I am flaky when it comes to books. Often I desire to read this or that particular work only to find it less interesting than I imagined. My shelves have many partially read books waiting to be reengaged.
That being said these are five books that have caught my interest that I would like to either (a) read or (b) at least have on my shelves for a future date:
(1) C. Kavin Rowe, Early Narrative Christology: The Lord in the Gospel of Luke
I have heard positive things about Rowe as a upcoming scholar and other than Pauline literature there is nothing else I enjoy more than Lukan literature. In this book he explores Luke’s use of the word “Lord”.
(2) C. Kavin Rowe, World Upside Down: Reading Acts in the Graeco-Roman Age
Like I said above I really like Lukan literature and theology and I have had hundreds of discussions on the Book of Acts due to my Pentecostal upbringing. This book seems really helpful.
(3) Richard Bauckham, Jesus and the God of Israel: God Crucified and Other Studies on the New Testament’s Christology of Divine Identity
Nick rebuked me for not having this book yet and I have heard too much about it not to read it.
(4) Larry Hurtado, Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity
Along with Dunn’s new work on early Christian worship this book it a must read (and another book for which I have been rebuked by Nick for not having).
(5) Stanley Hauerwaus, Hannah’s Child: A Theologian’s Memoir
I haven’t read as much Hauerwaus as I would like but what I have read has influenced me. Also, I think a theologian’s memoir would be an interesting read.
Honorable mention: James K.A. Smith, Thinking in Tongues: Pentecostal Contributions to Christian Theology
So if anyone is feeling generous send me an email and I will give you my address for mailing!
the archives near Emmaus 
I would recommend (3) and (4) and am myself after (1)
Good list.
I have Larry Hurtado book and have been reading it off and on, but what I have read so far has been great. But now I’m consumed with my classes so it’s hard to read anything that is not related to my classes. I don’t know how you do it.
#1 is awesome. I have #2 but haven’t delved too deeply into it yet. Dunn’s new book isn’t really a must read; in fact it’s really nothing special at all. Now Christology in the Making is a must read since 20 years after the fact it’s still being interacted with my scholars in the field. #3 is very good but there’s very little new material in it since it’s mostly republished essays. I’m waiting for Bauckham’s “big Jesus book” that he’s been promising for a decade. #4 is probably my first or second favorite book of all time. Even if Christology isn’t someone’s main focus they should read this. #5 doesn’t interest me in the least. Hauerwas is one of those people I’ve purposed to never read.
Nick,
Why no Hauerwaus? Is it him and his project or his many commentators?
Brian: Both.
Ha! Well, thanks for the simple answer. 🙂
If you were to say in one sentence what bothers you about Hauerwaus what would it be?
Okay, I’ll try to expand on my “both” in one sentence, here goes:
Behind the rhetoric that his sycophantic lemming-like followers adore so much there is very little substance.
Brian,
Great list! I read #1-4 and coincidentally three out of the five books are from profs at my new school. I’ve really enjoyed Dr. Rowe’s books and if you’re at all interested in Luke-Acts, you should definitely give them a read.
Mike,
Do you get to study with or take any classes from Rowe?
Hey Brian,
I didn’t yet but I’m planning to take NT theology with him as well as anything else he might teach regarding Luke-Acts.
I’m jealous! I would love to take a class with him!
Apply to Duke for PhD!
I’d love to but I doubt I could outdo all the competition to get in!