Essential Theological Terms

by Justo L. González

In Essential Theological Terms , renowned church historian Justo González provides students with accessible discussions of over three hundred theological terms. Each entry in this two-column work gives more detail than those typical of a dictionary, introducing the meaning of the term, its importance, and ways it has been understood in both historical and contemporary theology. These reliable discussions of the most common ideas and concepts encountered in theological studies will make this book indispensable for students in all stages of their education.

Genres: Theology

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2005

About the author

Justo L. González, author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought and other major works, attended United Seminary in Cuba, received his MA at Yale, and was the youngest person to be awarded a PhD in historical theology at Yale. He is one of the few first generation Latino theologians to come from a Protestant background. He helped to found the Association for Hispanic Theological Education and the Hispanic Theological Initiative. Dr González is now on the faculty of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.

Reviews

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for reference, although some of the terms were a bit outdated or, where there were more than one definition, the less modern usage was taken. See "Theonomy."

[John Kunnathu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reference book!

[Mr PE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, useful and remarkably comprehensive. If you have or do study theology and cannot remember everything, buy this book.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justo Gonzalez wrote the text books for my history class ( The Story of Christianity, volumes 1 and 2) and my History of Doctrine class (A History of Christian Thought, volumes 1-3) I used when I was in seminary. Despite having my share of theological resources, I got this for Kindle, just because I appreciate him a lot.

This dictionary is an accessible intro to theological concepts, and doctrine. It is not exhaustive (a few terms I hoped would be there but weren't), it sometimes simplifies theological positions too much (as any dictionary entry might for clarity). But it is remarkably comprehensive for what it is. Plus because it is Gonzalez he does make sure to include good entries on Latin American theology, Liberation theology, Black theology, Womanist theology, postcolonial theology, etc. He knows the Western tradition well but doen't just give theology from the center. A good resource to have on hand, if theological and philosophical terms confuse you, or you just forget what words and phrases meant that you only ever used in the classroom anyway but are still important for you to know.

[Beth Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not get through seminary without this great resource! It has been a well used book.

[Milton Quintanilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference!

[Joel Griffis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.