Preparatory Work in Philosophy
If you’re new to the study of philosophy, then this book is great to read:
Nigel Warburton (2013) Philosophy: The Basics. Abingdon: Routledge.
It is an introduction to all the main areas of philosophy and will give you a good understanding of some key ideas. Even if you’ve done some philosophy before, it would be worth reading it to refresh and consolidate your knowledge. There are lots of second-hand copies available for £3-4 on Abe Books.
Or, this book will be useful throughout your degree studies:
Diogenes Allen and Eric O. Springsted (2007) Philosophy for Understanding Theology. Louisville: Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. There are second-hand copies available from Abe Books for less than £5.
If you’ve already studied philosophy before and want something a little more challenging to read before you begin your studies then you could read some chapters of this book.
Online Resources
- Have a look at this useful website. It contains lots of podcasts (about 30 minutes each) on all sorts of different philosophical topics, including ethics. Browse the site and have a listen to some podcasts that catch your attention. The degree at Newman can support you to develop your own philosophical and theological interests so now is a great time to pursue the kinds of topics you’re interested in.
- Michael Sandel is a famous American philosopher and he has recorded a series of lectures. Start with lecture 1 ‘The Moral Side of Murder’. He discusses lots of interesting ethical ideas, and many of them will be discussed further in the degree.
- Marianne Talbot’s ‘A romp through the history of philosophy from the Pre-Socratics to the present day’ will also provide a useful introduction.
Preparatory Work in Biblical Studies
- Moyise, S., Introduction to Biblical Studies (T&T Clark 2004)
- Shillington, V.G., Reading the Sacred Text: An Introduction to Biblical Studies (T&T Clark/Continuum 2002)
Both of these are suitable for beginners, and will support what we cover in your fist semester at Newman.
Online Resources
Here are some links to online resources introducing aspects of biblical studies:
- New Testament Podcasts – a series of podcasts by the contemporary biblical scholar Mark Goodacre; especially useful are the ones on the historical Jesus; the synoptic gospels; the synoptic problem; and Paul.
- Timeline Project – a series of short introductory videos on different books of the bible recorded as part of the St John’s Timeline Project. Maybe choose a book you’ve heard of but don’t know anything about to explore.
Other articles and videos can be found on Bible Odyssey and Biblical Studies Online – surf one of them and see what interests you.
General Reading to Prepare you for a Degree in Theology & Philosophy
Here are details of a small selection of books that we recommend you read during your first year. You may like to choose 1 or 2 of them to read before you start the course to open up areas of the subject that will be new for you. You are not required to buy any of these, as copies are available in the University library, and your local library may also be able to obtain some of them for you.
Theological Study
- Corrywright, D. and Morgan, P. Get Set For Religious Studies (Edinburgh University Press 2006)
- Morreall, J. and Sonn, T., The Religion Toolkit: A Complete Guide to Religious Studies (Wiley-Blackwell 2011)
Christian Theology
- Anderson, W.P., A Journey through Christian Theology (Fortress 2010)
- Meister, C. and Stump, J.B., Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction (Routledge 2010)
Study of World Religions
- Chryssides G.D. and Greaves, R., The Study of Religion: An Introduction to Key Ideas and Methods (T&T Clark Continuum 2007)
- Woodhead, L. and Catto, R., Religion and Change in Modern Britain (Routledge 2012)