I am in the unique and enjoyable position of receiving copies of most of the latest and greatest Christian books and I like to provide regular roundups of some of the best and brightest of the bunch. Of all the books I have received recently, here are the ones that appear most noteworthy.
(Note: These are largely academic and pastoral titles, so if you don’t know what to buy a pastor or seminary student for Christmas, anything from this list will make him happy!)
Galatians by Douglas Moo. Moo’s commentary on Galatians has been highly-anticipated and the early endorsements and reviews make it clear that it’s a must-have for anyone who wants to better understand the book. “In this addition to the award-winning BECNT series, highly regarded New Testament scholar Douglas Moo offers a substantive yet accessible commentary on Galatians. With extensive research and thoughtful chapter-by-chapter exegesis, Moo leads readers through all aspects of the book of Galatians–sociological, historical, and theological–to help them better understand its meaning and relevance.” Thomas Schreiner’s endorsement is representative: “Douglas Moo’s expertise as a commentator is well known, and his skill is on display in this outstanding commentary on Galatians. Moo is scrupulously fair to opposing viewpoints and nuanced and careful in his explication of the text. In addition to a line-by-line explanation of the letter, Moo also offers a substantive and satisfying explanation of Paul’s theology in Galatians.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate by Michael Kruger. “Unlike many books on the New Testament canon, this book does not seek to explain why these books and no others. It asks the questions Why is there a NT at all? Was the notion of a canon of literature out of sync with the earliest Christian movement? Michael Kruger challenges commonly held views on the emergence of the NT canon.” Craig Blomberg says, “Already the author of one important book on the formation of the New Testament canon, Kruger here tackles the five most prevalent objections to the classic, Christian understanding of a quickly emerging, self-authenticating collection of authoritative counterparts to the Hebrew Scriptures. Not only does he directly address these objections, he provides powerful rebuttals and further support for the classic view. All who insist on maintaining the (more liberal) scholarly consensus will have to refute Kruger if they are to maintain any credibility on this topic!” (Amazon)
Thy Word Is Still Truth: Essential Writings on the Doctrine of Scripture from the Reformation to Today by Peter A. Lillback & Richard B. Gaffin. This is a massive new book on Scripture. “This new collection of Reformed thinkers’ writings from the Reformation to today brings together key documents on the inerrancy of Scripture in one readable volume. One of the hallmarks of Westminster Theological Seminary since its beginning in 1929 has been a high view of Scripture that reflects the historic Reformed theological and confessional tradition. Thy Word Is Still Truth confirms that Westminster still holds this high view.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief by John Frame. This volume is receiving accolades from far and wide. “Systematic Theology is the culmination and creative synthesis of John Frame’s writing on, teaching about, and studying of the Word of God. This magisterial opus—at once biblical, clear, cogent, readable, accessible, and practical—summarizes the mature thought of one of the most important and original Reformed theologians of the last hundred years. It will enable you to see clearly how the Bible explains God’s great, sweeping plan for mankind.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Jeremiah & Lamenations by Michael Wilcock. This is the latest volume in Christian Focus’ Focus on the Bible commentary series. Michael McKinley writes this: “In this book, Michael Wilcock has done a real service to students of Scripture: he has made Jeremiah and Lamentations accessible and applicable. From page 1, it is clear that the reader is in the hands of a careful scholar and faithful guide to the life and writings of the prophet Jeremiah. In short, this is a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to preach, teach, or simply study these sometimes intimidating books. When people in my church ask for a resource to help them read Jeremiah and Lamentations, this book will be at the top of my list!” (Amazon)
What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About by Jason DeRouchie. According to the publisher, this is “an accessible, full-color OT survey textbook focusing on the message of each book. Written from an irenic, evangelical perspective, this Old Testament survey is designed to unpack what the biblical authors most intended to communicate in the Scripture that Jesus read. As the corresponding volume to the previously published What the New Testament Authors Really Cared About (Kregel Academic, 2008), it is well-suited for use in a college, seminary, or church context Students of the Bible will find this full-color textbook accessible and engaging.” It carries endorsements from John Piper, Daniel Block, Andy Naselli and Sam Storms. (Amazon)
