Things to read before theological study

The definitive essential pre-theological study list:

1. Barbara Thiering, Jesus & the Riddle of the Dead Sea Scrolls – start of with a good helping of utter *ollocks first – it’ll make everything else seem great.
2. David A. deSilva, An Introduction to the New Testament – a superb, albeit rather one-sided, introduction and overview to every NT book, and to various exegetical and interpretive methods (check out the Amazon link as it is reviewed by none other than our own Alan Bandy).
3. The Pan Guide to Arm Wrestling – as essential as number 1.
4. Tom Wright, What Saint Paul Really Said – The man needs no introduction. Mike Bird, sitting at feet, Marburg, one greater now here, etc. It’s motivational, inspiring, paradigm shifting, refreshing, lucid, and a good introduction to some popular Pauline debates.
5. Kümmel, The New Testament: The history of the investigation of its problems – or The Interpretation of the New Testament, 1861-1986 by Wright and Neill. Unputdownable.
6. A. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction. Lucid – and it served me well. Plus his Christian Theology Reader.
7. B. W. Anderson’s, The Living World of the Old Testament. The ‘review’ on this one is err, interesting.
8. W. Wally, Where's Wally?: Special Edition – For if you ever get stuck on a train and you’ve forgotten all your other theology books.
9. Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics. Just to scare the living crap out of 1st year students – and because I’ve got some terribly exciting news, but … No. I won’t say anything yet.
10. The All American Girls 2006 Bikini Calendar: Soapsuds edition – serves as a compelling introduction to various anthropological and sociological themes.