Baptists/Theology-- where to start?

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Expert: - 6/3/2010


Question
I will admit it-- I don't know my Charismatic from my Calvinist.  I'd really like to make a study of Church history, doctine, and theology, but I have no idea where to start and what writers to trust.  When it comes to theology, I think at my present ignorant state it would be easy to be taken in by "fine sounding arguments."  What would you suggest as a good starting point?  

Thank you for your time!

Answer
  Sarah, thank you for your question. The best book to learn Theology is from the Bible itself.

  But for Church History try these: Church History in Plain Language: Updated 2nd Edition by Dr. Bruce L. Shelley or Christian History Made Easy: 13 Weeks to a Better Understanding of Church History by Timothy Paul Jones.

  Try  Handbook of Denominations in the United States by Craig D Atwood to learn a view of different denominations.

  I you really want serious study of Chruch History and Theology, I would suggest to take a course on line from a local seminary.

  There are so many books that it will make your head swim. Ask your Pastor what he may suggest.

Blessings,

Dr Don Howe, RN, PhD, ThD

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Dr Don Howe

Expertise

I welcome questions that deal with theological issues, relationship issues, church history, world religions, current events from a Christian worldview, "gray areas" that are present today, church growth movements, false prophets, spiritual abuse issues, end time events, prophecy, medical ethical issues, hermeneutical questions, and how Israel fits into God's economy today. I will answer all questions in a grammatical/historical normative interpretation of God's Word. If I can not answer a question, I will do the research and find the answer if available. If you are looking for a liberal theological answer or agrument, do not ask. I am not an expert on church planting or evangelism.

Experience

I have over 27 years of experience doing ministry as a bivocational minster/professional nurse. I do ministry as a volunteer with ministries that are nonprofit and not able to pay for ministers. I have experience working with youth, children, elderly in different placement settings, mentally ill and mentally challenged in different settings, felons in state prison and county jails, hospital chaplancy, choir ministry, and deacon ministry. I am an ordained SBC minister. I am a Professional Chaplain. I am currently doing hospital minstry, ministry to shut-ins, and a chaplain with Victim Relief Ministry working with victims of diasters and domestic violence. I work as psychiatric nurse in large county jail system.

Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors, Baptist Nursing Fellowship, Nurses Christian Fellowship, Therpon Institute, Victim Chaplain & Counselor Association of America, International Board of Christian Counselors, American Society of Christian Therapists.

Publications
N/A

Education/Credentials
PhD, Therapon University, USVI, 12/07 in Biblical Counseling, DCC, Southwest Bible College & Seminary, Jenning, LA 04/05 in Christian Psychology and Counseling. ThD, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA 02/04 D.D., Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA 07/03 Tyndale Seminary, Fort Worth, TX 2001-2003 BSN, Univ. of Texas in Arlington, Tx 05/93 ADN, Midwestern State Univ., Wichitia Falls, TX 5/77 Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Externship 08/04-12/05, 4 units of CPE earned.

Awards and Honors
Board Certified Christian Counselor by International Board of Christian Counselors. Issued 01/24/06.

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