/lit/ - Literature

[Anonymous No.12544284]

Okay. I've decided to renounce my Indigenous pagan upbringing and want to convert to Christianity. The only thing delaying my baptism is deciding which denomination is correct and right for me. So, I need suggestions for ONE book for each major denomination that you think will best convert me. I don't want to spend my life debating which denomination to join, so I am willing to read one book for each denomination before finally deciding and baptizing into one. I've done lots of research thus far, but I could literally spend my life thrifting through endless information and discerning the truth.

[Anonymous No.12544293]

Just study the Quran

[Anonymous No.12544305]

>>12544284
Read the Bible first. You’ll come to very similar conclusions that Luther and Calvin did.

[Anonymous No.12544309]

>>12544284
The truth is that Christianity is just paganism with platonic window dressing. At the end of the day your still kowtowing to a semitic thunder god. Go read Spinoza if you want to get closer to the truth about god

[Anonymous No.12544359]

>>12544305
Bro, I have been reading the Bible. Just answer my question! What of Luther's writings should I read? I'm currently a member of a Lutheran church, so they have a pretty good chance at converting me.

>>12544309
It doesn't feel the same, anon. I've already decided on converting.

[Anonymous No.12544393]

>>12544309
Just read Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. It’s much more organized and systematic than Luther’s writings. He differs by the belief in predestination, but it’s supported heavily by the Bible (Romans 9, Proverbs 16:4, etc.)

[Anonymous No.12544404]

>>12544393
what do u think about baxter? i lean catholic, but some of his quotes in the protestant ethic were pretty fuckin rad

[Anonymous No.12544428]

>>12544404
I’m not real familiar with his theology, but the Protestant ethic is top-tier. The world would be a better place if everyone were Puritan.

[Anonymous No.12544586]

>>12544284
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3hprH0oc_I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx3jNmuMTJA

[Anonymous No.12544604]

Protestantism is the only logical choice, the other denominations are so caught up in ritualistic and material trappings that they are essentially neo-pagan.

[Anonymous No.12544625]

>>12544284
OP, I am Catholic and I could recommend you all sorts of theological texts from our Doctors of the Church: Augustine, Ambrose, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, etc..

But, instead, I want to recommend to you "The Introduction to the Devout Life" by Saint Francis de Sales. This work has a special place in my heart because Saint Francis de Sales is my Confirmation saint. He has been my companion through many a year, and I rely on him for wisdom and guidance.

But more importantly, "The Introduction to the Devout Life" is not intended for theologians or philosophers or priests or bishops. It is specifically written for laypeople. It is a treatise about how anyone, no matter how humble their status, can achieve holiness and sainthood. It is an expression of the Catholic belief that all men are called to become saints, that we can all, through faithfulness and charity, achieve Heaven through faithfulness to Jesus Christ and belief in the Gospel. I assume that you do not have the intention to go into the priesthood or the religious life, so I recommend it to you because, in your lay life, it will point you towards the beauty of living in accord with Jesus Christ and His Church.

I'm not sure if you speak English, but here's a link to buy my preferred English translation:

https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Devout-Life-Tan-Classics/dp/0895552280/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1549436549&sr=1-1&keywords=francis+de+sales+introduction+to+the+devout+life

[Anonymous No.12544633]

>>12544284
Plato: Complete Works

At least Republic

[Anonymous No.12544645]

>>12544284
Independent Fundamentalist Baptist
The Bible (KJV)

[Anonymous No.12544666]

>>12544625
Thanks anon for this suggestion. I will certainly read it. Also, you're wrong about my intentions. I could very well become the Pope someday, who knows.

P.S. I'm Canadian, so I certainly speak English.

[Anonymous No.12544692]

>>12544284
read the book of mormon pussy

[Anonymous No.12544803]

Every educated person will agree that Catholicism and Orthodoxy are the only denominations to be taken seriously, but I guess do whatever you want

[Anonymous No.12544843]

Catholicism all the way
Fuck the institutions but the faith is great and important

[Anonymous No.12544858]

you know the truth deep down anon.

[Anonymous No.12545082]

>>12544359
Work it out yourself you lazy faggot. Better yet, don’t convert and just kill yourself instead.

[Anonymous No.12545132]

>>12544284
>>12544666
Read the Quran OP. God gave every people their religion and their prophets because it's his will that there is a variety of nations.

Then read Roberto Calasso and Hindu scripture to get a true appreciation for paganism and polytheism.

There's an old story of a wise man and a dumb man. The wise man comes across the dumb man searching furiously underneath a streetlight. "What are you looking for?" he asks. "My keys", the dumb man replied, "I lost them by the river". The wise man is intrigued, "so why are you looking for them under this streetlight then?". "Because there is more light here".

[Anonymous No.12545155]

>>12545132
>There's an old story of a wise man and a dumb man. The wise man comes across the dumb man searching furiously underneath a streetlight. "What are you looking for?" he asks. "My keys", the dumb man replied, "I lost them by the river". The wise man is intrigued, "so why are you looking for them under this streetlight then?". "Because there is more light here".

That "story" is completely idiotic. The metaphor is out of place completely; comparing the ontological rupture to a loss of keys and the divine light with streelight on a dark street is a damaging association; no different from a materialist mindset.

Also calling the two actors "dumb man" and "wise man" is clearly an indication on how much subtlety your example has.

[Anonymous No.12545231]

>>12545155
In my country it's told as a joke and the intervenients are a policeman and a drunk, quite funny if told well.

[Anonymous No.12545246]

>>12544284
>I've decided to renounce my Indigenous pagan upbringing
There are still people raised as indigenous pagans? where??

[Anonymous No.12545248]

>>12544858
>why yes im an atheist, how could you tell?

[Anonymous No.12546653]

>Indigenous pagan upbringing
>......
If you are of an Asian background you might want to consider a church of Syrian tradition since that is the first historical Christian tradition to enter the East, and is likely to be overlooked since there isn't much in the way of theological texts from them that have been translated into western languages at least.

Otherwise you might want to look up a recommended reading chart that's out there for the major denominational divisions.

[Anonymous No.12546733]

>>12545132
Oh, images of romance like the one here...how long ago has it been since I was even somewhat close to such avenues of life...to see it here, now, is like seeing it for the first time. Oh, my life is so pathetic. Not a single successful romance to my name. The last crush of mine was when I was 14, and it went absolutely nowhere, and I've never liked another girls since. What a pathetic excuse for a life I live. I'll never taste love. I should just become a monk, find a monastery or something. Devote myself to inward peace. And yet I want to love and be loved. But it is a pipe-dream. It will not come to me, not in this life. In the next one, then. Hopefully. How sour did the trajectory of my life turn. Pity. Maybe I could still find a nice girl. But I'm too damaged now, not by past romances but the lack of them. Maybe if I find a kind girl somewhere, and preferably if she opens our conversation (since I'm shy and scared of strangers), I could make a companion, in what is initially a friendship and but later blooms into a love. Someone who'll appreciate and understand me, and help me in my struggles. And I the same to her. Most likely another fantasy of mine. It won't happen. I should just forget about such things completely, and if it comes true it will do so on its own. Else I'm merely spinning false prophecies to myself.

[Anonymous No.12546777]

It's pretty obvious that Catholicism is the one true faith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NFyyMxnyGI&frags=pl%2Cwn

"Grace alone" is an absurd notion.

That being said, I'm not a true Catholic because the institutional aspect is often a giant bore that lacks divine energy, and pushes people away. Also, it's pretty fucking obvious that crackers aren't literally Jesus (then again, we eat the flesh of God in everything we do). Mass is often tepid, etc.

I suggest you read the history and works of Catholic Saints if you wish to draw closer to God. Confess regularly, and find a method of prayer, like the rosary, and do it everyday.

People often shit on Pope Benedict XVI, but read "God is Love" if you wish to draw closer to Christ.

I'll pray for you anon.

[Anonymous No.12547022]

>>12546733
As a wise old mans once said to a foolish young man: if you can neither find a girl who’s nice nor one who’s kind, there are always the ugly, fat, and old ones.

[Anonymous No.12547047]

>>12545246
OP here, First Nationa people in Canada and the rest of the Americas still retain their pagan heritage. I’m not a cringy European neo-pagan.

>>12545082
>>12544692
>>12544293
Gee, thanks anons...

>>12546653
I’m not from Asia but thanks.

>>12546777
Thanks. I’ve been praying my own Christ-centric version of the rosary. I personally prefer to focus less on Mary than most Catholics.

[Anonymous No.12547077]

>>12546653
>pic
Good list but Meister Eckhart should be on there

[Anonymous No.12548803]

>>12546777
>It's pretty obvious that Catholicism is the one true faith.
Meanwhile you post a video of a bishop who says that Christ is not the only way to heaven. What a joke.

[Anonymous No.12548822]

>>12544284

Unitarian Universalism. The most open minded and accepting Christian church.

[Anonymous No.12548849]

>>12544666
OP, if you're still here: if you're Canadian, can you read French? Because "The Introduction to the Devout Life" was originally written in French. If you can read French, you might be better off reading it in the original, because Francis' prose is apparently very good.

[Anonymous No.12548866]

>>12547077
No it's not a good list, it's a jumbled collection of books from fundamentally conflicting traditions.
St. Athanasius, St. Basil, and St. Maximus mixed with the likes of Pascal and Anselm and most insultingly placed under Thomas, this can only be the product of a profoundly misguided western Christian mind.

[Anonymous No.12549527]

>>12544359

Brother, here's a few recommendations.

Luther:

For background into the reformation and what caused Lutheranism to emerge:

Here I Stand, by Roland Bainton

Three Treatises, by Martin Luther, published by Fortress Press. ISBN 9780800616397

Treatise on Good Works: Luther Study Edition

Common Places: Loci Communes, by Phillip Melanchthon.

While Luther wrote numerous volumes, the core of his theology can be found in two works, his "Servo De Arbitrio," or "The Enslaved Will." and the Lutheran Catechism. Luther considered these to be the core of his theology and the only works which he consistently endorsed over time. When asked once how he felt about having his writings collected into a series he replied, "Regarding [the plan] to collect my writings in volumes, I am quite cool and not at all eager about it because, roused by a Saturnian hunger, I would rather see them all devoured. For I acknowledge none of them to be really a book of mine, except perhaps the one On the Bound Will and the Catechism." For useful editions of Servo, see:


The Bondage of Will, by Martin Luther, translated by J.I. Packer, or even better, either . . .
. . Luther and Erasmus: Free Will and Salvation, translated and edited by Rupp and Watson. ISBN 9780664241582 or Luther and Erasmus: Battle of Free Will, translated/edited by Macardle and Tracy, for an abridged but easier to access edition. Each of these will at least let you see Erasmus' argument in detail in addition to Luther's rebuttal.

The Book of Concord, published by Concordia Publishing House for a set of the Lutheran Confessions over time.

Important works to refer to for influences on Luther, Melanchthon, and others:

Obviously the Bible, but particularly the epistles of St. Paul
Anything by St. Augustine
Of the other church fathers, probably St. Athanasius, Basil, and St. Ambrose.
Johann Staupitz (Luther's mentor in the Augustinian order)

It's useful to read parallel and early spin-off movements from Lutherans too. The Reformed Churches in Geneva in particular are the most influenced and similar to Lutheranism, though they had doctrinal disagreements that prevented a union.

Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin. Get ISBN 1848714637 by Banner of Truth for a translation of the French 1541 edition which much more accessible for first-timers.

Truth for All Time, by John Calvin

For Philosophy, Luther said he was more influenced by Plato than Aristotle, but it's important to know both as the Medieval Scholastics' interpretation of Aristotle is the root of much of the early reformers discontent with the church and university system in the late middle ages.


This should be enough to keep you busy for a good while, anon.

[Anonymous No.12549530]

>>12544284
Catholicism. Don't listen to the protestants.

[Anonymous No.12549546]

>>12544284
>>12544625
>>12549527

Btw, OP, 12544625 is right about the fathers. Whether you decide to become Catholic or Lutheran, knowing the fathers will help you see where Lutheranism departed from the early church and where the late medieval Roman Church did too and you can make up your own mind. Also, bear in mind that relations between Lutherans and Catholics are even remotely as contentious as they were centuries ago. It's important to read up on though.

[Anonymous No.12549560]

>>12544284
Eastern Catholicism is the way to go, anon. The Patristic tradition is wonderful.

[Anonymous No.12549564]

>>12546777
>"Grace alone" is an absurd notion.

I think you mean "Faith alone." Roman Catholicism says Justification and Salvation are from God's grace alone.

[Anonymous No.12549603]

I'm a Methodist, so I'm going to have to say a collection of John Wesley's sermons will probably bring you over.

>>12544625
>>12548849
These two are absolutely based and redpilled. De Sales brought me out of my period of doubt, not some high-minded philosopher. This is unironically one of the greatest books on Christendom. If I hadn't gone back to Methodism I would've become a Catholic.

[Anonymous No.12549665]

>>12544284

If you only want one book for each denomination:

Orthodox:
The Orthodox Church by Kallistos Ware. Get an Orthodox Psalter or prayer book to get a feel for their form of daily prayer and worship.

Roman Catholic:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church. This will answer probably every doctrinal question you may have. If you absolutely need something more easily readable, then Introduction to Christianit, by Pope Benedict XVI.

Lutheran:

The Bondage of the Will, by Martin Luther

Reformed or Presbyterian (these are barely distinguishable groups):

Institutes of the Christian Religion, by John Calvin

Congregationalist:

While not a founder of the movement, Jonathan Edwards is a good sample of Congregationalist thinking. His complete works are available in two volume I believe.

Baptist:

Far too disparate of a group to point to any core set of writings. Probably something by Charles Spurgeon will give you a good idea of the best of Baptist thinking.

Anglican:

Something by NT Wright. Maybe Surprised by Hope. The Book of Common Prayers is integral to Anglican worship and life. Buy a copy of the 1662 edition and start using it daily.

[Anonymous No.12549685]

>>12544305
>just read the Bible bro ignore all historical context and the way the church that Christ founded and still guides developed
Calvin and Luther weren't complete brainlet s but many of their greatest innovations are also their most charlatous

[Anonymous No.12549715]

>>12548866
I always chuckle at the advanced theology tier. Augustine isn't anywhere near advanced.

[Anonymous No.12549722]

>>12544393
>He differs by the belief in predestination, but it’s supported heavily by the Bible (Romans 9, Proverbs 16:4, etc.)

Lutheranism as whole might, but not Luther. His view is essentially the same as Calvin's.

[Anonymous No.12549729]

>>12549715

The length of the of the City of God probably just freaks everyone out.

[Anonymous No.12549755]

>>12549729
Yeah it is quite voluminous. I'm also not sure how Athansius got so popular, he is probably the lowest IQ church father.

[Anonymous No.12549760]

>>12544309
Based and singlesubstancepilled

[Anonymous No.12549769]

>>12544293
Kill yourself, preferably with a bomb in a suq full of sunni/Shia, whichever you are not

[Anonymous No.12549770]

>>12544309
How big is the Tetragrammaton cock?

[Anonymous No.12549777]

>>12544428
The puritans were kinda shitty. The ones who landed at Plymouth were practicing proto socialism and that is why the colony almost failed. Also witch trials.

[Anonymous No.12549786]

>>12549665
There are very very few orthodox Congregationalist churches that still exist anymore, so I don't know if there's even a point to recommending that. It's just Presbyterianism without presbyteries.

[Anonymous No.12549972]

>>12544284
OP, I'd reccomend the Moravian denomination. They are a pre-luther protestant denomination. I think that you may want to look into them. The problem is I can't tell you a book by or about them to read. I think that if you look up our founder, Jan Huss, you may find a book by him, though.

They are almost too far pacifists, but beyond that they're bare bones Christian. I was raised in that church. Their motto is "in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love." They think that to be Christian you must believe in God(the Father) and that Jesus was
Lord and Savior and that He died on the Cross for our sins, to redeem us. Those they consider "the essentials", with most people adding the resurrection to that list. Beyond that, however, they say that things are more open to interpretation.They focus on Jesus' teachings more than anything, specifically the "by their love ye shall know them."

The parts open to interpretation include the leviticus and deuteronomy laws, which we mostly say were scrapped by jesus reforming the covenant. We believe in hell, but we don't preach fire and brimstone. We think it's reserved for the truly wicked, such as those who revel in the current abortion laws allowing infanticide. We think that the gays, however, are saved so long as they do not glorify sodomy(dont be proud of being gay) and as long as they do accept jesus as the Savior. We think this since it's not listed in the 10 commandments as prohibited, and stealing is, but a thief who accepts jesus can be saved. We also say that the more fantastical events in the bible are open to interpretation, such as the flood and parting of the red sea. We can also say that while god is very wise and powerful, he is not infinitely so. He is not all knowing nor all powerful. Others of our church say that he is though.

We accept those of other denominations readily as well. Though the (northern) baptists may be a little harsh and baptize way more than we find necessary, and the southern ones may sing more than we are fond of, we look at them as part of christendom. We find the Catholic saints rituals a bit odd, but they believe as us, in christ the redeemer. I think we may be one of the few who still believe in christendom - the family of Christians. While the copts, eastern and Russian orthodoxy, Catholics, and many other protestants may worship christ and god differently, we all worship him. We all think he died on the cross for us, that we may be saved, and so by christ we are brothers.

[Anonymous No.12549975]

>>12545248
Because I can't tell your gender based on the picture

[Anonymous No.12549989]

>>12549972
Part 2

>>12544284

You say you are some form of indigenous pagan. If you are a native American it may interest you to know that while Harvard Puritans were the first to educate natives, Bethlehem Moravians were the first to educate the natives in their own language, and with no expectation of conversion, only of civility between the groups.

[Anonymous No.12550234]

>>12549770
10 cubits by 1 cubit

[Anonymous No.12550242]

>>12544284
What does this have to do with literature?

[Anonymous No.12550325]

>>12544305
t. Satanist

[Anonymous No.12550396]

>>12544305
Luther and Calvin came to very disparate conclusions tho.

[Anonymous No.12550399]

>>12550396
underage

[Anonymous No.12550411]

>>12550242
No no no you must be confused. This is the religion board for stem majors. Please come back when you can praise Kierkegaard and Luther.

[Anonymous No.12550643]

I got into Christian studies about a decade ago. Since then I've grown and come to embrace other possible beliefs and still haven't joined any group but the denoms that appeal to me the most would be between confessional Lutheranism and eastern churches.

[Anonymous No.12550736]

>>12550643
Watch the second video >>12544586

[Anonymous No.12550891]

>>12549527
Thank you graciously, but I said ONE book. Just give me a single work that you think will not only inform me of the theology but also inspire my heart! Do you truly think "The Enslaved Will" is a good choice? I read about it on Wikipedia and it seems only focused on a single topic of dispute between Protestants.

>>12548849
I don't speak dog, I speak Canadian. Anyways, I've started listening to an audiobook of your recommendation. It's interesting so far. Anon, your choice of book might genuinely change the course of my life if it makes me choose Catholicism...

>>12549603
Methodism seems pretty strange and unfamiliar, but I'll give you guys a fair chance too. However, it would be helpful if you were more specific. Which book specifically about his sermons should I read?

>>12548822
>>12549560
Suggest a book dummy.

>>12549665
Very helpful, thanks! I'll read the "Institutes of the Christian Religion" because it was suggested more than once here. I'm not so sure about the other suggestions. I don't think 'prayer books' will help me decide on any denomination.

>>12549972
>>12549989
You had me going until you said God was not all-knowing or all-powerful. Wtf kind of God is that?

But I really love the idea of Christendom and that's why I prefer the policy of Open Communion. I'm actually not very 'denominational', I strongly think all believers are brothers and sisters in Christ.

That part 2 fact is really cool! To be honest, the fact that there are Native saint(s) in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy makes them pretty attractive options for me.

Anyways, Jan Huss, got it. However, you'd have better odds at converting me if you suggested a specific book though. Also, do your churches exist in Canada?

>>12550242
...I want book suggestions?

[Anonymous No.12550941]

Book
Of
Mormon
t. Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints

[Anonymous No.12550993]

>>12550941
OP: I actually have the book of Moron. I received it after ordering it online and inviting two missionaries to my home. I plan on reading it, but I admit that I'm very prejudiced against it. Where is the archeological proof for any of it?

[Anonymous No.12551004]

>>12550891
>Which book specifically about his sermons should I read?
Don't read about his sermons, read his sermons. Something like https://www.amazon.com/Sermons-John-Wesley-Collection-Christian/dp/1426742312 will give you a better insight into the ideas that he espoused and were picked up by Methodists.

[Anonymous No.12551005]

Read the bhagavad gita and have your mind just completely blown apart.