Rating: 
Summary: This is a great text
Review: I assume that anyone reading this review is either a formal student of Christian theology or at least VERY interested. If you are a student, this is probably a required text so you MUST buy it whether you want to or not.If you are not a student, but want a deeper understanding of Christian theology than can be found in most of the spiritual "fast food" sections of your local Christian bookstore, you have come to the right place. Alister E. McGrath is tops in his field. You are learning from a master teacher. This book is tops in its class. It manages to address major doctrines, debates, and trends through church history in a way that treats all positions respectfully, but stays true to the central core of the Christian faith. You will get the most by reading this book cover to cover, but the index and table of contents are so well planned you might be tempted to just look up the issues you are interested in. Either way, you won't lose if you buy this book. It will be one to keep on your shelf for future reference.
Rating: 
Summary: Great logical introduction to Christian theology
Review: I haven't finished this book yet but it's great so far. The author starts off by giving a brief history of Christianity which I think is the logical thing to do. The history provides the context that author would use to explain theology. In each historical period, the author also summarizes key theological developments and important figures. They are then discussed in detail later in the book. At the end of each chapter, the author lists books that you can read if you were interested in any topic discussed in the chapter. Great book. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Thorough introduction to Christian Theology
Review: I read this book in hopes of teaching myself some of the basics of Christian Theology. My selection of this text was the right one. In it, Alister Mcgrath gives an excellent overview of Christian thinking and theology in an unbiased, and informative style. Don't be fooled though, the book is not an easy read. It is long, and discusses some pretty complex subjects relating to Christian doctrine. Having said that, the book is an enjoyable read if you interested in this topic. And although the book is used as a textbook, it does not read like one. As many others have stated, Mcgrath does an excellent job of covering a wide range of Christian theology, and the various positions associated with each. He remains objective througout, and does not see a need to include any of his own opinions - which is nice considering the difficulty of understanding some of the topics included. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn basic Christian theology. It is especially useful if you are like me - trying to teach yourself without the aid of a college professor. Lastly, the book is well documented, so my Amazon wishlist has grown by leaps and bounds with the various texts that are referenced. Therefore, be careful - if you like to buy books this one could cause future damage to your wallet.
Rating:
Summary: In Reserve
Review: I started this book. It's loaded. So, I've reserved it for a class I will be taking this fall. So far it's been very captivating, informative and of course factual.
Rating:
Summary: In Reserve
Review: I started this book. It's loaded. So, I've reserved it for a class I will be taking this fall. So far it's been very captivating, informative and of course factual.
Rating:
Summary: The best introduction for beginners
Review: I teach Christian theology and have worked through "Christian Theology: An Introduction" several times (as well as numerous other introductions to Christian theology). Without a doubt, this is the best introduction for beginners that I have read. McGrath is clear and his presentation is well organized. He seeks to be fair to a number of positions and traditions, and, I believe, succeeds in doing so.
Rating:
Summary: The best introduction for beginners
Review: I teach Christian theology and have worked through "Christian Theology: An Introduction" several times (as well as numerous other introductions to Christian theology). Without a doubt, this is the best introduction for beginners that I have read. McGrath is clear and his presentation is well organized. He seeks to be fair to a number of positions and traditions, and, I believe, succeeds in doing so.
Rating:
Summary: A classic introduction to Christian Theology
Review: I was issued the book after it first came out as a text. The book was one of the first books that ignighted a deep passion for theology in me. If you look at my dog eared, coffee stained book, you will know that it is a book that has not only been read but cherished. An eventual classic of theology texts.
Rating:
Summary: Great introduction!
Review: McGrath gives an introduction, that inspires you to go on reading theology. He writes clearly, in an easy way so that almost everyone can understand. Especially his way of introducing you to the history of dogmatics in the beginning gives you a boost.
Rating:
Summary: Does what it sets out to do -
Review: McGrath is a great alternative to other systematic theology texts which have permeated seminaries and colleges for the past fifty years. McGrath takes a fresh look at the origin of essential church doctrines, and where they fall in current debates. A wee bit conservative overall but still very usable. Particular strengths would be McGrath is able to trace theological debate and discourse with a keen eye and enough detail for you to not lose your head. On the doctrine of Christ he could have done a lot more in rebutting/refuting the Jesus Seminar / Historical Jesus Quest issues, but this does not take away from a very solid work. I recommend this book to lay people, teachers, and pastors. B Joseph Dworak
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