The Mosaic of Christian Beliefs: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity

Rating:
Summary: Synthesizing Christian Belief
Review: In this book by Professor Olson, Christian history and theology is examined for the many differences and similarities that have characterized different denominations and presuppositions. The aim of this book seems fairly simple: to find a common bond that all Christians everywhere can unite under and find agreement. Olson's plea is for a synthesis over analysis (that is, to examine our theology very thoroughly and rigorously but to press this examination to unity rather than division, which has most often been the case).

Moving through twelve major/basic theological categories (Sources, Revelation, Scripture, God, Creation, Providence, Humanity, Jesus Christ, Salvation, Church, Life beyond Death, and the Kingdom of God), Olson presents the reader with a broad overview of what has typically and historically been held by varying denominations and sects among Christianity.

Again, Olson's goal in all of this is twofold: to present a 'handbook' of sorts for the new student(s) of historical theology and to make a case for a "both-and" theology rather than a divisive position. Although I feel that he falls short of this goal on two or three of the major theological positions, Olson does well in making this a reality that can be worked towards in the theological arena, even presenting the reader with more of a practical, "how-to"-type goal of what this "both-and" can look like.

On the whole, this book is an outstanding read and a tremendous resource. Olson writes very well and often times inspiring as he shares this vision of the theological horizon. This promises to be a great treasure and addition for libraries of pastors, theologians, students, and lay-persons.

Although the "both-and" isn't always going to be present, the overall vision has been set for a goal towards which our modern theology can progress.

Rating:
Summary: RAISES MORE QUESTIONS THAN PROVIDES ANSWERS
Review: The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity & Diversity (MCB)

Leaving aside that a book could be written for each of the interesting topics that the fifteen chapters attempt to tackle, and the incredible task of trying to squeeze 2000 years of "Christian belief" into 357 pages, MCB falls short from being a "handbook," as it portrays itself in being, which "seeks to explain to uninitiated" (p. 12).

The book raises more questions than it provides answers. MCB might be more suitable for those that have had a reasonable prior exposure to the subject, and are now looking to stimulate some critical thinking and analysis about the subject. MCB comes short of discussing the topics in-depth or at-length, or for that matter, offering any kind of definitive conclusion. This style may leave some readers, especially the uninitiated, perplexed. The chapters present an extremely fragmented "Christianity," a view supported by some, but without offering any substantial alternate explanations/perspectives from the "mosaic." Given the fragmented treatment, any effort to offer a sense of undergirding unity becomes conflicting, contradictory, and inconsequential.

Just as one would not attempt to teach the "uninitiated" in math the multiplication tables by what they are not without teaching what they are, similarly, it would be unwise to try to learn about "Christian belief" by using a self-proclaimed "handbook" of the subject that fails to address the subject comprehensively.

Given that the present times are being called "post-modern" and "post-Christian," among others, it seems ironic to continue to use "Christian" and "Christianity" to describe/identify a particular community of faith. There may be an urgent need for the "Christian" community to define what "Christian" means in the 21st century. Another option may be to allow "modern Antioch" to rename Christianity. All too often the term "Christian" is used as if it has one standard meaning, and assumes that everyone is acquainted with what it is. Except, if that were the case, there seems little, if any, need even to write a book entitled, The Mosaic of Christian Belief.

In the Preface it says that MCB is the product of "nearly twenty years of teaching introductory courses in Christian doctrine and theology in university, college, and seminary," and that it is the combined result of students and their professor deciding that "what was needed was a very basic, relatively comprehensive, nontechnical, nonspeculative one-volume introduction to Christian belief." If textbooks like MCB are being used in "Christian" universities, colleges, and seminaries, it should be no surprise that some "Christian" churches find themselves in the straights that they are in, and that "modern Antioch" calls these times post-Christian.