Understanding Christian Theology

Rating:
Summary: Not too bad...
Review: Here is a systematic theology that combines pastoral concern with theological scholarship. The book is a sum of contributions from several dispensational scholars. (Actually, the book is a combination of previous works put together.) Unlike many modern systematic theology books, this one is very practical and will be very useful for pastors or laypeople (not to mention that it is quite easy to read). The book covers all the major topics in systematic theology (from bibliology to eschatology). Though it is true that the dispensational system is slowly losing scriptural warrant and credibility, this book should not be passed by. Even Walvoord's section on eschatology is quite sane compared to the off-the-wall books on end times that are out there. Readers should realize that dispensational scholars are not dummies but really know their stuff. Unfortunately, many think that adhering to the dispensational system automatically puts one in the unsophisticated anti-intellectual category (however, many outstanding biblical scholars [e.g., Darrell Bock, Daniel Wallace, etc.] are dispensational). The only criticism, as pointed out below, is that the index could have been organized better. Instead of only major topics being referenced, the editors should have referenced sub-topics too. This book will be a nice addition to any Christian library. It may not be technical, but the pastoral spirit that comes out of every chapter makes this a very good reference for those who want to strengthen their faith and understand the basics of conservative evangelical Christianity.

Rating:
Summary: Good contents, poor packaging
Review: The contents of the book are fairly good, but the design is poor. The pages should be two columns: wide pages with small print requires more eye motion to read and are difficult to skim. The index was made by a computer program and, for a reference style of book, is minus five stars. A reference book needs at least two levels of entry in the index, not words like "God," with hundreds of pages listed, one by one, no grouping such as 100-110, and no idea what any of those pages are about.