Presbyterians Read is a program that provides book-club style study material for individuals or groups. Study guides are designed to accompany each book, containing instructions for group leaders, background information about the author, explanatory notes for theological and biblical concepts, and questions crafted to engage the writing from a variety of perspectives. Some book studies have instructional videos to expand upon the information in the study guides.
Coming in Spring 2027
Think Again—The Parables of Jesus
A book study of: Short Stories by Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine
Explore some of the most familiar, yet confounding teachings of Jesus in this four-week study of some of his parables. Levine’s book helps set the first-century Jewish context for Jesus’ teachings on “Leaven,” “The Mustard Seed,” “The Good Samaritan,” “The Prodigal Son” and others. A study guide will provide background into the language and literary context of the teachings and the weekly webinars will provide additional insights and allow for Q & A from the attendees.
(Registration link to come)
The Latest Study
Paul, His Letters and Anti-Judaism
Reading John Gager’s Who Made Early Christianity? The Jewish Lives of the Apostle Paul and Paul’s letters to the Galatians and the Romans
This study focuses on Paul’s role in the history of anti-Judaism within the Christian church, provides some historical background on how first-century followers of Jesus came to be called “Christians” and how Paul and his letters have been appropriated to support anti-Jewish views in the church.
Previous Book Studies
Jesus’ Birth and Childhood Stories: The Well-Worn, the Weird, and the Wonderful
Reading The Apocryphal Gospels: A Very Short Introduction by Paul Foster and the biblical birth narratives and two non-canonical infancy stories about Jesus.
This Advent study investigates the variety of origin stories contained within the well-known birth narratives at the beginning of Matthew and Luke, interprets the beginnings of the gospels of Mark and John, and discovers the appeal of the lesser-known Infancy Gospel of James and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. Each writing defines Jesus’ Christology and exposes the values of the communities that collected and preserved these stories.
Webinar Videos
Theology of the Niebuhrs
Reading The Niebuhr Brothers for Armchair Theologians by Scott Paeth
An introduction to the different approaches to Christian theology and ethic of brothers Richard and Reinhold Niebuhr on such topics as war, democracy, economics, social justice and race. The study guide provides background, questions and suggestions for further reading through four modules.
Ponder These Things
Reading Ponder These Things: Praying with Icons of the Virgin by Rowan Williams
A collection of four meditations inviting the church to explore the meaning of Christ’s incarnation and ministry by pondering icons of Mary and the Christ Child and reflecting on the “drama of God’s love in Christ.”
Reflections at Advent on Bonhoeffer’s Meditations
Reading God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The study guide contains four essays on the themes of each week’s readings that provide background about Bonhoeffer’s life and thoughts contained in his book. The meditations themselves are brief but develop theological themes that open a window on Bonhoeffer’s experiences and decisions as he lived out his ministry.
The Meaning of the Incarnation for Christmas
Reading Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas by Adam Hamilton
The four chapters of the book are designed to be read during the four weeks of Advent. The study guide is an accompaniment providing prayers, an overview of the key notions in the chapters and reflections for group discussion.
Reflecting on Jesus’ Suffering and Death
Reading Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week by Amy-Jill Levine
Follow Jesus’ final, emotional days of anticipation, danger and loss across six weeks of Lent. The study guide accompanies the chapters in Levine’s book to explore crucial moments in Jesus’ arrest, trial and crucifixion.
Advent Reflections
Reading Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent by Amy-Jill Levine
Interpret the biblical texts of the origins of Jesus—the pregnancies of Mary and Elizabeth, the journey to and birth in Bethlehem and the visit from the Magi. The study guide accompanies this book with suggestions for group discussions.
N. T. Wright on Lent
Reading Lent for Everyone, Matthew, Year A by N. T. Wright
Following N. T. Wright’s lectionary reflection, the study guide selects passages in Matthew’s gospel to highlight during Lent.
