Why Read Books from Dead Theologians?

In high school, I read a lot of classics for English class. I am most of you can relate that. Got to read plays by William Shakespeare, books from Mark Twain, and even read John Steinbeck's classic, Of Mice and Men. Of course, I do not remember every part of the book I read because it was for a grade and just wrote it off as if I never need it.

The truth is I was exposed to some great works of literature yet I was looking at them from a perspective that these books were not going to make a significant difference in the 20th century (I graduated from high school in 1996). Some Christians can fall into that same trap (if they are not too careful) regarding classics in Christian literature.


As I was talking with a sister in Christ who teaches Sunday School at another church, she asked me about how I do my studies. Sometimes I do it the old fashion way with books and study Bible, and other times with the help of modern technology. Then a thought came to me about some of the old theologians like Calvin, Luther, and Owen about how they studied the Bible, but most importantly, how they thought of God. I came up with this conclusion: All of those dead theologians had a better view of God than I ever will.

The same can be true for all of us. Why? Think about. In the 21st century, we live in rapid pace society. Things have to done quickly, we are constantly busy, and we are distracted, sometimes, by modern technology. They had more time to think then we do. We have a lot to learn from theologians from the past, not saying the ones living today are not smart nor have they done their time in studying theology, but we can learn from those who have gone before us.


This brings me back to the question at hand, why read books from dead theologians? First, to learn their views on God, Jesus, the Bible, and living the Christian life. Second, to expand your theology. Third, to show Christianity is not a fad that comes and goes. Finally, reading classics is a good reading exercise.

Now I know there are a lot of great modern books that have been released over the years and there will be some this year. I challenge you, if you have not already done so, read a classic from a theologian from the past. Reading new books is a great things, but so is reading old books. Darrin Patrick once said (this is not an exact quote), "The problem with reading new books is we will forget the old books."

What if you know a Christian, who says, "Why bother when reading books from dead theologians? I like the modern Christian writers?" Keep in mind this: Christians read a book God inspired using the writing styles of men who died many years ago called the Bible. God continues to use the Bible to speak to His people so they can become more like Jesus. The Bible may not have been written in the last 50 years, but it is still relevant.