Students enter seminary with diverse backgrounds and different levels of acquaintance with the subjects that are dealt with in theological education. Students vary in academic skills such as reading, research, writing, composition, and analysis of arguments and evidence. Students may enter seminary without a background in liberal arts such as philosophy and literature, and thus find themselves at a disadvantage in studying apologetics, church history, biblical interpretation, preaching, and other disciplines. This list of suggested introductory readings is intended to prepare students in subject areas where they may have minimal prior study. It is divided into three levels of difficulty under each subject area:

Level 1 is an introductory level, for the reader who has not studied the subject previously.

Level 2 is more challenging. These books introduce the reader to the heart of the subject, and the most fruitful perspective on and approaches to the subject.

Level 3 is accessible to thoughtful students even before seminary studies, but addresses more profound issues and problems than Levels I and 2.

There is no greater preparation for studying at Westminster Theological Seminary than reading the Bible regularly and extensively.

Most of these books are available at a discount at Westminster Bookstore. Click on the link to purchase.