Christian Theology: An Introduction

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

Rating:
Summary: An excellent, comprehensive introduction
Review: McGrath's "Christian Theology: an introduction" is, in my opinion, the finest, most useful basic theology reference available. It is comprehensive, but not overwhelming. It is understandable, but not simplistic.

From the Patristic period to the present, McGrath hits all the major theological topics, important voices, major heresies (and their orthodox rebuttals), and the relationship between Christianity and other world religions. Chapters, topics, and subtopics can be read in sequence, but the reader can browse effectively as each chapter can stand on its own. McGrath does not (as do so many other theology instructors) overestimate the reader's prior knowledge, but neither does he talk down to the reader.

As an Old Catholic abbot nullius, I require this book for all postulants in our religious order; I have found no better introductory text. More than that, I frequently refer to it myself, and its pages are well worn. I so value the effort McGrath made to produce a useful resource -- he has most certainly succeeded!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent, comprehensive introduction
Review: McGrath's "Christian Theology: an introduction" is, in my opinion, the finest, most useful basic theology reference available. It is comprehensive, but not overwhelming. It is understandable, but not simplistic.

From the Patristic period to the present, McGrath hits all the major theological topics, important voices, major heresies (and their orthodox rebuttals), and the relationship between Christianity and other world religions. Chapters, topics, and subtopics can be read in sequence, but the reader can browse effectively as each chapter can stand on its own. McGrath does not (as do so many other theology instructors) overestimate the reader's prior knowledge, but neither does he talk down to the reader.

As an Old Catholic abbot nullius, I require this book for all postulants in our religious order; I have found no better introductory text. More than that, I frequently refer to it myself, and its pages are well worn. I so value the effort McGrath made to produce a useful resource -- he has most certainly succeeded!

Rating:
Summary: Heightens your interest in theology tremendously
Review: McGrath's logical and simple approach to explaining theology and its branches make this so intriguing and really almost addictive. My highlighted, wrinkly copy shows that I was hooked from page one! An extremely interesting and thought-provoking work.

Rating:
Summary: An essential primer for learning theological facts
Review: Once hailed by the London Times as "one of the very best scholars and teachers of the Reformation," McGrath lives up to his ability to teach and disseminate a huge amount of information. This book at times goes beyond being just an introduction - it is a sourcebook and reference for any student of theology.

Beginning from a historical perspective, then moving on to the history of ideas, McGrath unfolds the concept of how the art, act and profession of theology developed. From the Antiochan school of thought in the early centuries to the concept of hypostasis to modern existential movements, McGrath carefully tells the story of Christian theology. He does so while remarkably stating little or no opinion.

This is not a systematics book whereby McGrath develops a theology; instead it is an exploration of key theological concepts, the tools needed to practice theology. As such it is an effective tool for scholars and lay Christians alike.

Rating:
Summary: Very comprehensive, pluralistic in the best sense
Review: Readers will find a thorough overview of Church history and the theological contributions of each era, from all Christian traditions, East and West. This volume is the most comprehensive collection I have seen, and provides the reader with theological richness and wide scope.

Rating:
Summary: Blackwell Publishers
Review: Since its first publication, Christian Theology: An Introduction has established itself as the leading introductory textbook world-wide. Now, Alister McGrath provides a full new edition which maintains the strengths, structure and features of the first edition in its comprehensive but user-friendly style and coverage. At the same time, it has been revised and updated in light of feedback from students and lecturers internationally. In addition to general updating and expansion, changes include: * the addition of significant new historical sections dealing with Byzantine theology, Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity, and Third World Christianity * the addition of major new theological sections, including sections dealing with development of the discipline of theology, twentieth-century ecclesiology, ninth- and twentieth century sacramental debates, and the interaction of Christian theology and the natural sciences * the chapters on Christianity and the World Religions and Last Things have been rewritten and expanded * addition of a major new section detailing theological resources available on the Internet * all citations are now sourced, and linked to the readings provided in the companion Christian Theology Reader * the glossary has been expanded Based on many years; experience of teaching Christian theology, Alister McGrath has provided the finest textbook available in the field. This new edition strengthens its position, and will be welcomed by professors and their students alike.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This book is a great book to use as an introduction to key theological figures in the history of the church plus it identifies important issues and brefly describes each. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to start a study of theology. This book can be used in workshop or as a study session because it lends itself well to being broken up.

Rating:
Summary: It should be required!
Review: This book is a must to any who truly want to seek out a theology not based on pop culture-christianity but on a wide look at what the church has believed and said in its various forms...a great book to start to have you OWN theological framework.

Rating:
Summary: Good overview of standard theological themes
Review: This book is one of the most handy theological surveys one will encounter in Christian academia. McGrath's book is good because it gives one a pretty comprehensive outline of major theological themes in a pretty straightforward manner. The book is not large but the information contained in it is pretty dense. The best thing about this book is that it is useful in various settings: seminary classrooms, lay theology seminars in churches, at home, and in the pastor's library. One will find this book fair and balanced because it does not really tow to a particular party line. If one is looking for a theology book that will try to be argumentative, then one will be disappointed. On the other hand, if one is looking for a book that just provides the information, this book is for you.