How Can I Study Theology?
Now, contrary to the belief of some, you do not have to go to college to learn more about theology. While I do recommend it, not everyone has the financial means or desire to pursue formal education in theology. Because of this, I hope this post can be a guide for how to get started in studying theology on your own terms, without having to pay thousands of dollars. Below are the resources I recommend to everyone and some curated content depending on your denominational preference.
General Theology
These books are theological in nature, but do a great job at bridging the gap between denominations. Some do have a doctrinal bias, but their overview is generally that of good scholarship and can be applicable to almost all Christians.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Theology: The Basics by Alister E. McGrath
Introducing Christian Doctrine by Millard J. Erickson
Christian Theology in Plain Language by Bruce Bickel & Stan Jantz
Know the Truth: A Handbook of Christian Belief by Bruce Milne
Protestant Theology
These books favor the Protestant point of view when approaching theological topics. The authors come from a variety of denominational backgrounds, but are mostly evangelical in their approach.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Concise Theology by J.I. Packer
Everyone’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul
The Story of Christian Theology by Roger E. Olson
The Drama of Scripture by Craig Bartholomew & Michael Goheen
Catholic Theology
The authors of these books all come from a Catholic background, all Roman Catholic as far as I am aware. I left out quite a few of my favorites, including St. Thomas Aquinas, due to the desire to be approachable to the average reader.
Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed
YouCat (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church), published by Ignatius Press
Catholic Christianity by Peter Kreeft
The Faith Explained by Leo J. Trese
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (with commentary) (This book may not necessarily be approachable for everyone. However, look up some catechisms with good reviews and a good commentary. It will be a more challenging read, but a worthwhile one.)
Eastern Orthodox Theology
Finding good sources on Eastern Orthodox theology is a bit trickier, as it depends on the kind of Orthodox church you are looking for, such as Greek, Russian, Coptic, etc. I have done my best to include books that are broadly Orthodox, but denominational differences are important to keep in mind as you read them or if you are looking for something specific.
The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware
The Faith: Understanding Orthodox Christianity by Clark Carlton
Introducing Eastern Orthodox Theology by Andrew Louth
For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann
The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware
Podcasts I Listen To
I also wanted to include some podcasts that I either currently or have historically listened to that touch upon theological themes. The hosts generally try to make it accessible to everyone, but it may be more or less complicated depending on the topics being covered.
Pints With Aquinas by Matt Fradd (Catholic)
Truth Unites by Dr. Gavin Ortlund (Protestant)
Jimmy Akins Mysterious World by Jimmy Akin (Catholic)
The Lord of Spirits by Fr. Andrew Damick and Fr. Stephen DeYoung (Eastern Orthodox)
Just and Sinner by Dr. Jordan B. Cooper (Protestant/Lutheran)
The Areopagus by Michael Landsman and Fr. Andrew Damick (Protestant and Eastern Orthodox respectively)
Gospel Simplicity by Austin Suggs (Protestant, but with lots of differing guests of all denominations)