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Exploring Christian Theology: Revelation, Scripture, and the Triune God
The Foundations of Theology in Everyday Language
Dallas Seminary professors Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel are passionate about the key doctrines of Christianity. They want readers to know why they're important and why they matter. This volume includes two
· How Firm a Revelation, Scripture, and Truth
· God in Three Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The authors explore these important topics in a concise and highly readable style that makes sense--whether you're a student of the Bible, a pastor, or someone who simply wants to know God better.
For each topic you'll find
· An introduction, overview, and review of the key points
· Several applicable Bible texts, including verses to memorize
· A quick-paced history of the doctrine
· Distortions to be aware of and avoid
· Reading lists for further study
· A glossary of theological terms
" Exploring Christian Theology is a wonderful doctrinal primer that teaches theology in a way that will engage you and cause you to reflect. . . . A great way to get acquainted with key biblical theological themes."
--Darrell Bock, Senior Research Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas Seminary professors Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel are passionate about the key doctrines of Christianity. They want readers to know why they're important and why they matter. This volume includes two
· How Firm a Revelation, Scripture, and Truth
· God in Three Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The authors explore these important topics in a concise and highly readable style that makes sense--whether you're a student of the Bible, a pastor, or someone who simply wants to know God better.
For each topic you'll find
· An introduction, overview, and review of the key points
· Several applicable Bible texts, including verses to memorize
· A quick-paced history of the doctrine
· Distortions to be aware of and avoid
· Reading lists for further study
· A glossary of theological terms
" Exploring Christian Theology is a wonderful doctrinal primer that teaches theology in a way that will engage you and cause you to reflect. . . . A great way to get acquainted with key biblical theological themes."
--Darrell Bock, Senior Research Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2014
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September 18, 2024Finished what I needed to for class so counting it haha
November 26, 2014
This book is a solid work. The authors are both graduates from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and so I expected there to be a solid evangelical emphasis with a dispensational leaning. This was not so (at least in the areas of theology they covered). In this book, the authors cover the doctrines of revelation (how God has revealed Himself), Scripture (the inerrant and infallible Word of God given to us by inspiration of the Spirit), and the Triune God. While I was going into this book thinking that the book would be written on a simple level (too simple were my thoughts going in), the book was actually very well done and the language, while not deeply theological for those who are just studying theology, was solid enough for even seminary level students to enjoy.
The authors do a good job at exploring two main ares in this book. First the authors explore what the Bible says about a given subject. For example, the authors first show what God has said in His Word about His own revelation. Then the authors explore what Church history and others have to say about the subject at hand. I appreciated the biblical background being the heart for the disciple of Christ. The Bible is how we can speak for God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and the Bible is faithful to reveal the truths we need for the Christian life. One cannot begin theology or anything else in life without a solid foundation from the Word of God (Psalm 119:142).
The chapters are full of knowledge. I appreciated the Scripture memory sections in each chapter that highlighted various passages of Scripture on the subject. A disciple of Christ would do well to memorize these passages (John 8:31-32). The authors also include charts throughout the book. The charts often take complex issues and help the reader to see them clearly. For example, the authors show the erroneous views of Christ by taking the major views of Christ throughout Church history and place them in a chart for one to read. This makes it easy to see how various leaders have erred about Christ in the history of the Church.
Overall I am looking forward to reading the next editions to this work. While this book is not a deep systematic theology text, it is very good for the average disciple who just wants to know more about the faith. I do recommend this book.
This review is based on a free copy of the book that was given to this reviewed from Bethany House Publishers.
The authors do a good job at exploring two main ares in this book. First the authors explore what the Bible says about a given subject. For example, the authors first show what God has said in His Word about His own revelation. Then the authors explore what Church history and others have to say about the subject at hand. I appreciated the biblical background being the heart for the disciple of Christ. The Bible is how we can speak for God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and the Bible is faithful to reveal the truths we need for the Christian life. One cannot begin theology or anything else in life without a solid foundation from the Word of God (Psalm 119:142).
The chapters are full of knowledge. I appreciated the Scripture memory sections in each chapter that highlighted various passages of Scripture on the subject. A disciple of Christ would do well to memorize these passages (John 8:31-32). The authors also include charts throughout the book. The charts often take complex issues and help the reader to see them clearly. For example, the authors show the erroneous views of Christ by taking the major views of Christ throughout Church history and place them in a chart for one to read. This makes it easy to see how various leaders have erred about Christ in the history of the Church.
Overall I am looking forward to reading the next editions to this work. While this book is not a deep systematic theology text, it is very good for the average disciple who just wants to know more about the faith. I do recommend this book.
This review is based on a free copy of the book that was given to this reviewed from Bethany House Publishers.
April 14, 2023
This book covered a basic introduction on the infallibility of Scripture and God in three Persons. A lot of stuff was familiar to me (shoutout to my homeschool education), but this went a bit deeper. The description of “everyday language” was true for 80% of the book; the other 20% had me going “huh?” I loved the format of the book and how the two sections were mirrors of each other with the chapter names and progression.
December 30, 2023
I read this book for my Bibliology and Trinitarianism classes at DTS. It is a solid introduction to both topics. The book covers doctrine with a strong lean toward evangelical orthodoxy. I like the way each doctrinal section is organized. The general format of this series contains 1) passages to master, 2) historical development of the doctrine, 3) facts to never forget (doctrinal statements), 4) dangers to avoid (heresies), 5) principles for Christian living, and 6) recommended readings. It is a comprehensive primer into doctrine that all Christians should at least understand. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an introduction to the doctrines of Scripture and God.
February 22, 2021
A great book. I read it for a class at Dallas Theological Seminary. Obviously deals with theological concepts and terminology, but I'd recommend it to anyone interested in theology even at the layman level. I wish I would've had more time to soak up the concepts. Great section on the names of God in part 3. Excellent glossary and index at the back to help you keep up with what you're reading and from where.
March 6, 2021
Quite a bit more basic than I expected. It was a good overview of basic Bible doctrine of the scriptures and the trinity. The section about the trustworthiness and inerrancy of scripture is the strongest. The section on the trinity was a bit labored with a surprising amount of repetition. I didn’t gain much from the snippets of the church fathers and various medieval scholastics. Overall a worthwhile overview but aimed at someone with very little familiarity with these basic truths.
November 2, 2018
Good Introduction to Theology
This book gives the reader a good introduction theology. Topics include the inerrancy of the Bible, the Trinity, and the history of the fall and redemption. A little difficult to read at times, but well worth the effort.
This book gives the reader a good introduction theology. Topics include the inerrancy of the Bible, the Trinity, and the history of the fall and redemption. A little difficult to read at times, but well worth the effort.
November 15, 2023
I loved that this book taught theological concepts that could be read and understood by any man. Not just seminarians. I would feel comfortable recommending this to my friends who are looking to grow in their faith and understand why certain tenets are key to the Christian faith.
November 22, 2025
Read the first half for Theological Method & Bibliology (ST5101). Not the easiest read like the description infers, but helpful insights nonetheless. Will return to this as a resource on revelation & Scripture when necessary.
May 1, 2019
Great book!
Very helpful to “layman” who want to know more.
After reading volume I, I bought volume II and III.
Very helpful to “layman” who want to know more.
After reading volume I, I bought volume II and III.
April 8, 2021
This is basic theology because without a clear picture of the God we worship we tend to fall into worshipping gods make in our imaginations. Solid work.
July 14, 2021
A really solid, easy-to-understand intro to theology book. Especially enjoyed the section that explored the characteristics and attributes of God. Would highly recommend.
October 24, 2022
Read the first half on inerrancy and inspiration and it’s awesome!
January 20, 2025
This is a good entry-level book on theology, covering revelation, Scripture, and the Trinity. Includes helpful suggestions for further study.
July 1, 2025
A good foundation. Didn’t feel as strong as the others in the series
September 17, 2025
Not the easiest to read book, but I liked how it was structured (specifically dangers to avoid)
November 14, 2025
Really good introductory theology book! I like the way it is organized, definitely enjoyed this more than a lot of other introductory systematic theology works.
November 22, 2014
Are you intimidated by the ten-pound systematic theology volumes out there? Do you still want some real depth and genuine help? You should check out the first volume, then, of the projected three-volume series Exploring Christian Theology, edited by Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel, with this first volume written by the editors along with Douglas Blount and Glenn Krieder.
For some reason, I opened this volume with low expectations. I read those ten-pounders sometimes and enjoy it. Then in the first few pages I read language that I felt was trying too hard to engage modern readers. As I kept reading, however, I was own over. This volume is a treat.
The editors claim their perspective here “differs from other mini-theologies in that strives to present a broad consensus, not a condensed systematic model of one evangelical teacher or Protestant tradition.” To my mind, they succeeded. They may not have written from one narrow angle, but they stayed safely within the confines of conservative, Bible-believing parameters. Can you tell I liked it?
The first part covers Revelation, Scripture, and Truth. Their explanation of inspiration and inerrancy was choice. I might squabble over a detail here or there, but they provoked thought and explained the touchiest issues of our day well.
The next section on the Triune God was simply superb. The section on the kenosis of Christ and the debates of the Early Church on Christology was one of the best I have ever read. It rivals the ten-pound volumes!
Each section ends with quotes from all time periods of Christianity on the subject. You could see, for example, that full inspiration of Scripture has been the historic position. Newer positions are clearly deviations.
Get this book. Better yet, read it carefully. I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
For some reason, I opened this volume with low expectations. I read those ten-pounders sometimes and enjoy it. Then in the first few pages I read language that I felt was trying too hard to engage modern readers. As I kept reading, however, I was own over. This volume is a treat.
The editors claim their perspective here “differs from other mini-theologies in that strives to present a broad consensus, not a condensed systematic model of one evangelical teacher or Protestant tradition.” To my mind, they succeeded. They may not have written from one narrow angle, but they stayed safely within the confines of conservative, Bible-believing parameters. Can you tell I liked it?
The first part covers Revelation, Scripture, and Truth. Their explanation of inspiration and inerrancy was choice. I might squabble over a detail here or there, but they provoked thought and explained the touchiest issues of our day well.
The next section on the Triune God was simply superb. The section on the kenosis of Christ and the debates of the Early Church on Christology was one of the best I have ever read. It rivals the ten-pound volumes!
Each section ends with quotes from all time periods of Christianity on the subject. You could see, for example, that full inspiration of Scripture has been the historic position. Newer positions are clearly deviations.
Get this book. Better yet, read it carefully. I highly recommend it.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 17, 2015
In Exploring Christian Theology, Volume One: Revelation, Scripture, and the Triune God, Editors Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel tackle two fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith: the Inspiration of Scripture and The Trinity. Beginning with a brief discussion of creation and salvation before turning to the principle subject matter, they support their exposition with biblical passages and helpful illustrations. Designed to be accessible for any Christian at any stage of spiritual journey, Exploring Christian Theology is not an in-depth study, but a basic primer, complete with a brief background of each doctrine explained biblically and interpreted in its historical context.
Exploring Christian Theology: Volume One may not be a long book, but it is deserving of a slow read. In order to properly understand the concepts discussed, readers should take their time to absorb this complex information. The illustrations, charts, and graphs are invaluable and a list of resources available for further study is also included.
To their credit, Holsteen and Svigel explain these critical doctrines well. However, the weakness of this volume is that the essential emphasis of these two fundamental beliefs held throughout church history is somewhat outweighed by too much stress on personal application. All in all, Exploring Christian Theology, Volume One: Revelation, Scripture and the Triune God is a theologically sound resource for believers who are interested in deepening their under standing and confidence in the Christian faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
Exploring Christian Theology: Volume One may not be a long book, but it is deserving of a slow read. In order to properly understand the concepts discussed, readers should take their time to absorb this complex information. The illustrations, charts, and graphs are invaluable and a list of resources available for further study is also included.
To their credit, Holsteen and Svigel explain these critical doctrines well. However, the weakness of this volume is that the essential emphasis of these two fundamental beliefs held throughout church history is somewhat outweighed by too much stress on personal application. All in all, Exploring Christian Theology, Volume One: Revelation, Scripture and the Triune God is a theologically sound resource for believers who are interested in deepening their under standing and confidence in the Christian faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
November 27, 2014
Wow! This book is packed full and only 272 pages. Honestly, this book can be really overwhelming so I had to take it slow, which is better anyway. I really liked the authors' perspectives, everything has a solid Biblical stand. You will need your Bible next to you while reading as well. Everything is well organized which makes it a bit easier to read. The part I enjoyed the most was the Passages to Master section.
"To have a fruitful Christian life, we need an accurate Christian faith. To have an accurate Christian faith, we need a firm doctrinal foundation. To have a firm doctrinal foundation, we need a trustworthy source of truth. Enter God's revelation: revelation of himself, from himself." (pg 31)
There also topics on how to talk about God with others the most helpful I found on page 189 Classic Arguments for God's Existence.
If you are interesting in learning more theology or digging a lot deeper into the Word, this a great book to have!!
"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review."
"To have a fruitful Christian life, we need an accurate Christian faith. To have an accurate Christian faith, we need a firm doctrinal foundation. To have a firm doctrinal foundation, we need a trustworthy source of truth. Enter God's revelation: revelation of himself, from himself." (pg 31)
There also topics on how to talk about God with others the most helpful I found on page 189 Classic Arguments for God's Existence.
If you are interesting in learning more theology or digging a lot deeper into the Word, this a great book to have!!
"I received this book from Bethany House Publishers for free in exchange for an honest review."
December 30, 2014
This book covered the topics of the divine inspiration of Scripture and the Trinity, and I thought it was very biblically based, and spot-on! There was one minor issue that was mentioned that left me confused on where the authors stood, but it was minor enough that I don't remember what it was. If you want a general theological overview of these topics, this is a good place to start, and I loved that they gave resources for further study. Note: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for a review on my blog, coming soon.
November 24, 2016
Depending on what you're looking for, this may be an excellent book. It is well written, engaging, and not too technical. It is a great and simple introduction to basic theological truths.
In a seminary setting, it lacks profundity and was in many ways underwhelming. Certainly a great book for a lay reader looking to go a little deeper but a frustratingly simple read by the measure of a class text book.
The editors and contributing authors are all affiliated with Dallas Theological Seminary, so the content is evangelical, conservative, and reputable. A big plus.
In a seminary setting, it lacks profundity and was in many ways underwhelming. Certainly a great book for a lay reader looking to go a little deeper but a frustratingly simple read by the measure of a class text book.
The editors and contributing authors are all affiliated with Dallas Theological Seminary, so the content is evangelical, conservative, and reputable. A big plus.
November 20, 2015
Very accessible introduction to revelation and Scripture and trinitarianism. It will also be a great book to refer back to in the future.
April 6, 2017
I started reading this book for one of those free classes Dallas Theological Seminary offers online on the topic of Scriptural inerrancy. It is a rare book when it comes to theology books because it is quite understandable. The writers are clearly brilliant theologians who are not trying to show us how smart they are (and they are), but rather trying to help the reader to understand. I loved this book. It basically deals with two topics, Scriptural inerrancy and the Trinity.
These are two of the most complex things for Christians to understand and yet Holsteen and company do a great job of breaking it down. I love how they assembled this book. Each of the two sections are broken down into nine sections: an introduction, a high altitude survey, passages to master, the topic in retrospect, facts to never forget, dangers to avoid, principles to put into practice and voices from the past and present (snippets from great thinkers on the topic from across the centuries and the four periods of church history). Finally, each section contains a few pages of recommended books on the topic in question. This is one of the most readable and comprehensible books on theology I have read. I am looking forward to picking up the other two books in this series.
On last thing, don't skip over the glossary of terms. This is a wealth of information on all the various movements and schools of thought in the history of the church. This is a great book and a must read for anyone wanting to take their faith knowledge to a deeper level.
These are two of the most complex things for Christians to understand and yet Holsteen and company do a great job of breaking it down. I love how they assembled this book. Each of the two sections are broken down into nine sections: an introduction, a high altitude survey, passages to master, the topic in retrospect, facts to never forget, dangers to avoid, principles to put into practice and voices from the past and present (snippets from great thinkers on the topic from across the centuries and the four periods of church history). Finally, each section contains a few pages of recommended books on the topic in question. This is one of the most readable and comprehensible books on theology I have read. I am looking forward to picking up the other two books in this series.
On last thing, don't skip over the glossary of terms. This is a wealth of information on all the various movements and schools of thought in the history of the church. This is a great book and a must read for anyone wanting to take their faith knowledge to a deeper level.
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July 9, 2017This book is divided into two parts. I read the first part this time around.
Thoughts: This is a good intro to Christian theology. I read it alongside the free DTS online course "Can You Trust the Bible," which is heavily based on this book. (The editors of this book are professors at DTS, and they were members of the panel that discusses the book's concepts in the online course.) The online course helped clarify points made in this book.
Thoughts: This is a good intro to Christian theology. I read it alongside the free DTS online course "Can You Trust the Bible," which is heavily based on this book. (The editors of this book are professors at DTS, and they were members of the panel that discusses the book's concepts in the online course.) The online course helped clarify points made in this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews