Fear and Trembling

This work, a largely philosophical one, should not be discounted. Kirkegaard dealt with the ethical issues of the sacrifice that Abraham had to deal with in Isaac. He posed ethical questions such as should have Abraham had obeyed God, etc.? If you really want to stretch your ethical chops, then give this a try.

Erik

Now Reading: On Knowing Christ, By Jonathan Edwards

The Archko Volume

This book, which dealt with scrolls found in the Holy Land, was a very interesting read. It dealt with accounts from Caiaphas, the head person of the Sanhedrin about the crucifixion of Christ, and also about the resurrection of Christ. There were also accounts from Gamaliel, another member from the Sanhedrin. Gamaliel was the Apostle Paul's teacher, if you remember from one of the epistles. I would recommend this if you want a deeper understanding of the Gospels, as well as an understanding of Jewish hierarchy.

Erik

Next Read: Fear and Trembling, By Soren Kirkegaard

The Orthodox Church

This book was a VERY worthwhile read! Bishop Kallistos Ware was thorough in his research for this book. He talked about the saints of the Orthodox Church(St. Sergius, for example), what the Russian Orthodox church did during the days of the Communists, and the Cold War days.

There were the finer points of theology such as the filioque, which means "and from the Son." In the Nicene Creed, there is an argument between the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and the Orthodox that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father THROUGH the Son. The Orthodox do not believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds through Jesus. They believe that it comes through God alone, and Jesus has no part of it.

As far as other parts of theology, they are pretty much Catholic, except that they have been apart from the Catholics since 1054.

If you would like to read this highly enlightening book, it is published by Penguin Press.

Erik

Next Read: The Archko Volume

Selected Writings of Philo of Alexandria

Philo of Alexandria was of Hebrew parentage, but he was brought up studying the Greek language. He knew both Hebrew and Greek, but his writings contain mostly of the Greek philosophy, although it is tinged with Jewish for flavor(!). The amazing thing is that some of the themes that are discussed; Grace, Love, and repentance! These are words that we usually hear Jesus speak! He was a contemporary of Jesus, since he was born around 25 BC and probably heard about the itinerant preacher who was causing a ruckus... So if you are interested, you can find a volume of his at your local LifeWay or Mardel christian bookstore...

Erik

Reading now: The Orthodox Church, By Kallistos Ware