Essential Truths of the Christian Faith

Rating:
Summary: Essential for any Christian library
Review: "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" lives up to its title. As a quick overview of Christian doctrine (from a Reformed Theology perspective) there is no book like it that I have come across. And having once been the book buyer for a Christian bookstore, I've seen a truckload or two of books.

I have always liked R. C. Sproul's works. His "The Holiness of God" is the finest overview of that topic available. Sproul brings the same dedication to "ETotCF", providing the reader with core theological points and the Scriptures to back them. As a quick reference it shines. For anyone starting in the faith or seeking a more broad grounding in doctrine, this is as good a place to start as any.

The very fact that so much is being covered in so few pages means that there is an automatic issue of depth. No topic is covered in its full theological glory. Entire volumes have been written on topics like faith and sin, so one cannot come to this work expecting mind-bending treatises or total analysis. Most of the hundred and two topics are only given two to three pages at most. This makes the "Essential" in the title true: only the essence exists here. But again, for what it seeks to accomplish, this book hits the bullseye.

If you are not familiar with Reformed Theology, it differs slightly from other schools of theological thought, but not in any way as to be questionable. Personally, I find Reformed thought to be the most solid of all the differing viewpoints. But as such, there will be some differences in the issues of grace, eschatology, methodologies of sanctification and justification, and ecclesiology. Charismatics/Pentacostals, for example, will find him at once sympathetic and antagonistic to many cherished doctrines. One must remember, though, as with all books on doctrinal issues, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. And more often than not, Sproul will be waiting for you at the middle ground.

One of those rare books that shoul occupy space in every Christian's bookshelves, I go back to it again and again. And when it comes down to it, what more could you want?

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" is a wonderful handbook on Christian doctrines. It offers insightful and luminating information in bite-size chunks. I've found it quite useful in my understanding of Christian doctrines and philosophy. A very handy reference volume, even for seasoned Christians!

Rating:
Summary: Essential for any Christian library
Review: "Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" lives up to its title. As a quick overview of Christian doctrine (from a Reformed Theology perspective) there is no book like it that I have come across. And having once been the book buyer for a Christian bookstore, I've seen a truckload or two of books.

I have always liked R. C. Sproul's works. His "The Holiness of God" is the finest overview of that topic available. Sproul brings the same dedication to "ETotCF", providing the reader with core theological points and the Scriptures to back them. As a quick reference it shines. For anyone starting in the faith or seeking a more broad grounding in doctrine, this is as good a place to start as any.

The very fact that so much is being covered in so few pages means that there is an automatic issue of depth. No topic is covered in its full theological glory. Entire volumes have been written on topics like faith and sin, so one cannot come to this work expecting mind-bending treatises or total analysis. Most of the hundred and two topics are only given two to three pages at most. This makes the "Essential" in the title true: only the essence exists here. But again, for what it seeks to accomplish, this book hits the bullseye.

If you are not familiar with Reformed Theology, it differs slightly from other schools of theological thought, but not in any way as to be questionable. Personally, I find Reformed thought to be the most solid of all the differing viewpoints. But as such, there will be some differences in the issues of grace, eschatology, methodologies of sanctification and justification, and ecclesiology. Charismatics/Pentacostals, for example, will find him at once sympathetic and antagonistic to many cherished doctrines. One must remember, though, as with all books on doctrinal issues, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. And more often than not, Sproul will be waiting for you at the middle ground.

One of those rare books that shoul occupy space in every Christian's bookshelves, I go back to it again and again. And when it comes down to it, what more could you want?

Rating:
Summary: one-stop reference
Review: I read this book several years ago when it first came out, and it still sits on my shelf today because it is a wonderful one-stop reference for a great deal of theology.

Written from the Reformed perspective, it feels more like reading short magazine articles than reading a seminary textbook, and this feature will probably double the average reader's chances of actually finishing it. I did wish the author would have spoken more about his view of sanctification, which was not one of the doctrines listed. Other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: one-stop reference
Review: I read this book several years ago when it first came out, and it still sits on my shelf today because it is a wonderful one-stop reference for a great deal of theology.

Written from the Reformed perspective, it feels more like reading short magazine articles than reading a seminary textbook, and this feature will probably double the average reader's chances of actually finishing it. I did wish the author would have spoken more about his view of sanctification, which was not one of the doctrines listed. Other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for new believers.... and old ones too!
Review: I see that R.C. was essentially trying to write his own catechism with this book.... and for the most part he was pretty sucessful. In it, he covers 101 different areas of Christian theology, including sanctification, glorification, eschatology and much more. He doesn't take a clear position on eschatology in here (he's postmill and partial preterist), but leaves the reader to get some things on his/her own.

My only major criticism was that he could've included a LOT more scripture in this book. Everything's Biblical.... but not enough scripture for the new believer to take and read the Word of God in addition to this fine teaching tool.

Still, it's well worth the money and will make a good reference tool for years to come.

Rating:
Summary: Supporting work
Review: I'm surprized that no one has mentioned that though the topics are brief, they often come with a drawing to help explain things. In addition he gives you reference verses for you to explore the points further. Finally I'm surprized at how much that is essential is rarely mentioned in the church. Given that, this book is essential.

Rating:
Summary: Supporting work
Review: I'm surprized that no one has mentioned that though the topics are brief, they often come with a drawing to help explain things. In addition he gives you reference verses for you to explore the points further. Finally I'm surprized at how much that is essential is rarely mentioned in the church. Given that, this book is essential.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Gift For New Christian (and a scholar, too)
Review: In short, this is 100+ of the most basic (therefore "Essential" as the book's name implies) topics in the bible, well-organized, discussed in a concise, reader-friendly format.

This is a book for:

1. The Christian that knows "what" they believe but really not "how to prove it." (Most of us)

2. A NEW CHRISTIAN, or someone who is thinking about becoming a christian and/or questioning it. IT HELPS THE NEW CHRISTIAN know what the Bible says so they have a better chance at not getting deceived by false doctrines/Satan's tricks.

3. A strong Christian, to keep on the shelf for debate material or to show/explain to the people listed in #'s 1 and 2.

One thing to note: it is from a reformed perspective (if you don't know what that means, then don't even worry about it.) Even though it is reformed, it leaves for some interpretation and shows respect for slightly different viewpoints on the minor topics.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Gift For New Christian (and a scholar, too)
Review: In short, this is 100+ of the most basic (therefore "Essential" as the book's name implies) topics in the bible, well-organized, discussed in a concise, reader-friendly format.

This is a book for:

1. The Christian that knows "what" they believe but really not "how to prove it." (Most of us)

2. A NEW CHRISTIAN, or someone who is thinking about becoming a christian and/or questioning it. IT HELPS THE NEW CHRISTIAN know what the Bible says so they have a better chance at not getting deceived by false doctrines/Satan's tricks.

3. A strong Christian, to keep on the shelf for debate material or to show/explain to the people listed in #'s 1 and 2.

One thing to note: it is from a reformed perspective (if you don't know what that means, then don't even worry about it.) Even though it is reformed, it leaves for some interpretation and shows respect for slightly different viewpoints on the minor topics.