Intelligent, informative literature on (Judeo-)Christianity?

[TheAppleCore]

Hello P&S.

Lately I've become increasingly interested in Judeo-Christian belief systems, particularly its concept of God, and faith therein. The teachings of Christ also interest me. I'll be reading the Bible to an extent, but I was wondering if any of you had recommendations for other literature, as I feel like the Bible is probably a rather archaic and narrow source of information.

I'm looking for the opinions of intelligent and educated people of faith, and I want to understand the philosophical core of Judeo-Christianity.

 

[Morphling]

Do you have any interest in gnostic christianity?

 

[TheAppleCore]

^ I don't know anything about it, to be honest. Perhaps.

 

[Morphling]

I would highly suggest you go to Sacred-texts.com and have a look about!

 

[TheAppleCore]

Thanks, will do.

 

[Belisarius]

^
Elaine Pagels' The Gnostic Gospels is an excellent introduction to the subject.

 

[Portillo]

Confessions - St Augustine.

 

[Thorns Have Roses]

^Confessions is pretty good, but it really drags in parts, especially when he starts speculating on theological matters (the autobiographical portions, particularly the scene of his conversion, are strong).

I'd categorize Judaic and Christian thought separately...

Anyway:
The New Testament (it's short, and an easy read, besides Revelation which is too symbolic to be comprehensible). The Gospel of Mark is the shortest account of Christ's ministry therein, if you're feeling lazy. But Luke and The Acts of the Apostles (what happened after the Crucifixion/Resurrection) are by the same author, so you might wanna go for those. Be sure to get down a couple of the Pauline epistles while you're at it.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis (1418)

Jesus or Christianity: A study in Contrasts by Kirby Page (1929)

I'd find something more general to read on Judaism, it's pretty different; I think it will impress you.