bishop Barron's Catholicism series. If they are academically advanced enough, anything by Brant Pitre on there is just fantastic, especially on the Jewish roots of the Eucharist. Granted, it's not Confirmation related, but if they're up for it, it will get them on fire for their faith and the Eucharist.
Here ya go!
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Lie-Earth-Proof-Moving/dp/1943056013
I meant something like this.
You idea is kind of funny though. "Ye verily, He watches over thou when thou art slumbering. When thou wakes, He knows it. He knows when thou performs acts of good and acts of evil, so be good for the sake of goodness."
I won't pretend to fully understand but I've heard from people who probably do.
You might want to get in touch with former Pentecostal preacher turned atheist activist Jerry Dewitt
https://m.facebook.com/jwdewitt?id=100000098176237&refsrc=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F&_rdr
You can also find many of his talks on YouTube.
Then there are resources such as
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1908675047/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/179-6042562-2585327
Sorry, I live in a diff city and it was relayed to me by my parents. My mom is quite Christian, and she was helping my nephew w/his homework. But she said she refused to help him learn it because the book was so absurd.
My brother is pissed, too. Not for the first time...I don't know the title of the "science" book, but my nephew likes dinosaurs and brought home this book from their library one time. It says dragons were real:
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Legends-Dinosaurs-Laura-Welch/dp/0890515581
Okay... larger list:
So the 39 Articles sketch out a good view of baptism, justification, salvation, etc.
Preliminaries
Modernized versions
"Original" versions
(I used original in scare quotes because Bunyan first published his book in the late 1600s and so the original text would be the late 1600s text, but it's predominantly only scholars who read the original late 1600s text. Such as Roger Sharrock's Oxford University Press edition.)
TL;DR
If I were you, I think I'd probably pick Desiring God's version. You can take a look at this version by downloading it for free above and see what you think. However, I think it'd be worth buying Desiring God's hardcopy version of The Pilgrim's Progress because it's a beautiful book with beautiful artwork which might be attractive to your middle schooler too. In any case, your middle schooler is in for a delightful read because it's a great story.
I don't think you entirely get what I am saying. I am saying that unless someone has a theological background for the gospel, the good news is not good news- it is noise. The gospel is good news to those who have a recognition of need- their spiritual needs. Your quotes from Booth, Wesley, et cetera- further prove my point- In those days, people were "more churched" and were receptive to cold contact open air preaching... They had an understanding of the God of the Bible- Not so anymore... You have to take into consideration the world view of the listener if you are clearly communicate the Gospel. Do me a favor:
Look into a couple of books:
The Universe next Door
Stranger on the Road to Emmaus
If you're considering Moody, The Masters' Seminary is fairly similar in theology from what I've heard (strong dispensational).
edit: I've also heard (have not done the research myself) some questionable things about Fuller's compromise on the inerrancy of scripture. You might want to look into that
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Lie-Earth-Proof-Moving/dp/1943056013
Oh man, I'll have to go check the book out. It really is what I say but I'm glad you're skeptical.
The reason I picked it up in the first place was to look for ideas about drawing dragons. It looked pretty normal, just glancing through, but then I kept seeing mentions of God and the bible. I didn't have time to take more pictures at that moment, but I'll be sure to check it out tomorrow.
For now, here's it's Amazon listing.
http://www.amazon.com/Mom-Dad-Im-Atheist-Non-believer/dp/1908675047/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373766433&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=mom+dad+I%27m+atheisy
If you’re a geek, [The Ultimate Quest] (https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Quest-Geeks-Episcopal-Church/dp/0819233250) is a great intro. It uses a lot of D&D, Harry Potter, and Star Wars references to discuss the Episcopal Church.
Hope this helps!
200 Proofs Earth is Not a Spinning Ball
https://www.amazon.com/Terra-Firma-Planet-Proved-Scripture/dp/1445507897
https://www.amazon.com/100-Proofs-That-Earth-Globe/dp/1523463317
https://www.amazon.com/Zetetic-Astronomy-Earth-Not-Globe/dp/1523612126
https://www.amazon.com/Zetetic-Cosmogony-Conclusive-Revolving-Stationary/dp/1534909184
https://www.amazon.com/Atlantean-Conspiracy-Final-Eric-Dubay/dp/1304634396
https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Heaven-Earth-Globe/dp/0986130540
https://www.amazon.com/Flat-Earth-Clues-Skys-Limit/dp/1523851430
https://www.amazon.com/Firmament-Vaulted-Earth-Zen-Garcia/dp/136507384
https://www.amazon.com/Babylon-Rising-updated-expanded-First/dp/1492170097
https://www.amazon.com/Genesis-Conspiracy-Societies-Descendants-Humankind/dp/1632692902
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Inception-Satans-Psyops-Armageddon/dp/0998142646
https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Torah-Book-Portions-Testament/dp/1492112097
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Enoch-Watchers-Extensive-Commentary/dp/1936533073
https://www.amazon.com/Zetetic-Astronomy-Earth-Globe-Forgotten/dp/1605064173
https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Beyond-Poles-Physical-Continuity/dp/0986130532
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Lie-Earth-Proof-Moving/dp/1943056013
preteriest is the view (the oldest view, which the early christians had) that it's all symbolism for the roman empire persecuting christians in the 1st century. e.g. some myths around the emperor Nero were that he was "the beast that would rise again". and in the 90s, emperor Domition (after Nero) did persecute a lot of christians.
the allegorical view is also called the symbolic view sometimes, and it is that the book is about symbols of spiritual warfare, which is eternal and not about a particular time period.
neither of these views are about predicting the future, which some protestants, evangelicals and reformed strands of christianity get really obsessed with.
it's also a writing style what was really popular for a few centuries before and after jesus life, which many folks from different religions used, and i really love it!
a good and easy to read book on the subject for people of all backgrounds:
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Views-Book-Revelation-Counterpoints-ebook/dp/B003TFE8MY
have a lovely day m8
No, I meant Defining Illiteracy.
Blomberg (like Licona) doesn't reject inerrancy, he rejects pure literalism, which is a different thing.
I once heard the rabbi of the reform temple in our city tell us something like, "You know, being Jewish is about not being Christian."
In many ways it is the same with us. Our church is not really about what we are not, except we do sometimes define ourselves in contrast to the RCC, in contrast to Calvinism or in contrast to Puritanism.
I've recently recommended The Ultimate Quest: A Geek’s Guide to (The Episcopal) Church by the Rev. Jordan Haynie Ware. Her chapter in which she gives a 3 page history of the Book of Common Prayer and walks the reader through the BCP as a way of understanding our faith tradition is quite enlightening.
Our church is so diverse but the one thing we have in common is our commitment to common prayer through our prayer book. She argues that our tradition is more interested in common prayer than in common belief. We aren't even that interested in uniformity of ceremony.
One fairly decent series is the Counterpoint series from Zondervan. It has a number of books where different authors make the case for their beliefs and then interact with the other authors with opposing beliefs. I have the one on miraculous gifts and find it useful. They do have one on the millenium/end times: the book. Or this one on different view of Revelation
I got a nicely illustrated one with slightly updated language and commentary here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433506998/
It didn't have the second part (with the journey of Christian's family), so I got this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S5265M
I enjoyed both.
but seriously, this is a good year to review salvation history in preparation for Confirmation.
you don't understand how to go about thinking about these things, do you?
Let me point you in the right direction:
http://www.amazon.com/Introductory-Logic-James-B-Nance/dp/1591280338
You're the only one mentioning Israel, and if you think the Saudis and Israelis are a team you have gone deep down a well of conspiracy. They do not even have diplomatic relations, Saudi Arabia does not even recognize Israel's right to exist. Yet you seem to think they're in a plot together that no one but this book's author knows about, and that has to my knowledge no other corroborating evidence.
Just because a book on amazon says something doesn't mean it's true. Here's a book explaining how the earth is flat. Here's one that says LBJ orchestrated the Kennedy Assasination.
But I'm taking you at your word that you believe this. So if this is true, why as Saudi Arabia attacked Israel so much? Why does Saudi Arabia still fund terrorism targeting Israel? Is that all part of the rouse? And if this alliance with Israel is the only reason for animosity, why was there animosity that predates this alliance? Are you suggesting the old reasons for animosity have gone away without being resolved?
Occam's razor this for a second. Either all of that is true but all the world is organized around hiding that fact, or maybe just maybe someone's doing something that also goes back a thousand years: they're claiming without evidence that the Jews are part of a large international conspiracy to manipulate world affairs in secret.
It's true, Saudi Arabia and Iran are at odds and so are Israel and Saudi Arabia. That doesn't make them allies, the middle east is easy proof that the enemy of my enemy is not always my fried. Because we are flying air support for Iranian forces in Syria while bombing Iranian forces in Yemen. We oppose Iran but we also oppose ISIS, who has only been contained in large part because Iran is fighting them.
Just picked up "The Greatest Lie on Earth: Proof That Our World Is Not a Moving Globe" by Edward Hendrie - talks about Skiba a decent amount. Good book so far, 400+ pages of flat earth. Has many sections on various proofs, sections on history and scripture as well
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Lie-Earth-Proof-Moving/dp/1943056013
Here is a book suggestion, if you are interested. "Mom, Dad, I'm an Atheist: The Guide to Coming Out as a Non-believer" by David G. McAfee. It's not a big book, but it has a lot of good tips and good advice. The author has a degree in Religious Studies, but had to fight to stay in the program because he was (still is) openly atheist. https://www.amazon.com/Mom-Dad-Im-Atheist-Non-believer/dp/1908675047/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2CA2NJNVT9B9U&keywords=david+mcafee&qid=1554237368&s=gateway&sprefix=david+mca%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-4
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There are at least two of that kind of book, and I've heard this one is better.
Try starting here: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Views-Revelation-Counterpoints-ebook/dp/B003TFE8MY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_V5HGpb1XR6YCR_tt
It's not the greatest book in the world but will give you an introductory knowledge of four of the major camps out there.
Here's another good book concerning eschatology and views on the millennium.
Full disclosure: I am a fledgling postmil thanks to Ken Gentry, Keith Matthison and Doug Wilson.
Hahaha. Wow. That is just terrible.
Here you go boss:
http://www.amazon.com/Introductory-Logic-James-B-Nance/dp/1591280338
Have fun.
I actually just got this book today on the recommendation of this guy I talked to at an interfaith meeting. I've barely gotten through the first chapter so I can't give my full opinion, but the introduction did not impress me.
Who retconned that where?
>If he made humans its his fault how they get born, its not like babies or young children can exercise free will.
That is why by his grace babies and young children who can not yet tell right from wrong are taken to heaven if they die. Through grace, though. Not because they are pure creatures.
>But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
Romans 9,20
It's not easy to paint you the big picture with these few sentences. If you're seriously interested I'd advise you to read the bible from cover to cover. If thats a little too much for you, there's also this book that summarizes the bible for you in a way thats easy to understand.
We use the Beginner's Bible every night with our 2 sons.
Covers many great Bible stories, is actually Biblical, and has pleasant art to go along with it.
Both of my sons love it (ages 8 and 5).
Let me guess they’re part of the Good News Club:
https://www.amazon.com/Good-News-Club-Christian-Americas/dp/1586488430/ref=nodl_
and just read this piece of trash, AKA Reefer Madness 2.0:
https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Your-Children-Marijuana-Violence/dp/1982103663/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1549143003&sr=1-1&keywords=tell+your+children+the+truth+about+marijuana
You should find exactly out who told this to the kids and ensure they are made to retract those statements and reeducate the assembly in a balanced manner.
What other lies are your kids being fed? Get to the bottom of this. Discuss it with other parents at the school.
>I'm looking for books or articles that are accessible to the educated non-specialist, and I would like them to be heavily sourced/footnoted so I can identify further reading.
These two:
https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Catholicism-Religion/dp/0521608554
https://www.amazon.com/Catholicism-Short-Introduction-Gerald-OCollins/dp/019954591X
At the end they offer lot of further reading material divided in topics.
>The Nature of God - especially as it relates to refutations of atheist arguments
Second one is written by Anglican priest, third one is more advanced.
https://www.amazon.com/God-New-Atheism-Critical-Response/dp/066423304X
https://www.amazon.com/Why-There-Almost-Certainly-God/dp/0745953301
https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Reason-Existence-Denys-Turner/dp/0521602564
>Philisophical/logical arguments for the existence of God. I find the cosmological arguments (at least at the basic level) the most compelling and interesting.
https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Philosophy-Religion-Cambridge-Introductions/dp/0521619556
>Catholic moral philosophy. I understand this will be related to Natural Law
http://www.staugustine.net/our-books/books/morality-the-catholic-view/
Anglican? Alright.
Catechism online.
http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/catechism
A Catechism to your home.
https://www.amazon.com/Be-Christian-Anglican-Catechism/dp/0986044121
There is actually a little known sequal. For those who want the boredom to continue.
https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Lie-Earth-Proof-Moving/dp/1943056013/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539223094&sr=8-1&keywords=flat+earth+books&dpID=51KxGJcBz7L&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
I guess flat earthers are right, it's in a book and no one should ever insist on more evidence than a link to a book explaining something.
I mean, imagine if critical thought entered into it? you'd get crazy things like a rando on the internet not believing you when you post anonymously on a website claiming to understand exactly what russia is doing.
The worst part is that the math is in my favor. What's the chances that any of you actually know shit about the internals of the russian governments decision making vs not?
exactly.
now go away newly minted flat earther, before I start finding books on devil worship and really fuck with your beliefs.