Christian Theology: An Introduction

Alister McGrath has written an excellent, helpful volume in this introduction text to Christian Systematic Theology. Here's a quick partial listing of what the book includes and how it's structured:Part 1: Landmarks: Periods, Themes, and Personalities of Christian Theology-includes chapters on The Middle Ages, Refomation, Modern Period, et. al.Part 2: Sources and Methods-includes chapters on Preliminaries, Sources of Theology, Knowledge of God (Natural and Revealed), Philosophy and Theology, et. al. Part 3: Christian Theology-includes chapters on the Doctrine of God, Doctrine of the Trinity, Doctrine of the Person of Christ, the Doctrine of Salvation in Christ, Christianity and World Religions, et. al.Overall, the book is an excellent starting point for coming to an understanding of Christian theology. McGrath is suprisingly unbiased in his overviews of all the topics in the book: only on occasion is it possible to see his own opinions peeking out through the wealth of information provided. McGrath's book is fair because it has such a huge breadth to it: it would be hard to claim that any one group or believe in particular has been short sighted. In addition, because of the book's highly structured layout, this serves as an excellent reference book for nearly any area of theology for at least a basic overview. Furthermore, each chapter ends with a secion for "Further Reading" in which McGrath provides a listing of other works on the individual topics presented in each chapter.

This is one of the best single-volume broad-scope introductions to Christian theology available today. Currently in its second edition, it will most likely have more editions, and there are frequent reprintings of the edition as it continues to be a field-specific best seller in the English speaking academic and seminary communities. One of the things that makes this book such a useful text for teaching, reference and study is that is contains three primary sections that deal with the foundation issues of all subsequent Christian theology: one must be aware of the history and what has been done before; one must know the how, where and why of theology; and one must have a basic outline, pattern or understanding from which to begin. Landmarks: Periods, Themes, and PersonalitiesThe pattern of historical development on Christianity is presented in a fairly objective manner by McGrath. He deals with a broad overview of the major periods, looking at key theological developments as well as key persons, events and geographic groupings and distinctions. Most chapters follow the same pattern of setting out a clarification of terms, a brief overview historically, a presentation of key theologians, an examination of key theological developments, a section on key names, word and phrases, and a section of questions and further suggested readings. The Patristic Period is the time of the Church Fathers, post-apostolic but while `the world' was still a Roman world. Key in this period is the fixing of creedal formulations of doctrine, the establishment of the biblical canon, and various issues of church, grace, and tradition. Key figures McGrath highlights are Justin Martyr, Ireneaus of Lyon, Origen, Tertullian, Athanasius, and Augustine. If there is one criticism of this section and the book as a whole, it is that it pays far too little attention to those parts of the Christian tradition that were not mainstream and historically victorious. One could easily be fooled into thinking controversies such as the Arian beliefs were fairly minor. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, McGrath highlights Anselm, Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham, and Erasmus. Key theological issues include a re-examination of grace (one will notice that certain issues remain in the forefront of Christian consideration and are constantly re-appraised), sacramental theology, patristics, formal theological systematics, and the issue of biblical translation. In the Reformation and Post-Reformation section, McGrath highlights Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, and looks at the issues of the various Reformations, including the Counter-Reformation of the Roman Catholic church. The Modern Period section looks at the Enlightenment and its influence on Protestant and Catholic development, but much moreso the former. Various theological schools highlighted include Romanticism, Neo-Orthodoxy, Postmodernism, Liberation theology, Postliberalism, Evangelicalism, Pentecostal and charismatic m

Alister McGrath's combination of thorough details, superb historical perspectives, and rare clarity of expression achieve a feat unusual in the theological realm - the ideas, however deep, are easily understood. McGrath sets forth not only the convictions of the great players in the Reformation, but the social and philosophical ideas which preceded the era, the outcome being a remarkably expert tapestry of thought. This era is one I have studied extensively in the past, yet the connections McGrath presents, and the insights of new scholarship which he incorporates, left me totally engrossed.As one example, McGrath's development of Martin Luther's progress in theological ideas makes such areas as justification by faith all the more fascinating in their historical context.This work is suited to anyone with a serious interest in the period or theology, and as a text for the university or later years of secondary education. I must add that those wishing a "lighter read" will find many of the major issues and historical points treated in McGrath's latest work, "In the Beginning."

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.

This book styles itself as a basic outline of Christian theology that assumes the reader knows nothing and takes him step by step through all major Christian theologies. As a recreational reader who wanted just that sort of basic introduction, I have found this book has lived up to its promise while also being easy to read. Subjects are not all covered in depth due to the material the book addresses. However, extensive bibliographies at the end of each chapter allow the reader to explore each subject further.