Pre-seminary reading...

posted by Ligon Duncan on the Reformation 21 blog. I have imported it here for my own archiving purposes so I can reference it in the future.

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We have already heard from a number of seminarians and prospective seminarians who are asking: "what books should I be reading now, or what books should I read before I go to seminary?" The following list is one response to such a query.


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This reading listed emphasizes biblical piety, the doctrines of grace, a Reformed view of Church and ministry, and is designed to be a challenge to the student to consecrate his whole heart (not just his intellect) to ministerial preparation. The list gives a suggested order of reading (from 1 to 15), covering issues such as fundamental doctrinal commitments and understanding, ministerial call and godliness, basic Bible knowledge, and critical contemporary concerns. These recommended volumes are intended to help the beginner "catch up" quickly on reading which will feed his soul, strengthen his mind, encourage his walk, warn him of pitfalls, and prepare him for a new world of ideas and terminology which he will meet in seminary training.

1. Westminster Confession of Faith (Free Presbyterian Publications)

substitute the Second London Confession (1689) if you are Baptist

2. Edmund Clowney, Called to the Ministry (P & R)

3. B.B. Warfield, The Religious Life of Theological Students (P & R)

4. J.I. Packer, Knowing God (IVP)

5. Sinclair Ferguson, The Christian Life (Banner of Truth)

6. Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Banner of Truth)

7. John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress (Christian Library)

8. William Hendriksen, Survey of the Bible (Evangelical Press)

9. Andrew Bonar, Memoirs and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (Banner of Truth)

10. J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness (Crossway Books)

11. A.A. Hodge, Evangelical Theology (Banner of Truth)

12. John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Eerdmans)

13. J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Eerdmans)

14. J.C. Ryle, Holiness (Evangelical Press)

15. David F. Wells, No Place for Truth (Eerdmans)