--- title: United Faculty Recommended Books for Incoming Seminarians (Summer 22) description: United Faculty Recommend Books for Incoming Seminarians image: https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hubfs/Book%20List.png --- [![The Canvas Logo_Final1.png](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Canvas%20Logo_Final1.png?width=1779&name=The%20Canvas%20Logo_Final1.png "The Canvas Logo_Final1.png")](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas) - [Theology](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/theology) - [Activism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/activism) - [Arts](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/arts) - [Formation](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/formation) - [Voice](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/voice) - [Theology of Prince](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/theology-of-prince) ![original-5](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hubfs/Images/social-suggested-images/original-5.jpg "original-5") ### Subscribe to The Canvas ### Subscribe to The Canvas ## Featured Post   [Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/author/rev-dr-carolyn-pressler)   Feb 25, 2026 ## [Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler Reflects on Women’s History Month](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/statement-by-rev.-dr.-carolyn-pressler-on-womens-history-month) Dear Friends of United, [immigration](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/immigration) [Feminism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/feminism) [Activism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/activism) [ICE in Twin Cities](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/ice-in-twin-cities) [Read More](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/statement-by-rev.-dr.-carolyn-pressler-on-womens-history-month) ## Recent Posts [Theology](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/theology) [students](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/students) [Book](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/book) [New Students](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/new-students) [Library](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/library) [Faculty](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/faculty) # United Faculty Recommended Books for Incoming Seminarians (Summer 22) By [Cynthia Bohrer](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/author/cynthia-bohrer)15, Jul 2022 As incoming students get ready to embark on their seminary journey this fall, faculty members took a moment to consider books they read at the beginning of their journey, or books they wish they’d read at the beginning. While you will soon have plenty of reading once the semester starts, here are a few books to whet your appetite between now and September! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2tcn_9Wr9PHUKAEm4Enj3CMoYZqm-m7Fl7nNip91BdXUr2_ybdmfmCWWUlGe8jLVrBpGieqq73BxPQwFvaTXIOn2rPspn_68LTt6o2a-Bf5d8jbawv55mnp0l1BzqJKy-1SMCpty) **If you are searching for spiritual and vocational direction...**   [***Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation***](https://bookshop.org/books/let-your-life-speak-listening-for-the-voice-of-vocation/9780787947354) by Parker J. Palmer Recommended by [President Molly T. Marshall](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/molly-t-marshall/), “I have been recommending this book for beginning students since 1999, the year it was published. It is primarily about discernment and how we move toward living the life that is ours to live, not what we think others expect of us. It is a call to authenticity as we learn to listen to and value our true selves.” [*Experiences in Theology: Ways and Forms of Christian Theology*](https://bookshop.org/books/experiences-in-theology/9780800632670) by Jurgen Moltmann Moltmann integrates his own biography with his theological questions. Memorable is the line: "the road emerged as I walked on it" as he recounts his journey.     **If you are trying to figure out what on earth it is we're actually doing at a seminary,** [Rev. Dr. Andrew Packman](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/andrew-packman/) suggests the following excellent reads:   [***![](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202022-07-13%20at%202-45-58%20PM-png.png?width=152&name=Screen%20Shot%202022-07-13%20at%202-45-58%20PM-png.png)***](https://bookshop.org/books/sacred-attunement-a-jewish-theology/9780226251721) [***Vulnerability and Glory: A Theological Account***](https://bookshop.org/books/vulnerability-and-glory-a-theological-account/9780664235222) by Kristine A. Culp Feminist theological Kristine Culp shows us what theology can do when it poses old questions in a fresh way. She finds that Christian theology has much more to say about the possibilities for resistance and delight in light of our vulnerability to forces that alternatively threaten and transform us.    [***Sacred Attunement: A Jewish Theology***](https://bookshop.org/books/sacred-attunement-a-jewish-theology/9780226251721) by Michael Fishbane This book is what happens when a world-renowned scholar of the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic literature distills his immense knowledge into a short, provocative account of spiritual life.   [***My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer ***](https://bookshop.org/books/my-bright-abyss-meditation-of-a-modern-believer/9780374534370) by Christian Wiman Wiman probes the theological depths of his experience with cancer. Death and suffering haunt this beautifully written book and it is in his honest and unflinching confrontation with his own mortality that Wilman discovers a religious faith worth clinging to.     **If you can’t wait to dive into religious history: ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/m8D0_ysoUln2HP6zLaAnTq07XOCYmfW1RQyJUvEkxmQ7S5v1Kin6VJKh5qvTD4typ-2HeTgPPYpM_NKJYR8Mh_D4Q75BZGCI4cAcnHJ6z0-_GswBQ9dSXZCo-aOzoRk2uSJYEXM6)**   [Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450-1650](https://bookshop.org/books/reformations-the-early-modern-world-1450-1650/9780300240030) by Carlos Eire Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean [Dr. Kyle Roberts](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/kyle-roberts/) says, “Let me recommend a very well-written book on the history of the Protestant and Catholic reformations. It's a very enjoyable and thorough narrative of the transformation in religion and society prompted by sweeping changes in theological perspectives, interpretation of religious texts, and the intertwining of politics and religious beliefs and practices.”     ![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/cNZ27T1DDicVK0S4axRNgoleu27lqrIpPSeMqHy-U2sOZwAwYgJILuawQXhRHGgn_DOIlApZceGbsp8pGJpPkR3MsyUfmIZoYDcUKQ_Hl-gcODbD1cxBRE58Vkuzc3au5U8yyuot)   **If you’re interested in Queer and Trans theology:**   [Queer Religiosities: An Introduction to Queer and Transgender Studies](https://bookshop.org/books/queer-religiosities-an-introduction-to-queer-and-transgender-studies-in-religion/9781442275676) **in Religion** by Melissa M. Wilcox Recommended by [Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/justin-sabia-tanis/), an introduction to Queer and Trans topics in religion and religious history.           **If you’re ready to make an impact through![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/w1FnuzDbx_MhoGzv6XRAMMJQv6AtTYSwKA5UG5RbJ7WuWHkyvB06ffleWmMH2ZnHMo-SwRK6vggtypoinYkWFsdHxD9YEYmx0ZPzBueT613Ks6t1-AP-H36libCf6HAqW7PLA4HW)** **social transformation:**   [Stand Your Ground: Black Bodies and the Justice of God](https://bookshop.org/books/stand-your-ground-black-bodies-and-the-justice-of-god/9781626981096) by Kelly Brown Douglas Recommended by [Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green,](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/gary-green/) this book materializes white supremacy in helpful but troubling ways.   [A](https://bookshop.org/books/another-way-living-and-leading-change-on-purpose/9780827200838)[nother Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose](https://bookshop.org/books/another-way-living-and-leading-change-on-purpose/9780827200838) by Lewis, Williams, and Baker Recommended by [Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/justin-sabia-tanis/) for those planning to enter the Social Transformation program.     **I![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_83_zMGuU_PTLeA9ghjkc_6x2QtIJDgVTzx1qG99Lh-OUKzYYOpkPvmLAPi48VIh4bN55hlfLKX32jLcXiFHSvSE8dLjotTGctdkTagV6PFllXErZyYGodaWJAK6WnIuDl968xcD)f you're pursuing chaplaincy,** **[Rev. Dr. Jessica Chapman Lape](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/jessica-chapman-lape/) recommends:**   [***Paging God: Religion in the Halls of Medicine***](https://bookshop.org/books/paging-god-religion-in-the-halls-of-medicine/9780226922119) by Wendy Cage   [A Handbook of Chaplaincy Studies](https://bookshop.org/books/a-handbook-of-chaplaincy-studies-understanding-spiritual-care-in-public-places/9781472434067) edited by Swift, Cobb, and Todd   [How to Get the Most Out of Clinical Pastoral Education: A CPE Primer](https://bookshop.org/books/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-clinical-pastoral-education-a-cpe-primer/9781785927935) by Gardon Hilsman       **If you are passionate about theology and the arts:** **![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/O447flIYUz4Gt5eBuapTRYbSmLKCdkbyrEMWd1s4slDxcwGxMVy62YdcbxMZKf3lCiiJgr9_rsfFYqUvXx8BTEDY4xRu-liXHanlv3T7Olx8FYwtZx3YUh3YdJ-vJbGkDq8_G8lN)**   [***Visual Theology: Forming and Transforming the Community***](https://bookshop.org/books/visual-theology-forming-and-transforming-the-community-through-the-arts/9780814653999)[***through the Arts***](https://bookshop.org/books/visual-theology-forming-and-transforming-the-community-through-the-arts/9780814653999) edited by Robin M. Jensen and Kimberly Vrudny [**Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman**](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/jennifer-awes-freeman/)recommends this book in part because it is dedicated to Wilson Yates, emeritus professor at United and one of the foundational thinkers in the study of theology and the arts.   For those specifically interested in [theopoetics](https://artsreligionculture.org/definitions), Dr. Awes-Freeman also recommends... [***A Beautiful Bricolage: Theopoetics as God-Talk for our Time***](https://bookshop.org/books/a-beautiful-bricolage/9781498295352) by Silas C. Krabbe   [***Way to Water: A Theopoetics Primer***](https://bookshop.org/books/way-to-water-a-theopoetics-primer/9781625645203) by L. Callid Keefe-Perry.     **I[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PxRaYqhiXt5y7vx49poUPen-dqVzHqym44_3XMa2e3NRw-Rcr1mZKGZqz3zkl-Jz2sv7cT9jEJGTgogfjhXIzYfGAuFsod8CbyFXi556GJ2PY9gmnogCJpQIGmwlZcT2d7SZUZYn)](https://bookshop.org/books/homiletical-plot-expanded-edition-the-sermon-as-narrative-art-form-expanded/9780664222642)f you’re interested in congregational ministry and preaching,** **[Rev. Dr. Gary Green](https://www.unitedseminary.edu/about-us/faculty/gary-green/) recommends:**   [The Homiletical Plot: The Sermon as Narrative Art Form](https://bookshop.org/books/homiletical-plot-expanded-edition-the-sermon-as-narrative-art-form-expanded/9780664222642) by Eugene L. Lowry                   ### [Cynthia Bohrer](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/author/cynthia-bohrer) United Admissions Associate. Social Transformation Student. Relentless Optimist. ## Your Comments : Previous Post ##### [Queer Theofuturism: A Community Coloring Book, vol. 2](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/queer-theofuturism-vol-2) Next Post ##### [Making the Most of Community: Damen Jensen-Heitmann Balances Brewing and Ministry](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/damen-jensen-heitmann-balances-brewing-and-ministry) ### Search Blog - Latest Posts - Popular Posts [Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler Reflects on Women’s History Month](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/statement-by-rev.-dr.-carolyn-pressler-on-womens-history-month) [ immigration](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/immigration) [ Feminism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/feminism) [ Activism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/activism) [ ICE in Twin Cities](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/ice-in-twin-cities) [Statement by President Molly T. Marshall on Community Response Efforts](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/statement-by-president-molly-t.-marshall-on-community-response-efforts) [ Campus News](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/campus-news) [ social justice](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/social-justice) [ justice](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/justice) [ immigration](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/immigration) [ Alums](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/alums) [ news releases](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/news-releases) [ Activism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/activism) [ statement](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/statement) [Statement by President Molly T. Marshall on the Killing of Renee Good](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/statement-by-president-molly-t.-marshall-on-the-killing-of-renee-good) [ immigration](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/immigration) [ news releases](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/news-releases) [ Activism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/activism) [ statement](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/topic/statement) ### Categories - [September 2017 (11)](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/archive/2017/09) - [June 2021 (8)](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/archive/2021/06) - [August 2018 (7)](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/archive/2018/08) - [February 2017 (6)](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/archive/2017/02) - [September 2018 (6)](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/archive/2018/09) - [December 2018 (6)](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/archive/2018/12) ### Read more of what you like. ## [United Will Host Book Launch for Rev. Dr. Gary F. Green, II’s Playing the Game: Embodied Brilliance beyond the Moral Limits of Race in Sport](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/book-launch-rev.-dr.-gary-f.-green-playing-the-game) ## [Donors Establish the Wilson Yates Chair of Theology and the Arts](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/donors-establish-the-wilson-yates-chair-in-theology-and-the-arts) ## [The Role of Biblical Studies in Seminary](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/biblical-studies-role-seminary-minnesota) [![Sample The Canvas Logos_1_Yellow-Grey -2.png](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Sample%20The%20Canvas%20Logos_1_Yellow-Grey%20-2.png?width=1779&name=Sample%20The%20Canvas%20Logos_1_Yellow-Grey%20-2.png "Sample The Canvas Logos_1_Yellow-Grey -2.png")](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas) Copyright © 2020 The Canvas ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1618067998521479&ev=PageView&noscript=1)