Skip to main content

Review: Exploring Christian Theology: Nathan D. Holsteen & Michael J. Svigel, General Editors



Review: Exploring Christian Theology
Nathan D. Holsteen & Michael J. Svigel, General Editors
Bethany House Publishers
2014

The strength of this book was identified by the endorsement written by Darrell Bock where he says that this book “combines biblical texts, what people have said across history, and that alludes to contemporary culture…”   Bock’s description is quite accurate.  With the help of a glossary the person just coming to theology can obtain a helpful overview a range of topics that involve the church, spiritual growth and end times information.

The presentation of material is even handed when different positions exist.  The positions are not debated happily, and the information supplied helps to differentiate the various opinions.  A very good and concise church history that points up some of the major doctrinal decisions from the earliest times forward is the best I have read.  The section on end times is equally as thorough and complete. It too has a history of the development of thought on the end times that is well written.  Both sections are generously supplied with charts to compare or summarize the information given.  Endnotes are available, too.

While this book does not cover all of Christian theology, it does give the reader a starting point to sample some of the topic.  Additional recommended reading lists compiled by topic are included for those that wish to dig deeper.  The entries are designated beginner through advanced reading to assist those not familiar with the works---like me.  

Readability?  Not a textbook, so relax, but not fluff either.  Neither is it dry or boring.  And as mentioned there is a glossary for those us who haven’t a clue what full preterism is or who the Church Fathers were.  The editors included brief entries from many of them for the reader, by the way.

Overall, I do recommend this book for those wanting a taste of Christian theology in the areas mentioned above.  

This book was provided by the publishers in exchange for this review.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot by Mo Isom

Review: Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot Mo Isom Baker Books 2018 I picked this one up after I’d seen a video promo by the author, http://moisom.com/sexandjesus#.   Sounded like she had something to say.   She does.   And even if you don’t think it applies to you it does in ways that aren’t necessarily related to sex, but just as a human being with desires.    Isom subscribed to many of the conversations that govern relationships in general, and those with men, for her generation, the millennials.   This book is not her life story, but it does describe some moments that were important to her journey then and now.   Her openness to share those times surprised me.   Her point without spoiling the book is that she had not understood what linked sexual intimacy to ordinary life, the why’s, if you will.   Was it not taught, discussed?   Or was she not interested in hearing might be a valid...

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense Dr. Larry Crabb Baker Books 2018 I chose this book because the title intrigued me.   When God’s Ways Make No Sense.    There have been plenty of times when that seemed truer than I’d like to admit.   Are we even allowed to say something like that?   Even if we think it.   So, an author willing to take on that topic had my attention. And mostly because I wanted his take on what to do about it? As it turns out Crabb pretty much gave away his case very early on in his book with a single scripture quote.   The basic idea is God is GOD and we are not.   His motives and actions are incomprehensible to mankind and He owes no explanation for them either.   Crabb admits near the end of his book that he is not a theologian which I knew going into this book, but his arguments are theology.   Or at least I think so.   I found his repeated circling the topic a bit frustrating. ...

Review: The World of Jesus: Making Sense of the People and the Places of Jesus’ Day by Dr. William H. Marty

Review: The World of Jesus: Making Sense of the People and the Places of Jesus’ Day Dr. William H. Marty Bethany House Publishers 2013 If you have ever tried to keep track of who is who during the period that is the between the testaments time and afterward you will have a good appreciation for what Dr. Marty has done with this short book.   It’s still like reading a soap opera plot but at least this help keep the characters sorted out.   The political and social changes came fast and frequently back then with the land of the Jews right in the midst of it all.   For me this is a reminder that it was not any easier back then in that region than it is today.    So if you are looking for a place to start an exploration of that period this might be a good overview to pick up first.    This book was provided in exchange for a review by the publisher.