For too many Christians in the West, theology is about "answers" rather than exploration.  However my thought is that the Scriptures are too immense, too deep to capture in any "systematic."  Yet they are understandable (the theologians invented a fancy word for this... perspicuity).  There are insights into humanity and our condition as well as deep & profound revelation about God Himself.  It is the balance of "mystery" in its appropriate place coupled with Truth, rightly valued and protected.  There is such a thing as heresy.  But there is also such a thing as cold orthodoxy.  Neither are the Scriptures' intent.

But where can we find tour guides for our theological adventures that we can trust?  There are SO. MANY. OPINIONS!  Where is there someone who I can actually not look at sideways?  

This is a question that arose during the third week of our "DISCIPLE.  the course."  So i wanted to take a blog entry or two and send some thoughts and offer some links to about where to begin.

There are so many wonderful writers so please understand these are simply a few who I have found helpful.  The good thing though is that if you will take the time to look at the bibliographies in their books you will find others writers who they like and who you can add to your pile!  Here are some thoughts of where to begin with the general theological endeavour...

• N.T. Wright (aka Tom Wright).  His insight into cultural and "big picture" context for Jesus helps immensely. He will twist your noodle with his fresh "takes."
• John R.W. Stott.  Solid.  Not imaginative but if you want solid and trustworthy theoligcal perspective he will ground you. Good for theological beginners.
• Gordon Fee.  This Pentecostal (think Holy Spirit) theologian offers a different but solid insight into theology with the Spirit rightly emphasized.
• Walter Brueggeman.  He is an OT theologian who engages with Postmodernity & offers a fresh and imaginative take on Scripture while not abandoning core truth. 
• Timothy Keller. This Pastor and Preacher from New York is a scholar in Practical theology and engages apologetics & discipleship with a fresh, modern take.
• Alan Hirsch.  This Aussie is a first class Missiologist who is engaging Post-Christian culture and seeking a way back for the Western Church. Rocked me.
• Philip Yancey.  Not a theologian; but writes awesome theology from the perspective of a struggling pilgrim and writer. His books on disappointment are immense.
• Brennan Manning. This theologian of "Grace" is my first recommendation to anyone who wants to begin to study. He is raw. And he is wonderful.
• Miroslav Volf. I haven't read him yet but Keller mentions him a lot.  I am going to get into him soon.  What I've heard is great.
• C.S. Lewis.  What list would be complete without the patron saint of protestants!  "Jack" says it better than anyone. See Great Divorce & Mere Christianity first.

The links I have given you connect you to Amazon's catalogue for each of them.  It is often really important to start reading a theologian in the right place.  Sometimes they will explain much of their work and aim in a book that comes along years after their first.  Make sure you read the summaries and reviews for the books that catch your fancy before you buy them.  Get a grasp of whether those books are scratching where you are itching.  Remember, they, like the writers of the Scriptures, all write for a particular people and a particular time.

Enjoy your adventures and comment below about how you get on!!  More to come in the next entry.