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Father’s Day Gifts for the Theology Nerd

When Austin and I were first married, I always tried to keep gifts creative — which, since we were both seminary students, meant that I tried to avoid giving him books as gifts. Since we were in seminary and all our hard-earned money went to books as it was, I wanted to break outside the library and give him something else.

Fast forward to now: Austin and I chase a toddler around the house while also church planting and managing a church plant building renovation. Austin would probably like nothing more than for me to order a few of his favorite theologians’ latest books and give him the time to sneak away and read (with a strong cup of coffee in hand).

So I’m sharing the titles (and a few other fun things) I considered getting Austin for Father’s Day. The best thing about this list? It fist my late-to-the-game personality. Nearly all of these items are available to ship by Father’s Day via Amazon Prime.

  1. The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis | This is a Christian classic, and if he hasn’t read this one it is on his list.
  2. Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther | The history behind the famous reformer (and some things you may not have known about him!)
  3. The Great Tales of Middle-earth: Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin | He’s probably read Lord of the Rings, but this is next-level nerd. Plus the boxed set really makes it feel like you could just stick a bow on it and gift it as-is.
  4. The Hobbit : The 1977 Animated Classic | Did you grow up with this one? I didn’t, but Austin did. Even before we had kids, he dreamed of sharing it with future children. It’s a classic, and would really be giving the gift of nostalgia.
  5. Christ-Centered Parenting – Bible Study Book: Gospel Conversations on Complex Cultural Issues | For the dad wanting to grow in being just that – a dad. This book looks at the way the story of redemption shapes all of parenting.
  6. Rejoicing in Christ | How God’s entire self was on display in the person of Christ. For the lay theologian who wants to grow in personal devotion, this is my top pick.
  7. Collected Essays of N. T. Wright Set | Surprised by Hope was such a game-changer for Austin and I, and it gave us so much to talk about. These essays cover a variety of topics, but always capture loads of wonder (classic Tom).
  8. The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus | Is he just a little bit tired of all the rah-rah of beefy men’s ministry that paints manhood as all hunting and chest-beating? This book will be a welcome refresh! Especially perfect for the theology nerd with an apologetics bent.
  9. Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good | This is the one I picked up for my dad for Father’s Day. It takes a look at the doctrine of common grace and how it speaks to non-ministry vocational occupations. Perfect for the theology nerd who’s not currently working inside the church (and even better for the one who’s sometimes frustrated by it).
  10. The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance―Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters | A little church history, a little biblical study, a lot of theology.
  11. ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Artist Series (Joshua Noom, The Lion and the Lamb) | A keepsake Bible that he can keep out of reach of kiddos. But it’s also hardcover, so if they do get their mitts on it, they will probably do a little less damage.
  12. ESV Thinline Bible (Black) | The one Bible Austin really wanted when he started preaching regularly. It’s thinline, which means the entire Bible is smaller than your typical size. The leather is soft and buttery. Yum.
  13. ESV Scripture Journal: New Testament Set | Minimal design (black and gold – classic) and the entire NT in one boxed set. I love these for following along with sermon series at church because I don’t have to bring my entire study Bible to church, and I have a place to capture my sermon notes one book at a time. Plus, Amazon is offering a $21 coupon on this set right now!
  14. Psalms by the Day: A New Devotional Translation | I loved Moyter’s commentary on the Psalms, and now he has this devotional-style hardcover. This is the perfect quiet time addition for someone who wants a resource somewhere between a commentary and a devotional book.
  15. Funko Pop! Star Wars: The Mandalorian – Mandalorian (Din Djarrin) Holding The Child (Grogu) | Just for fun! We love the Mandalorian in our home, and what better picture of fatherhood than this one (okay, maybe there are better, but this one might be the cutest).
  16. The Wonderful Works of God | I just loved this book. Both theology and awe. It’s a must-read. Buy it for him and then steal it to read yourself.
  17. What Christians Ought to Believe: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine Through the Apostles’ Creed | One of my all-time favorite books to recommend. It walks you through the Apostles’ Creed one line at a time and unpacks historic, orthodox Christianity as it does.
  18. Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith | My favorite book on the Trinity! It’s short (so if he’s really nerdy, pick this one up in alongside another book because he’ll make his way through this one quickly), but so punchy. And sometimes even a little witty. It’s fun.
  19. Humility Comes Before Honor Banner | ScriptureType has a lot of fun things for guys that are Word centered and well-designed. This one has been on Austin’s wishlist for a few years now to hang in our study.
  20. Concrete Conversation Marriage Edition | What better gift that the one that says, I’m interested in knowing you better than I do now! We went through these cards in 2020 and laughed and cried in the process.

Austin and I don’t go all-out for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. At least right now, we like to do little gifts and make each other’s favorite meal as we celebrate. But having little gifts for him is my way of remembering who he is – what he likes, what makes him tick, and reminding him that I’m here for all the learning and theological conversations (and, ahem, sometimes debates) he wants to have.

One final note: this isn’t my typical type of blog post! I don’t usually do roundups on this blog, but thought I would give this one a shot. Do you want to see more of this kind of content in addition to theological reflections and discipleship posts? Let me know in the comments. 🙂

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4 Comments

  1. Yes! I’ve struggled with this while my husband is in seminary. Please do this every year 🙂 plenty of birthday ideas in here too!

  2. I enjoyed looking through this list…for myself, as much as my husband. I would love to see more resources like this. Thank you!

  3. I am SO excited to get my husband some of these things… whether for Father’s Day, his birthday, etc. He will love anything on this list and it will definitely surprise him! Thanks for making this!

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