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Christian Systematic Theology books:
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Also highly recommend Kreeft’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Christianity-Complete-Catechism-Beliefs/dp/0898707986
It is essentially a more accessible edit of the Catechism. Kreeft was a Protestant convert and I found it helpful as a convert myself.
https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Christianity-Complete-Catechism-Beliefs
This is a really good book by Professor Peter Kreeft. It is a commentary that follows the Catechism because that is the best resource for studying catholicism itself. He expands on the articles, offers more substance and backing for the teachings and provides a wonderful picture of the church.
I think most people with a high school education can handle reading straight from St. Thomas. I highly recommend Peter Kreeft's abridged and well-annotated version Summa of the Summa. He has a gift for making the more difficult ideas of Aquinas easier to understand.
A podcast geared towards Aquinas without being too technical is Pints with Aquinas by Matt Fradd.
I would recommend to you "Four Views on Hell." https://www.amazon.com/Four-Views-Hell-Counterpoints-Theology/dp/0310516463/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33B00WLKJFE4V&keywords=four+views+of+hell&qid=1669822076&sprefix=four+views+of+hell%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1
It covers, as one might surmise, 4 different perspectives, one being annihilationism.
In the passage in question, God didn't command the Israelites to commit genocide or sex slavery, Moses did. The Israelites had a long history of 'misinterpreting' God's instruction.
If you're interested in a more detailed analysis of every single violent passage in the Old Testament, Greg Boyd's book "The Crucifixion of the Warrior God: Interpreting the Old Testament's Violent Portraits of God in Light of the Cross" is a good one. It's long but there are abridged versions out there IIRC.
You wouldn't be human if you didn't have doubts. You can have questions and still have faith.
If you're 50-50, ask yourself: If I try seeking God and it turns out I was wrong, what are the consequences; if I live like there is no God and it turns out I was wrong, what are the consequences? (Yes, this is essentially Pascal's Wager.)
But it's a fair question: What do you lose if you are wrong?
I am convinced there is ample reason to believe God exists, but if you're on the fence, pick a side and see where it takes you.
Maybe a book study discussion?
The second edition of Zondervan’s Four Views on Hell is pretty balanced: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Views-Hell-Counterpoints-Theology/dp/0310516463 I’ve also heard good things about Steve Gregg’s All You Want To Know About Hell: https://www.amazon.com/All-Want-Know-About-Hell/dp/1401678300
Since we are commanded to love God with all our minds, thinking through doubt is an essential part of the Christian life.
As to your specific doubts, I can only offer my two cents. The problem of evil is never going to be something easy to put away from our minds. What works for me is to recognize that, even in my infirmities, God's awesome presence makes them appear as nothing. I've dealt with addiction, mental illness, and now multiple sclerosis, but Christ's balm on my soul has been so great that it infinitely outweighs these ailments.
On the existence of God, I recommend the book <em>Two Dozen (or so) Arguments for God: The Plantinga Project</em>. Lots of smart philosophers presenting a slew of basic arguments. It at least should get the brain going.
Oh my god, did you even read my comment? I was very clear when I said NEW TESTAMENT, yes, I know this article also quotes some excerpts from the new testament, but it treats the old testament texts as if they were valid arguments.
First, as I mentioned earlier liking other men is not a sin, having sex with one maybe it is, there are people who just can't feel lovingly attracted to women, that's a fact, the article errs to say that "some people has more disposition to homosexual actions than others" because there are no "homosexual actions", it's not an action, it's a feeling, I know this is an intolerable subject and everyone is tired of hearing this kind of thing so don't I will delve into this, but your mistake is to ignore the deeper meanings of the Bible and only see the surface part of it, we have to analyze the context of the time.
This article distorts the scriptures to fit your views, in the original translation it doesn't say "homosexuality", that word didn't even exist, the only valid passage among all these is Romans 1:26-27, I understand your interpretation , however I disagree, this verse is following on from others, and it was taken out of context, the texts before them are criticizing the Roman rituals that included adultery, heterosexuals who rejected their own nature in the name of false gods.
I recommend some books that offer another point of view, I have to admit that some of them have authors I dislike, I don't usually consume content made by evangelical pastors and activists, but it's always good to have another point of view:
https://www.amazon.com.br/Two-Views-Homosexuality-Bible-Church/dp/0310528631
https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Homosexual-Practice-Texts-Hermeneutics/dp/0687022797
Sorry to burst your bubble.... Many people lie for attention and/or money. Often. Very often. And many bolster this by lying to folks who are already predisposed by their religion to believing fantastic things while demanding little or no proof.
This guy is a charlatan who is either trying to sell books and speaking engagements, or who is prepping to start selling books and speaking engagements.
Yes, it is a sin to lie... Especially to lie about matters of the soul. You should email this guy and let him know that.
And yes, the modem Christian concept of hell has more to do with Dantes inferno and European mythology than anything else. Your first clue on this is how God seems to have to missed that whole "Christian hell" part during the his long interactions with the Jewish people, who have concepts of an afterlife quite different from, say, modern evangelicals.
I know Christianity tends to attract folks who seek authority and certainty in their lives, but, like it or not, there are at least four different doctrines of hell in Christianity, and the one favored by the pastor of your church isn't necessarily right.
Wow, thank you. Honestly, I (probably dumbly) didn't know that Aquinas was so central. I'm just concerned that the length of his unabridged Summa might be daunting enough that I won't take the time to tackle it. Would something like this "Aquinas's Shorter Summa" still be an appropriate way to be introduced to these ideas?
I have not read this book myself but it’s been recommended to me a lot.
Four Views on Hell: Second Edition (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310516463/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_P1RAYTFH04FXB1VWPMX1
DO this first
Aquinas's Shorter Summa: Saint Thomas's Own Concise Version of His Summa Theologica
https://www.amazon.com/Aquinass-Shorter-Summa-Thomass-Theologica/dp/1928832431
I tutored seminary students in Philosophy.
Peter Kreeft has two books that sound like what you’re looking for:
A Summa of the Summa https://www.amazon.com/dp/089870300X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XEH1RJPWDDA3CQM9NDGQ
A Shorter Summa: The Essential Philosophical Passages of Saint Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica https://www.amazon.com/dp/0898704383/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VQ1K1DK7ZTD76FN0QT5G
I read Peter Kreeft's Summa of the Summa. It's literally the philosophical part of the Summa, but Dr. Kreeft edited out of it objections, articles, etc. that have little to no relevance today--so it's only about 500 pages long instead of the full length monster that it is. Also, Dr. Kreeft filled it with comments (in the form of footnotes) to the brim, actually quite helpful when getting through the heavy handed stuff.
The counterpoint series of books has a great one on 4 different theologies on Hell which may interest you.
Systematic Theology has a large breakdown of most religions and gives their background and what they believe.
https://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theology-Introduction-Biblical-Doctrine/dp/0310286700
Also, I just remembered this book my small group is going through. It does a good job of walking through the basics. https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Doctrine-Essential-Teachings-Christian/dp/0310222338/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bible+doctrine&qid=1628787357&sr=8-1
I found this book, "Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the church," to be a great Bible based introduction to Christian sexual ethics. Although the focus of the book is homosexuality, the authors go into the history of all kinds of Christian sexual ethics to make their arguments. As a result, the book also acts as a primer on both historical and modern Christian views on sex.
Though birth control is only mentioned a few times, the book will teach you a great deal of what you need to know to understand why the church has been and is so skittish about it.
Because God can do anything and chose to become human. Philippians 2 would suggest He opted to put aside some of His divinity in a very humble way. Yeah it is hard for me to even understand that. Because humility is divine. As is glory.
But no I don’t think it’s illogical. I think it’s paradoxical. You know - “the more I’ve learned the more I don’t know.” Is that illogical? No. It just takes a second of reflection. Or does it take longer to truly appreciate?
Anyway I’m not too smart. Go read something like Wayne Grudem systematic theology. It starts, if I remember correctly, with Christology. Or maybe that’s just the part I read first. But yeh it’ll probably address most of your questions about God in a better way than Reddit. https://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theology-Introduction-Biblical-Doctrine/dp/0310286700
Which makes me wonder- why are you here? Probably to cast doubt in the minds of Christians more than to ever learn something. Says a lot about you. Says a lot about atheism. Atheists believe this life is the only you’ll get. And you want to spend it trying to mock others? What a waste. I don’t want to mock you. I want you to find God because He’s good. Way better than I deserve or could even describe. And you can know Him! To know Jesus is to know God. Study Jesus
Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft is an AMAZING book, it doesn't talk about the "bad guys" or the History of the Church, but it is an outstanding book because
1) It's a readable way of knowing what the catechism says in layman's language.
So you will really get to know what the Church teaches, the Catechism is awesome especially that it was a Brief summary after every chapter, but it can be a bite dry some times.
2) Kreeft is brilliantly logical, and Catholic Christianity is a fun read, nothing like reading a phone book, so you will be able to read the whole thing and not get discouraged or bogged down.
I encountered annihilationism very briefly when writing a paper on universalism. This is an evangelical book but gives a balanced look at views on hell. Would say it would give you all you need.
Here is an excellent systematic theology that will show you what the Bible teaches about itself. Hope this helps.
https://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theology-Introduction-Biblical-Doctrine/dp/0310286700
Four Views on Hell: Second Edition (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310516463/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hE5uDb8GNXD16
I believe there are multiple timelines within God's mind, the people in Hell deny Jesus in each one.
Maybe with start with the "Summa of the Summa" by Kreeft:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/089870300X/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_XpLpCb8GEVP7F
Otherwise its difficult to know where to start with the whole summa.
That's an excellent question, one you should be asking. It cannot be answered so easily and there are many different opinions and approaches.
Jesus is the "exact representation" of God's being. If we want to know what God looks like, we look at him. The absolute clearest and strongest example of God's love that we get is in the crucifixion. God, for the sake of all that he loves (including those who hate him), fights against the forces of evil by suffering and dying. He never retaliates, but prays for their forgiveness instead. The rest of the scriptures should be read through the lense of the portrayal of God we get from Jesus, in particular the crucifixion.
Cross Vision is a book which works through the Old Testament looking through the lense of the crucifixion and may be something you want to check out.
At r/cruxiformity we share articles and discuss opinions related to this view of God and the Bible as well. There is also the Christian Nonviolence Discord (https://discord.gg/NJUjDqv ) where you can find resources and ask questions related to violence and God.
Oh, in that case I would check out Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem. It's pretty accessible and covers pretty much every area of Systematic Theology.
>One of the things that's really been bothering me is that if someone doesn't accept Jesus as their savior, they aren't saved? In which case that means after I die, I won't be with my parents?
>I'm not exactly sure how eternal happiness after I die without my parents around somewhere is supposed to happen. The thought is actually pretty terrifying.
>internally I have no idea how to reconcile what happens to about a seventh of the world's population that doesn't believe in Jesus.
First, I am very sorry for the pain you are going through right now, with your parents and romance life.
Second, It is not God's will that any should perish. Yet some still believe that some are inevitably destined to perish. Which means that some believe that the universe and the totality of Creation will not one day be entirely reconciled with the will of God. Which seems to call into question the absolute divinity and omnipotence of God.
Which sounds like a non-Christian teaching.
I can't tell you what to believe, but I can tell you that "some must perish" is absolutely not a universal Christian belief, and any who say otherwise are either ignorant or lying.
Anyone can give their opinion about this topic, but no one can claim this is settled topic in Christian doctrine.
If this really, truly bothers you, you should at least be exposed to the full breadth of Christian thought on this topic. For that, I'd recommend starting here:
Four Views on Hell: Second Edition (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310516463
I can't tell you which one is "right." No one in here can, regardless of their level personal passion for their side.
But you should at least be told that their are multiple opinions on this topic and be free to think about all of them for yourself.