Readings In Christian Thought by Hugh T. (editor) Kerr

by Hugh T. Kerr

Illuminates the history and development of Christian thought by offering selections from the writings of 55 great Christian theologians. The volume includes substantial excerpts from notable women theologians and from black and liberation perspectives, plus a new section from deceased theologians such as Thomas Merton, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Karl Rahner. Each passage is prefaced by detailed introductory comments on the life and thought of each theologian and the significance of his/her work.

Genres: Theology, Church History, Religion, History, Christian, Nonfiction, Church

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Jes Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an excellent collection of important Christian and Church manuscripts over history. It will teach you much- if you can remain awake long enough to do so.

[Vince Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it is because I have read a number of books on the development of Christian thought and theology, but I have really enjoyed the selections of key thinkers made by Hugh Kerr. I have read many of the works that Hugh Kerr selects from and he has been able to capture the key points of each. It has been a great refresher of 2000 years of Christian thought.

It is not a book for everybody, but for those who desire to teach Christian theology it is a great book to help one focus on essentials.

The book has also helped me clarify my 'druthers'. I am definitely NOT a Reformed theologian. The reformed tradition is far too certain on the methods of God and the destination of humans. I can see a severe judgment arising for the main Reformed thinkers ... Calvin, the writers of the Westminster Confession, and modern Reform theologians (John Piper, R.C. Sproul, etc). They get caught up in their intricate answers to all questions and judge other approaches as heresy.

I was pleased with the openness of Origen, troubled with the dogmatism of Tertullian, amazed once again with the depth of Augustine, felt sympathy with the vision of Abeland, resonated with the mysticism of Julian of Norwich, impressed with the insights of Martin Luther (Hugh Kerr avoided Luther's harsh polemical writings), intrigued by the liberal distillation of the Gospel by Aldolf von Harnack, etc.

I still think that Jonathan Hill's "The History of Christian Thought" is a better introduction to these same writers. But this book is an exceptional support book to Jonathan Hill's overview.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look at Christian thought from Justin Martyr to Martin Luther King Jr. Kerr helpfully describes the writers and overviews their theology and context. It would be nice to have some recent voices...perhaps in a updated edition.

[John Yelverton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the title and a couple of selections that back it up, the book was really a collection of heretical writings. Extremely uncomfortable and sometimes sickening reading and really not worth your time.

[Fred Dameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest thing about Kerr's work is as a reference going into discussion with religious fanatics. It is useful to cite John Wesley's sermon where he says Grace can be lost or Bonhoeffer on the church v fascism and a host of others to counter the Rt wing conservative points that they use to justify their hate and the policies that hate lets them pass. Especially when they use cherry picked biblical passages to justify murder, rape, theft, and the rest of their suppressive oppressive arguments.

[Steve James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a textbook for a class on Church History. I didn't read the entire book but selected authors. While it was good to read the actual words of people we were studying about, much of what they wrote was hard to understand. I don't know that I can fault the book itself though, because it's just a collection of works by historical Christians. But overall it was a worthwhile experience.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and organized selections of writings of important figures in the history of the Church. I especially enjoyed the brief introduction to each important Church figure. Good resource for the introductions alone!

[J. Tayler Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book - highlighting key figures in the growth of Christianity and providing excerpts from their works. However, there are better and more detailed books on the subject of Christin history.

[Mark Lickliter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical boring anthology that you must read for a class.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent compendium of excerpts from select theological treatises. Successfully encompasses the development of doctrine through the centuries.