Christian Doctrine

Rating:
Summary: Boring and Heretical
Review: Don't buy this book if you want a good traditional/evangelical/orthodox theology. Guthrie is a moderate neo-orthodox theologian who believes in panenthiesm (a view of God that is a mix between panthiesm and traditional theism). His focus is more on how to use the Gospel for social transformation rather than eternal salvation. The idea that God is this "Santa Claus" in heaven is deplorable. The problem with anti-traditional/critical theology today is that it does not focus on eternal matters, but temporal and social matters. Heaven will only be realized in the life after, not now on earth through social and political transformation.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book which focus on Christian Theology --easy read
Review: Guthrie's "Christian Doctrine" is an excellent introduction to Presbyterian/Reformed theology. A student of Karl Barth's, Guthrie's style, clarity, and structure enable this revised version of his Covenant Life Curriculum doctrinal offering to be appropriated by laity and clergy alike. The updated version is inclusive of theological voices that have joined the ongoing debate in the last thirty years. At the end of each chapter questions are provided to enable group study. This is a wonderful study for serious small group or Sunday school class work. A must have for any serious layperson in the Presbyterian/Reformed family.

Rating:
Summary: For thinking Christians
Review: I think that this book is wonderful and insightful. We used it as a textbook in one of my college classes. It was both easy to understand and still presented the issues distinctly. I recommend it for anyone trying to explore their faith and beliefs.

Rating:
Summary: Buy it now!
Review: I think that this book is wonderful and insightful. We used it as a textbook in one of my college classes. It was both easy to understand and still presented the issues distinctly. I recommend it for anyone trying to explore their faith and beliefs.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Presentation of Protestant/Reformed Theology
Review: If you are looking for a book that presents the nuances of modern reformed theology in a thorough, lucid, and highly readable manner, this is it! Guthrie uses the Apostles Creed as a basis for discussing christian theology in general and reformed theology in particular. Each article of the Apostles Creed is used as a basis for presenting a systematic theology from a reformed perspective. The book begins with a detailed account of the nature of God, his attributes and how we know them. One chapter contains an excellent summary of the arguments for and against a natural theology. However, Guthrie cogently argues for the view that our knowledge of God must start with God's revelation of himself in Jesus. He, like Barth, is not sympathetic to the view that we can learn very much about God from abstract philosophical reasoning or scientific investigation of the natural world. This is one of the few areas where I disagree. There is, I think, a resurgence of natural theology and Guthrie, like Barth, sells it short. However, my disagreement here is largely one of degree. Personally, I was most impressed with his discussion of predestination. His discussion of this controversial doctrine is evenhanded and thorough. For those, like me, who find this to be one of the most troubling aspects of traditional reformed theology, Guthrie's discussion was very helpful. I also enjoyed his chapters on the trinity and the resurrection. He is strongly trinitarian and more traditional in his view of the resurrection. His application of the doctrine of the trinity to how christians should live and behave towards others is very enlightening. His discussion of the resurrection in terms of what it means for us today and continues to mean is excellent. However, the crowning jewel of the book are the chapters on grace, justification by faith, sanctification, and the Holy Spirit. In these chapters, Guthrie undertakes the Herculean task of relating grace, faith, good works, and the life of the christian in accordance with the Spirit. Guthrie's explanation of how God's grace works to produce faith and how this must and should lead to our faithful response through good works is, by itself, worth the price of the book. Guthrie works hard to avoid some philosophical pitfalls and, in my opinion, substantially succeeds. I strongly recommend the book for anyone interested in christian theology, especially from a protestant point of view. It skillfully combines three qualities rarely seen together in modern theology: clarity, intellectual depth, and genuine pastoral concern.

Rating:
Summary: For thinking Christians
Review: If you are reformed theologically you will love this work. An excellent summary of reformed theology. If you are not you will not agree with much of what Guthrie writes, but then, you should have known that before you read it! However for thinking Christians of all backgrounds this is a very well written summary of the Christian reformed faith up to the present day. Evangelism is both sharing the Gospel, and working to demonstrate God's love and grace in the here and now. Come you who are blessed, receive the kingdom, for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...

Rating:
Summary: Boring and Heretical
Review: If your faith background was strict and dogmatic and you left because it was so narrow minded, then this is the book to help you find your faith once more. One of the best quotes from the book is, "An honest doubter is closer to the truth than a superficial or dishonest believer." Dr. Guthrie talks about the basic Christian Beliefs and reviews the pros and cons of each area-- so that you can decide what you believe. He does not hand out "pat" answers-- nor does he give "politically correct" answers. He does give Bible references throughout for further reflection. His work is refreshing and most helpful.