Additional Resources

1. Recognised Theologians/Authors

The following Christian theologians/authors are evangelical¹ and culturally relevant.

1. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1991)

Influential Welsh protestant minister who pastored at Westminster Chapel, London (1939-1968). He believed that preaching must be the logical demonstration of the truth of a given passage of Scripture with the aid of the Holy Spirit. That is, ‘logic on fire’. Recordings of his sermons are available for download at http://www.mlj.org.uk/home.

2. N T (Tom) Wright (1948- )

Bishop of Durham and highly respected New Testament scholar. He is particularly good on the resurrection of Christ. His book, The Resurrection of the Son of God presents a clearly organised and logical case that addresses every doubt about the resurrection, both ancient and modern. A short and easily readable book is Following Jesus, a series of talks on what it means to follow Jesus today. Lectures, articles and talks are available here http://www.ntwrightpage.com/ .

3. Timothy Keller (1950 - )

Influential founder and pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian church in New York, one of Manhattan’s most vital congregations. Excellent and highly recommended speaker who convincingly presents the gospel to a sceptical, post-modern generation. Free sermon resource at http://sermons2.redeemer.com/. The Reason for God clearly and rigorously addresses common arguments about the existence of God. The Prodigal God is an changing account of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. Tim Keller’s books are available through Australian Christian bookstores.

4. J I Packer (1926 - )

A Canadian Theologian, considered one of the most influential evangelical theologians in North America. Knowing God, probably his best-known work, explores the character of God as revealed in the Bible, and the Christian response to it. J I Packer’s books are available in Australian Christian bookstores, and audio at http://www.jipackeronline.com/.

5. John Stott (1921 - )

An evangelical Anglican clergyman, he has been at the heart of the evangelical renewal in the UK. In 2004, New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote that, if evangelicals chose a pope, they would likely select John Stott. Issues facing Christians today brings the lens of biblically informed thinking and intellectual rigour to contemporary issues such as same sex marriage, pluralism, human rights, industrial relations, AIDS and terrorism. The Bible and the Christian Life: Six Sessions on the Authority, Interpretation, and Use of Scripture (DVD) clearly and rigorously addresses key areas of Christian beliefs absolutely central to Christianity. The John Stott website is at http://www.johnstottministries.org/.

6. Philip Yancey (1949 - )

A popular American Christian author and journalist who addresses tough matters and ponders deep questions about faith with honesty and depth. His books are available through Australian Christian bookstores; and his column at Christianity Today is available at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/features/opinion/columns/philipyancey/.

7. Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984)

A Presbyterian minister who saw that philosophical questions of meaning, morals, and value are also addressed by the Bible. Once an agnostic, Schaeffer came to the conclusion that Biblical Christianity not only gave sufficient answers to the big questions, but that they were the only answers that were both self-consistent and liveable. Schaeffer taught that God is really “there” and that He has spoken to man in the Bible. As a result we can have "true truth" about God and man, not the “death of hope” that human philosophy engenders. Francis Schaeffer’s books can be found in Australian Christian bookstores. The Shelter at http://www.rationalpi.com/theshelter/ is a site dedicated to the work of Francis Schaeffer.

8. Judson Cornwall (1924-2005)

An Assemblies of God preacher, best known for his writing on worship and intimacy with God. His books are accessible, thoughtful and insightful, and are classics of Christian literature. Although best known for the books Let us worship, Elements of worship, A Reasoning Faith and Let us praise, his many other books are also worth searching out and reading.

9. Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

Known as the ‘Prince of Preachers’, Charles Spurgeon’s weekly sermons remain one of the all-time best selling series of writings published in history. An archive of Spurgeon’s work is at http://www.spurgeon.org/mainpage.htm. - Spurgeon's works in e-Book format are free to download at Grace-eBooks.com. A daily devotional series by Spurgeon is available at http://www.answersingenesis.org/devotions/devotions.asp. An audio archive of his sermons is at http://www.mountzion.org/spurgeon.html. Spurgeon’s The Treasury of David is a superb commentary on the book of Psalms, and is still in print.

10. C S Lewis (1898-1963)

An Anglo-Irish, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian and Christian apologist. He is also well known for his fiction, especially The Screwtape letters and The Chronicles of Narnia. Lewis was very interested in presenting a reasonable case for the truth of Christianity. Mere Christianity and The problem of pain are concerned with refuting popular objections to Christianity such as "How could a good God allow pain to exist in the world?". A useful C S Lewis website is at http://cslewis.drzeus.net/.

11. David Jackman (1942 - )

A renowned British Evangelical speaker who excels in expository preaching that is relevant and thoughtful. His sermons can be found at http://www.proctrust.org.uk/person/david-jackman

12. Dick Lucas (1925 - )

An Anglican evangelical clergyman, best known for his long ministry at St Helen’s Bishopsgate in London. Under his leadership St Helen's grew from a tiny congregation of a few individuals to a large thriving church with a ministry to city workers, families, students and young professionals, and a reputation for serious expository preaching and Bible teaching. His sermons can be found at http://www.proctrust.org.uk/person/dick-lucas and http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Audio-and-Multimedia/All-Speakers-Lectures-and-Sermons/Dick-Lucas/.

13. Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)

A German Lutheran pastor and theologian. His view of Christianity's role in the secular world has become very influential. Bonhoeffer’s best-known book, The Cost of Discipleship is a study of the Sermon on the Mount in which he attacked "cheap grace" as a cover for ethical laxity and preached "costly grace".

14. Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998)

A Church of Scotland missionary serving in the former Madras State. He is remembered especially for the period of his life when he sought to communicate the need for the church to take the Gospel anew to the post-Christian Western culture, which he viewed not as a secular society with no gods but as a pagan society with false gods. It was during this time that he wrote two of his most important works, Foolishness to the Greeks and The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. A Newbigin bibliography is available at http://www.newbigin.net/.

15. Tim Downs

A fiction author, who also writes on Christian relationships and communication. His book, Finding Common Ground, is a superb book about communicating the gospel effectively to contemporary culture.

2. Christian Journals and Magazines

There is no shortage of contemporary Christian journals and magazines. Most are an amalgam of stories, Christian world perspectives, articles, photographs, advertisements, news and interviews, opinion pieces, columns by well known speakers and writers and advice for shopping, parenting, cooking, dieting and other “practical” tips for living.

Most contain snippets of teaching (much of it of the “inspirational” variety”), however they are not the place you will find serious consideration of the theological “issues” confronting modern Christians. In addition, the majority of those that have wide circulation are aimed at Christians in the West and contain cultural biases.

By all means, dip into such publications, but go much further afield for deeper treatment of theological matters.

Samples of Publications

1. Christianity Today

Christianity Today is one of the leading Christian magazines; it is available online and in printed format. The popular publication covers world, national, church and ministry news, as well as practical advice on entertainment, shopping, parenting and marriage resources, help with college and seminary selection, community guides, and sermon aids.

2. RELEVANT Magazine

RELEVANT Magazine is a bimonthly lifestyle magazine with a focus toward faith, life, and culture. RELEVANT targets 20-somethings who are “passionate about God, spirituality, and the world they live in”. The team behind the magazine writes, "... we're just a group of people like you who are asking questions, living life to its fullest, seeking God, having fun, trying to reach people and impact the world around us.

3. Charisma

Charisma is one of the leading magazines for Spirit-filled Christians, offering articles, regular columns written by well-known pastors and teachers, community forums, and news from the Christian community all from a charismatic perspective.

4. New Man Magazine

New Man Magazine is designed for Christian men; contributors include well-known names in sports, business and entertainment, who explain how their faith in Jesus Christ has impacted their lives. Articles include Biblical perspectives from Christian leaders, practical advice about marriage, parenting, work, health, fitness, sex, God and other aspects of life.

5. Kyria.com

Kyria.com is a resource of Leadership Journal and Christianity Today International, designed to strengthen and equip Christian women to fulfil God's calling on their lives. Each month members receive a digital magazine highlighting an influential Christian woman, as well as spiritual and practical tools, Bible studies, and other resources to challenge women in their spiritual formation.

6. World Magazine

World Magazine provides biweekly world news committed to reporting and illustrating the news from a biblical worldview perspective, with emphasis on stories that are often under-reported or even misreported by other more prominent media outlets. The magazine is published 26 times a year and includes coverage of national and international stories, especially those relevant to Christians. It also provides editorials and commentaries, cultural analysis, movie and television reviews, book and music reviews, as well as business, personal finance, charity, education, sports, technology, lifestyle and health matters.

7. CCM Magazine

CCM Magazine covers the contemporary Christian music world. It discusses music and contains reviews, tour and concert information, special artist features and opportunities to shop for Christian music.

8. Christian Living

This "Christian living" magazine features everything from human interest stories, ministry spotlights, education and health articles to home and fashion tips, food, finance, and business features. The format is a "Guidepost meets Charisma" inspirational focus with the goal of educating and connecting Christians to other like-minded believers in businesses and ministries all over the world.

9. Guideposts

Guideposts monthly magazine is designed "to help people from all walks of life achieve their maximum personal and spiritual potential." Stories and articles from everyday people and well-known celebrities are designed to help readers grow practically and spiritually in their daily lives.

10. Christian History & Biography

Christian History & Biography offers highly researched chronicles of people and events that have shaped the journey of Christianity throughout the ages. It contains articles, graphics, illustrations, timelines and maps designed to enhance the retracing of Christianity's roots.

Denominational Publications

Another source of information is magazines published by individual Christian denominations, for example: the Catholic Weekly; Church of England reader; Trowel and Sword (Christian Reformed Churches of Australia); Warcry (Salvation Army); and the Pentecostal Evangel.

Most material in these publications is useful, however the contents reflect the denominational emphases of the churches that sponsor them and the theological depth is variable.

The so-called “Christian” cults have well-known magazines as well, for example Watchtower and Awake, published by the Jehovah’s Witness organisation, and Christian Odyssey, published by the Worldwide Church of God (formerly published Plain Truth). Clearly, the cults recognise the value of disseminating their material in written form. It is not recommended that any such material be used as primary sources for theological teaching.

Internet

There are many millions of articles of a Christian nature on the Internet. Great care needs to be taken to establish the reliability of the sources, so as not to end up with a mixture of truth (presented both well and poorly) and false teaching.