SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine

Book Description

The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introduction to systematic theology has several distinctive features: - A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching - Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum - A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today - A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect - Frequent application to life - Resources for worship with each chapter - Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies.

Download Description

This introductory textbook has several distinctive features: a strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine; clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum; and a contemporary approach.

Customer Reviews:

Good quality.......2007-09-23

the book was in great shape, it shipped when it was supposed to, it was good service and ya

Great textbook.......2007-09-18

I am glad that I got this book. It is very helpful and a good read so far. I was also very happy with the speed in which my book made it to me.

Excellent .......2007-09-04

The updated version of Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology is great. The font on this updated version is much larger and easier to read. Even if you own the old book, this is still a must get.

Easy to read and understand!.......2007-09-02

Although this book deals with complex and weighty issues like Angelology, Christology, Pneumatology and others, Mr. Grudem addresses them in such a straightforward manner that without dumbing down the concepts, he makes them easy to understand and apply to everyday life.
He also addresses the fact that not everyone agrees with his point of view on every topic (me included) and goes so far as to include an index at the end of each chapter that addresses something like 18 other major views.
This is the first time I've ever read a theology book, and I was intimidated at its size (over 1600 pages!) but it really is written for those who, like me, want to understand what we believe.

Awesome focus on God!.......2007-08-27

I have never been excited by an introduction before! This book is very encouraging and challenging yet written in everyday language! It has already helped me to learn a lot and I haven't gotten that far yet. It is exciting and I appreciate that not only does Grudem give you references for his views, but others as well! He also includes life application questions, memory verses and hymns at the end of the chapters. It focuses on God's awesomeness!

Welcome to the Episcopal Church: An Introduction to Its History, Faith, and Worship

Average customer rating:

Welcome to the Episcopal Church
Easy read, fairly good representation.
A lightweight summary
Restored My Faith in Christianity
Welcome!

Welcome to the Episcopal Church: An Introduction to Its History, Faith, and Worship
Christopher L. Webber , and Frank T., III Griswold
Manufacturer: Morehouse Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0819218200

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to the Episcopal Church.......2007-04-16

Being an Episcopalian for over 50 years, this author provides a very comprehensive overview from the founding to almost current day, very well written for a newcomer or for a refresher.

Easy read, fairly good representation........2007-01-09

Welcome to the Episcopal Church, is a very easy read and a fairly good representation of the Episcopal Churh of the USA as it is today. It describes well the 'middle way' of Anglicans in general, and does artfully skip around the specific political issues currently being discussed within the Church. The reader should be cautioned that there is wide variety within the ECUSA regarding some of the doctrines outlined and, depending on your diocese, actual experiences will be either more protestant or more catholic. For a more scholarly history of the ECUSA and the Anglican Communion, I would recommend Ye Are the Body, by Bonnell Spencer or the writings of Charles Chapman Grafton. Of course, if you really want to learn more about the ECUSA, pick up a copy of The Book of Common Prayer.

A lightweight summary.......2005-09-08

The Rector at the church where I recently have taken a position allowed as how there are really no good summaries of Episcopalian beliefs. I read this book first and am now delving into Hatchett's Commentary on the American Prayer Book. This book is really Episcopalianism lite. It is, however, possessed of an annotated bibliography that would perhaps be more useful if the author's other works took up less of it. It is not necessarily an easy read because of the weightiness of the subject matter but it is interesting and might be handy as a gift to someone making a general inquiry into what it means to be an American Anglican.

Restored My Faith in Christianity.......2004-04-29

Christopher Webber's book "Welcome to the Episcopal Church: An Introduction to Its History, Faith, and Worship" should really be read by all Christians not just Episcopalians or those actively seeking to convert. Before reading the book, although nominally Catholic, I had lost faith in institutional Christianity. I couldn't help but see all the major branches as doctrinaire and contradictory to the spirit of Christ's teaching on earth.

However, the Episcopal Faith (within the larger Anglican Communion) demonstrates a way that a faith can be practiced communally while still helping people. The other beauty of the book is that it is honest with the humanity and the shortcomings of the Episcopal Church.

Ultimately, it did not just give me faith in the Episcopal Church (I am seriously and prayerfully considering practicing my faith in the Episcopal Church), but let me see the essential unity of the entire Christian Church (believing basically the same thing). The Body of Christ does exist on earth, even if it needs to recover from illnesses from time to time. I would like to just send a thank you Christopher L. Webber, you truly have fulfilled your faith's obligation to ministry.

Welcome!.......2004-02-19

Christopher Webber's book, 'Welcome to the Episcopal Church', is a very good, brief introduction to the Episcopal Church in history, worship and overall faith. Often used as a study guide or textbook during confirmation and new member classes, this book provides a clear, basic, accessible and interesting narrative that is easy to follow and easy to learn.

The Episcopal Church is the official version of the Anglican Church (Church of England) in the United States. For historical reasons, after the American Revolution the Church of England in America could no longer remain the Church of England -- the tendency toward national autonomy among Anglican church structures generally holds true as a pattern today. Webber's book does not go into the complexities of general church history -- the history of the church prior to the Reformation is a shared history, and can be learned elsewhere. The Church of England proper grew out of the Reformation, and the American pattern of the church derives from this. Webber continues his history by looking at colonial period, the revolutionary period, the growth period in the early nineteenth century, and the continuing developments in the church up to the present.

Webber's chapter on worship looks not just at the traditional liturgy (often considered the centre of the worship life), but also the architecture, music, and various other aspects. The Episcopal church is one of sacramental life with a Eucharistic centre (although this has not always been true in performance), and the Book of Common Prayer is more formative of the community than any set of dogmas or doctrines. Webber makes a claim for the Episcopal church which is generally true for most churches -- worship defines community, it defines the church.

The lionshare of the book is concerned with what one might call 'faith matters'. There are chapters on the Bible, church teaching (partly tradition, partly catechism), general spirituality, ecclesiology and evangelism. At each point, the Book of Common Prayer and the liturgy of worship come into play as informative and linked to the topics. The Anglican triad of Scripture, Reason and Tradition, in a flexible relationship with each other, none of the three completely dominant, pervades these chapters.

Each chapter ends with a series of questions for further thought and discussion, which makes this a useful text for use in small groups and classrooms as well as personal instruction. There is a useful guide at the end of the book for further reading in the topics of Anglicanism, church history, worship, and others.

There is a foreword by Frank Griswold, the current presiding bishop for the Episcopal church, who sees this book as part of the welcome that Episcopalians typically hope to extend to all newcomers and visitors to the church. This book is welcome indeed.

Average customer rating:

A little difficult to read...

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS

Brings back memories of theology class ...

A Journey into Your Faith

Introductory its not

Introduction To Christianity (Communio Books)
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger , Pope Benedict XVI , and Benedict
Manufacturer: Ignatius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Catholic | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Apologetics | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Jesus of Nazareth

Truth And Tolerance: Christian Belief And World Religions

The Spirit of the Liturgy

In the Beginning...: A Catholic Understanding of the Story of Creation and the Fall (Resourcement)

God Is Near Us: The Eucharist, the Heart of Life

ASIN: 1586170295

Book Description

(Revised Edition) One of Cardinal Ratzinger's most important and widely read books, this volume is a newly revised second edition with an improved translation and an in-depth 20 page preface by the Cardinal. As he states in the preface, since this book was first published over 30 years ago, many changes and significant events have occurred in the world, and in the Church. But even so, he says he is firmly convinced that his fundamental approach in this book is still very timely and crucial for the spiritual needs of modern man. That approach puts the question of God and the question about Christ in the very center, which leads to a "narrative Christology" and demonstrates that the place for faith is in the Church.

Thus, this remarkable elucidation of the Apostle's Creed gives an excellent, modern interpretation of the foundations of Christianity. Ratzinger's profound treatment of Christianity's basic truths combines a spiritual outlook with a deep knowledge of Scripture and the history of theology.

Customer Reviews:

A little difficult to read..........2007-07-14

Okay, maybe this isn't such a good way to review a book but it may be of assistance to another reader or two.

I started reading this book 3 years ago...I haven't made it past page 15 yet. Why? Well, I think I'm in need of a more focused brain - I have a touch of A.D.D. and a book this focused is very hard for me to digest.

On the funny side of all this I want to share a conversation between two priests about this book. Both priests had bought the book to read and one of them said "I just can't seem to get past chapter 1" the other said "Oh good. I couldn't make it past the 3rd paragraph"

This book was written very early in Joseph Ratzinger's vocation and was more a part of his proving his qualifications to teach Theology (I guess the equivalent would be a Doctorate thesis).

So if you're anything like me, this book may be over your head. I'll get back to it one day but it is highly recommended by many, many people I trust. Therefore I recomment this book.

If you are intellectually superior, you may not find this review helpful. However, if you more on the average level I hope this review is of some assistance to you.

IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS.......2007-05-31

Reading this amazing book is like being wrapped in a warm blanket reading the writings of a beloved friend who is sharing his heart with you alone. Not only is the scholarship amazing but the heart of a man who is in love with Jesus comes through clearly and loudly. Don't miss this book.

Brings back memories of theology class ..........2007-04-01

This is an excellent introduction to the basics of Christian thought and its relationship to modernity at the start of the 21st century. Ratzinger is clear, precise, and profound. While his perspective is obviously that of a Catholic, the basics he covers are at the core of all the religions that identify themselves as Christian. Highly recommended.

A Journey into Your Faith.......2007-02-06

Although I found myself searching the web for various references and opening the dictionary often -- my classical Catholic training is sorely lacking -- I found the book a fast read. The feeling of fellowship and the the joy of Jesus permeate from the text.

One of the most profound books I have ever read.

While C.S. Lewis' comparable text is enthralling, this book is soaked with historical relevance for teh modern age.

Introductory its not.......2007-01-09

For a layman, this is a difficult but fascinating "introduction" to serious reflection on the Catholic faith.

Average customer rating:

reads like a textbook, but a balanced perspective on Christian theology
Christian Theology: An Introduction 3rd Edition
An enjoyable survey of theology
A great introduction to theology
Serviceable Introduction to Historical/Systematic Theology

Christian Theology: An Introduction
Alister E. McGrath
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1405153601

Book Description

Alister McGrath 's internationally-acclaimed Christian Theology: An Introduction is one of the most widely used textbooks in Christian theology. Fully revised and featuring lots of new material, this fourth edition provides an unparalleled introduction to 2,000 years of Christian thought.Key features of this new edition include:New sections on monastic schools of theology, the English Reformation, and Radical OrthodoxyIncreased discussion of women in the early Church, feminist theology, Eastern Orthodox theology and history, and Catholic teachings on the Doctrine of the ChurchUser-friendly key terms sections and study questions.These changes will ensure that Christian Theology remains the essential textbook, providing an even-handed, comprehensive and lively introduction to the field. The fourth edition is accompanied by a website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/mcgrath, featuring additional lecturer resources.

Customer Reviews:

reads like a textbook, but a balanced perspective on Christian theology.......2007-01-24

For introductory level theology courses, this is THE go-to book. The Oxonian does well in describing the development of theology, in giving criticisms, and counter-criticisms, and in bringing the reader to the contemporary debates that have arisen recently. My major complaint is that it is hard to stay with; the reading is laborious (if not boring), and has little value beyond an academic level. But alas! it is a textbook, not a popular read. If you are only going to read one book on Christian theology, this should be in the running.

Christian Theology: An Introduction 3rd Edition.......2006-11-20

A clear and indepth look at Theology through its historical setting. McGrath is clear and precise. A must have for the pastoral library.

An enjoyable survey of theology.......2006-10-14

Alister McGrath is a self-professed evangelical Christian theologian. While claiming to be evangelical, I've found McGrath to be a very ecunemical theologian who is able to draw on all strands of Christianity.

His books are generally excellent, clearly written, logical, and avoid the secterian parochialism I often see in theologial works. He never dismisses Catholic or Orthodox theology out of hand because it isn't 'biblical'; he simply includes various perspectives and usually, offers a summary of what the scholarly consensus is. This is badly needed in Christian theology, which is in desperate need of renewal and revitalisation in an age of declining belief and seeming irrelevance of many classical theological positions.

McGrath is also a very fair and balanced writer, and even when he includes his personal views, he doesn't engage in hostile polemics. I greatly admired his book on Richard Dawkins and his ideas on religion, and while Dawkins is so often militantly hostile against any form of religious belief, McGrath does not show the same hostility towards Dawkins and tries his best to understand why he is an atheist.

McGrath has also published several valuable collections of Christian theology and literature, and also written a number of insightful books on the relationship between science and Christianity.

A great introduction to theology.......2006-03-11

I read the reviews on this site, and the book is just like they said it was. Easy to read, very accessible, and very comprehensive. It took me a month to work through it, but it was worth it. The thing that I liked best was that McGrath seemed to know where I would hit problems, and gave pretty much the right amount of help to get me through.I'm going to start working through the rest of this guys stuff and check it out to see if its as good as this.

Serviceable Introduction to Historical/Systematic Theology.......2005-10-08

In this volume a powerful mind sets out to present a basic and introductory text. He is mostly successful. This work slightly more accessible than Grudem or Erickson and would provide a competent introduction to a beginning student of theology. It is actually more of a joint introduction to historical and systematic (since he does not actually begin to tackle the systematic categories until 205 pages in) and it works well as such, but it leaves him very limited room to build a comprehensive "Christian Theology".

My main critique of this is that despite his space limitations McGrath often gets sidetracked, devoting large chunks of text to advanced or non-central topics (which, to be fair, I often enjoyed) that detract from the general, introductory appeal he claimed to be persuing. This is most egregious under the doctrine of God where the debate over the suffering of God, theodicy and God's gender comprise nearly half the text. Still, if you are looking get a joint intro to historical and systematic theology while "only" investing 500 pages (rather than the very worthwhile 1000 + or - of Grudem or Erickson) McGrath is a fantastic guide and this text would fit those purposes well.

An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical & Global Perspectives

Average customer rating:

Covers the ecclesiological bases well
The best introduction to the topic of ecclesiology - What is the church? and What makes the church church?

An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical & Global Perspectives
Veli-Matti Karkkainen
Manufacturer: InterVarsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0830826882

Customer Reviews:

Covers the ecclesiological bases well.......2006-12-08

Veli-Matti Karkkainen, professor of systematic theology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA, has written an excellent overview of ecclesiology. Karkkainen's book is divided into three sections: Part I-Ecclesiological Traditions; Part II-Leading Contemporary Ecclesiologists; and, Part III-Contextual Ecclesiologies. In other words, where the church has been, who's shaping it now, and where it's morphing into new forms.

This IVP book does what IVP is famous for -- presents the subject with great accessibility, covering the material well, and introducing the latest in thinking. A new book by a new theologian who is making his mark on the systematic theology discussion.

The best introduction to the topic of ecclesiology - What is the church? and What makes the church church?.......2006-11-06

Introduction:

If you are interested in why there are so many different denominations in Christianity and why so many types of church "models" (to use term of Jesuit theologian Avery Dulles) this is an excellent and resourceful introduction. This was the only book that I could find on the topic of comparative ecclesiology and was glad that the author approached this field from a very broad perspective.

Author:

Veli-Matti Karkkainen, is a Finish theologian that teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary and is of the Pentecostal persuasion. His evangelical association does not show through this theological comparative work. His sense of condensing ideas, analysis, and conclusions are very objective, erudite, and extremely fair. He also covers a lot of teritory and a broad perspective that many evangelicals would not feel comfortable with. Truly a great work of a scholarly theologian.

Content:

The sub-title "Ecumenical, Historical, and Global Perspectives" represents the organization of this study. The first section discusses in six chapters standard "Ecclesiological Traditions": Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Free Church, Pentecostal/Charismatic and one extra chapter discussing the Church as One and contemporary ecumenical work between the various traditions.

The second section, "Leading Contemporary Ecclesiologists" discusses the works of the best theologians representing the six traditions discussed in the first section. John Zizioulas representing Eastern Orthodoxy speaks of the Church as "instituted" by Christ and "constituted" by the Spirit. Hans Kung sees the Church (from his earlier Roman Catholic perspective) as "the people of God," the whole ecclesia, and the whole fellowship of the faithful. Wolfhart Pannenberg, uses his Lutheran background to come to an ecumenical understanding. Thus Pannenberg sees "the church as pointing beyond itself to the final purposes of God" - "the unity of all people of God under one God." Jurgen Moltmann's (Reformed) relational ecclesiology emphasizes "that the church never exists for itself but is always in relation to God and the world" because "the mission of the church in not to spread the church but to spread the kingdom." Croatian Miroslav Volf (Yale professor) "seeks to suggest a viable understanding of the church in which both person and community are given their proper due." James McClendon Jr. (Baptist) characterizes "the church gathering is God's gathering" and "Christ's presence is to be expected among his gathered people wherever that may take place." Lesslie Newbigin (Anglican) approaches ecclesiology with three catchwords: missionary, ecumenical, and dynamic, and his key motto is "no church without mission, and no mission without the church."

The third section, "Contextual Ecclesiologies" looks at contemporary ecclesiologies that have a cultural or geographical origin and do not fit into a particual traditional mold. Thus the non-church movement in Asia (especially Japan), the base ecclesial communities (CCBs) of Latin America, the African Independent Churches, Shepherding Movement, feminist church, world church, and Barry Harvey's post-Christian church as "Another City" receive their individual place in this study with insightful analysis.

Conclusion:

While Veli-Matti Karkkainen states that this introduction is by no means comprehensive, I benefited greatly by understanding many traditions' and other contemporary views of what makes church church. Now I am aware of more theologians and writings on the topic of ecclesiology.

The common thread running threw all these views is that the church is "a community with purpose and hope for the future", and "a fellowship of men and women, a fellowship of the Spirit, a koinonia."

Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology

Average customer rating:

Tells It Like It Is
A Wonderfully straightforward read.
Faith Seeking Understanding
Weak
Excellent Overview of the Major Christian Doctrines

Faith Seeking Understanding: An Introduction to Christian Theology
Daniel L. Migliore
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 080282787X

Customer Reviews:

Tells It Like It Is.......2007-03-19

Being a seminary student I have plodded through a lot of theology textbooks. This one goes beyond the rest mainly, I think, because it is grounded in the sensible (formerly radical) ideas of John Barth. It is thorough without being heavy-handed, clear without being too long, and sits on the correct premise that everything starts and ends with Jesus Christ as God in concrete form. That's how we know God -- through Christ. It's almost as if I can throw out my other books -- this seems to cover it all. Kudos, Migliore.

A Wonderfully straightforward read........2007-01-04

For anyone interested in theological understanding of their faith as a Christian this is an excellent book. Only a few chapters were assigned as part of a seminary Christology class. But because the language was straightfoward and a very easy read I bought it and read the entire book.

Faith Seeking Understanding.......2006-11-10

Theology for the novice is a scary word.
I am in my first year of seminary course work and found this book to be informative but not elementary.

Weak.......2005-09-25

I have to wonder if the folks who wrote the first reviews read the same text that I did! This was my basic text for an intro. theology course I took at Princeton, where Dr. Migliore was teaching. He is classically trained, very disiplined, and a real gentleman. But, as this book demonstrates, he can't be termed a great theologian.
While he claims to be a Barthian, and he does use Barth's categories, he would not be recognized as such by Barth. He might be described as more a "string of pearls" thinker -- he takes things he likes from a variety of contradictory sources, with no apparent anchor or controling principle. What you get is more of a "mood" than a tangible response to God's voice in Scripture.

This is a very weak, very inconsistent, very frustrating work. I hardly ever score things poorly on Amazon, but I had to comment on this when I saw the other glowing reviews. There are all kinds of good theology texts, both to the "left" and to the "right" of Migliore. Louis Berkof, for example, is a classic that is clear and helpful.

Excellent Overview of the Major Christian Doctrines.......2005-09-14

The book is an outstanding overview of major Christian doctrines. It was balanced and fair in presenting a wide range of viewpoints. The last section dealing with imaginary dialogues between such notables as Barth, Neibuhr, Bultmann, Moltmann, etc.. is interesting although familiarity with the basic tenets of these thinkers helps in understanding the subtleties of their arguments.

Knowing the Bible 101: A Guide to God's Word in Plain Language (Christianity 101®)

Average customer rating:

A Must Have...
Funny and easy to understand...a must read
Wonderfully written!
101? Basic? No. I'd Call That Basic Plus Plus!
2 and 1/2 really...

Knowing the Bible 101: A Guide to God's Word in Plain Language (Christianity 101®)
Bruce Bickel , and Stan Jantz
Manufacturer: Harvest House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0736912614

Book Description

With extensive biblical knowledge and a fresh, contemporary perspective, Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz provide an easy–to–understand approach to God’s written message as they:

provide a user–friendly overview of the origin, themes, and context of the bible
pack in maps, references, learning aids, and useful details
reveal god’s love and plan of salvation for humankind
encourage study with a personal three month plan

This is a must–have resource for readers who have been planning to get serious about Bible study—longtime believers, new Christians, Bible study leaders, and even seekers who want to read the Bible for the first time.

Formerly titled Bruce & Stan’s® Guide to the Bible.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Have..........2007-08-13

Any teacher who likes to supplement a bible lesson, Sunday school lesson, etc., needs to have this book. It is a great addition to any library of Christian study tools.

Funny and easy to understand...a must read.......2006-08-24

Really helped me to understand about the Bible. Very easy reading. Perfect for teenagers as well as adults.

Wonderfully written!.......2005-02-17

This book is excellent for the beginner. It's basic, easy to understand style is a definite plus! If you're looking for a good book to teach you the basics, and take you on a fun trip to understand and knowing the bible, this is it!

101? Basic? No. I'd Call That Basic Plus Plus!.......2004-12-03

As the title implies, the "101" would mean "beginner level". Indeed, in this book, Bickel and Jantz wrote a really good introduction to the Bible. They start with the authorship and brief history of the Bible, why Bible is so interesting, and then moving to explain the Bible part by part -- in a Christian perspective.

This book is aimed especially for new converts or for those who are not well acquainted with the Bible but desire to learn more. Even seasoned Christians, in a way, can learn on how they should teach the Bible to beginners from this book.

The explanation in the book isn't terribly deep for scholarly / apologetic purposes, but not too shallow either. I personally feel that they wrote much more than just the basics. They did some cross reference and give a bit of historical background when appropriate, like the year of Israel / Jehuda kings reign. Even, they outline some different interpretation on certain books / passages, like how current Bible scholars differ on the book of Revelation and why.

There are ample diagrams, pictures, maps, tables, and other visual aids to enhance the learning experience. The language is so simple that reader with little or no exposure to Christianity can follow it. The book even includes yearly Bible reads and popular passages for devotional purposes. Also, they mention how Christian stands on several sensitive topics like abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and so forth by citing appropriate verses in the Bible. Although some interpretation on some issue varies greatly from church to church, I believe that the authors tried to represent the view of the Christian "majority". I believe that the authors are not deeply apologetics in this book, many "advanced reader" would feel that the authors are glossing over too much on certain issues.

All in all, this book is intended for beginner Bible studies, but there is far more than just "basics". I agree that this book is not enough for apologetics, but if you're just curious about the Bible and never take much studies but desire to learn more, this book is for you. Note that if you are not Christian, but desire to learn more about the Bible, this book isn't for you because the authors' inherent bias on the interpretation of Biblical verses may throw you off. However, if you think you can handle that, then this book is a good investment.

2 and 1/2 really..........2003-10-20

Bruce and Stan mean well. I believe this is their 50th commentary and it's fine withen its field. I have yet to find the 1 guide to The Bible.

Jews, Christians, Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions

Average customer rating:

A gem of a book

Jews, Christians, Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions
John Corrigan , Frederick M. Denny , Martin Jaffee , Martin S. Jaffee , and Carlos M. N. Eire
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0023250925

Book Description

This book compares Judaism, Christianity, and Islam using seven common themes, which are equally relevant to each tradition. Provoking critical thinking, this book addresses the cultural framework of religious meanings. It explores similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as it explains the ongoing process of interpretation in each religion. A comparative view of monotheistic religions showing the manor in which each has influenced and responded to the others. Provides readers with an opportunity to appreciate how religious change takes place and how traditions are shaped and reshaped including popular religion. Combines a focus on specific themes (scripture, ritual, ethics) with a strong narrative about the historical developments of these themes. Lets the reader see the enduring aspects of each tradition alongside of the changes. A discussion of material culture is presented.. Including an analysis of art and architecture, food, dress, and the organization of space. Written in crisp, clear prose, with a non-technical, casual approach. Includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and glossary.

Customer Reviews:

A gem of a book.......2000-06-14

A tour de force. Corrigan manages to provide literary, historical, mythological themes and contexts that illuminate current practice and belief.I found the details of this book enlarged my understanding of why and how these religions have many common strains and where they depart from one another.It also explains how the traditions of each,along with the practice,ethics and politics keep each vital enough in different countries and changing times to keep them going. A very weighty and multidimensional subject written with much grace. It's not only excellent as a reference book, it also holds up as a fascinating read.

The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission

Average customer rating:

Fascinating Trinitarian Missiology
The Open Secret: mission in a pluralist society

The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission
Lesslie Newbigin
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0802808298

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating Trinitarian Missiology.......2004-08-14

Issues of mission(s) and how the church is to be as a missional body have become more important than ever in the last century or so, given the massive changes that have taken place in the west. Newbigin is a profound voice, speaking cogently and helpfuly to the church, giving her lots of resources to recover a propely understood missional identity. This "introduction to the theology of mission" sketches the countours of what a missiology that is informed theologically by the biblical narrative and conversant with culture might look like.

The results are fascinating and engaging. One of the central emphases that Newbigin communicates is the idea of a "trinitarian model" for missions. Thus he speaks of mission in a way that takes not of the different and harmonious roles that the different persons of the Trinity play in the economy of salvation. He speak of mission as proclaiming the kingdom of the Father, sharing the life of the Son and bearing the Witness of the Spirit. He sees these three emphases more basically as mission being Faith, Love and Hope in action in the world.

Newbigin is also careful to situate a discussion of mission within the context of the kingdom of God, understood trinitarianly. Thus he speaks of mission as the proclamation of the kingdom of the Father, the presence of the kingdom through the work of the Son and the prevenience of the kingdom through the Spirit's work of leading the church into areas where he is sovereignly extending the kingdom.

In addition to his constructive work, Newbigin also masterully critiques the church growth missiology of Donald McGavaran, showing how it flattens and neuters central elements of the gospel. An example of this is McGavaran's belief that Indian Christians should remain in their caste systems and not attempt to break down those barriers in the church. I find this to be nothing short of idolatry as it not only capitulates to the principalities and powers, but also denies the unity that the church is called to in Christ. Newbigin is right to critique this popular movement and I hope that his critique recieves a wide reading.

There is much more in this book. Newbigin engages with liberation theology and focuses on how the church should be engaged in the casue of justice in the wider world. One of the things that I particularly appreciated about this discussion was the way that Newbigin situated his discussion of justice within an understanding of justice as defined by God, rather than false secular conceptions of justice (such as those embodied in, say the United States).

All in all, this book is an excellent introduction, both to theology of mission and to the thought of Newbigin. I highly recommend it.

The Open Secret: mission in a pluralist society.......2000-11-28

Is there still a place for mission in the late twentieth century? By what authority can we speak about God and the Christian message in our pluralist world? Newbigin brings his original and thoroughly biblical thoughts to these questions. He places missions in a Trinitarian context: Mission is the proclamation of the Kingdom of the Father, sharing in the life of Jesus, doing the work of the Spirit. He discusses the ideas of the school of Church Growth, of liberation theology and John Hicks (from "the myth of Christianity"), and develops his theology of mission in discussion with these voices. I have one reservation, and that is his discussion of election. Election, in Newbigin's view, is - and is being limited to - being called to witness. I cannot see how with this limitation he can avoid the danger of Pelagianism, which he rejects earlier on in the book. (This topic, however, is developed more extensively in "The Gospel in a Pluralist World"). Overall, though, an excellent read.

Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics

Average customer rating:

'How-to' On A Popular Level
One of Christianity's finest scholars - but alas, classical apologetics is a lost cause.
Review of Defending your Faith, by RC Sproul
Apologetics defined
there are reasons for faith, faith does not have to be blind

Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics
R. C. Sproul
Manufacturer: Crossway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Education | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1581345194

Book Description

There is a widespread belief that reason and faith are incompatible and opposed to each other. Faith is viewed as subjective, emotional, a crutch for those who find the real world too hard. Though many of the world’s finest minds hold this view, the Bible teaches that it is the fool who says there is no God.

Dr. R. C. Sproul clearly and simply argues that at its core Christianity is rational. He focuses on defending the basic truth claims for two of the most crucial issues of apologetics: God’s existence and the Bible’s authority.

In this primer of apologetic thought, Dr. Sproul affirms four logical principles that are necessary for all real discussion and teaches you how to defend your faith in a faithless world. Using the writings of church fathers and philosophers throughout the ages, he uncovers the common ideologies that work against faith.

The defense of the faith is not a luxury or an intellectual vanity. It is a task appointed by God that you should be able to give a reason for the hope that is in you as you bear witness before the world.

Customer Reviews:

'How-to' On A Popular Level.......2007-09-26

In this book, RC Sproul, who has done so much for the Reformation cause, and its consistent commitment to the revealed, true Word of God, explains why and how we should defend our faith, once-for-all delivered to the saints.

It is (with its modern cover) aimed at the 'most popular section' in the Christian bookstores, and once again should be most effective there where the new or often time, doubting Christian seeks refuge in the mass market section, so as not to bring close attention to himself/herself!

So it should be a perfect tool in competing with the drivel of 'Anointings' and 'Power-prayers' and 'Miracles-workers' that so obscure the faith Sproul here seeks to defend.

An important counter-strategy tool.

One of Christianity's finest scholars - but alas, classical apologetics is a lost cause........2007-08-21

I have often enjoyed reading RC Sproul's writing. He is intelligent, thorough, and knowledgeable while conveying a sense of engaging warmth. The subject matter he is dealing with however, is a lost cause. The classical arguments to defend the Christian faith all do have holes in them, and Sproul, though he is a brilliant man, has not succeeded in plugging them. This comes down to the simple reality that a truly faulty argument can never be made "not-faulty" no matter how brilliant the scholar is who attempts to make it so. So it is with the various arguments within classical apologetics. For the sake of being concise, I will deal with Sproul's presentation of the cosmological argument. It's presentation is common enough that I assume the reader's general familiarity with it. In defending the argument, he challenges the argument that matter/energy can be eternal. He maintains that even though matter/energy is conserved and constently changing, it the core of it - whatever pulsating stuff matter/energy ultimately is, it cannot be eternal. There is simply no reason we have to accept this as true. The big bang is not regarded by astrophysicists and cosmologists as the "creation" of matter and energy. It is understood as an event in the distant past when all the matter and energy that is within our universe was contained within a singularity which exploded. There is no evidence and no reason to believe that logically prior to the big bang it wasn't also in existence. Indeed, many viable cosmological models presume it was. So matter/energy not only can be eternal, but there is a good scientific reason to believe it is - this is known in science as the law of conservation of matter/energy. (Matter/energy can neither be created or destroyed). A corresponding problem with his argument is the claim that God simply always was and needs no explanation. Why? Because God has "aseity". That's a property which means one doesn't need to have been created. Rather than shedding light on the issue this merely lends a false sense of credibility to the cosmological argument by enhancing an already unecessarily pseudo-sophisticated vocabulary.
I do credit Sproul with not trying to make the cases that evidentialists attempt to make. I also respect that he sees the bankrupcy of fideism and presuppositionalism. Unfortunately, classical apologetics also remain insufficient, as all efforts at Christian apologetics do. The problem is that Christianity contains beliefs that (figuratively speaking) "want" to exist in a realm beyond questionability, as mythology and theism both do. Unfortunately, unlike mythology and theism, Christianity makes assertions that can be challenged and tested according to logic, history, and other disciplines. In the end, Christian truth cannot stand because it's not true.

Review of Defending your Faith, by RC Sproul.......2007-01-22

A must for the students who are learning apologetics and those who are aquainted with the suject. RC Sproul submits the subject in a format that is scholerly and readable at the same time. A must read for any who desire to understand what they believe and be able to defend it before those who would oppose it.

Apologetics defined.......2007-01-05

R. C. Sproul does an excellent job in presenting the basics for defending your faith. I was educated from the beginning with a definition of apology that I was unaware of, through reviews of philosophers that I hadn't read since college. Each chapter touches on an aspect of existence with which Christians often have to deal while interacting with the rest of humankind. Mr. Sproul tantalizes us with the beginnings of the necessary knowledge to articulate our beliefs and convincingly respond to attacks against our beliefs. I am now ready to read an advanced, more detailed exploration to further deepen my knowledge.

there are reasons for faith, faith does not have to be blind.......2006-09-11

This is a pretty good treatment of the rationality of some core christian beliefs. Now there is certainly more to christian beliefs than rational explanation for those beliefs, there are the very important elements of emotion, character, love, faith and the like. However, just because the christian faith is a faith, this does not automatically make it completely opposed to reasons for that faith. Faith and reason are not necessarily foes, it is quite possible for reason to "serve" faith. This book seeks to show this being done in regards to several subjects of importance to christian belief such as the existence of God. Now, I have read many, many sophisticated philosophical treatments dealing with the subject of "proofs" and/or "non-proofs" for the existence of God. I have read from some of the top thinkers/philosophers/theologians from ancient times, and on up to modern times. The treatment given to the rational defense for the existence of God in this book is simply profound and profoundly simple. Don't miss this book if for any other reason than this. It takes several chapters to build up to it, but once the book gets to it, it is absolutely pivotal and pointed, with razor sharp logic. If you are into philosophy, check out the same author's concise treatment on philosophy over the ages, it is called Consequences of Ideas. For a great concise treatment of the nature of the biblical God, the same author has another fantastic work by the title of The Character of God. It may seem as though I'm raving a bit about R.C. Sproul, and perhaps I am a bit, but it's not that I blindly follow him and his thought, or any one else for that matter, but Sproul really does make very good sense on several theological/philosophical concepts. Thanks Dr. Sproul.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books