Exploring Christian Theology: Creation, Fall, and Salvation

by Nathan D. Holsteen (Editor), Michael J. Svigel (Editor), Douglas K. Blount (Contributor)

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 parts:
- From Dust to Dust: Creation, Humanity, and the Fall
- Wise Unto Salvation: Gospel, Atonement, and Saving Grace
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

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Religion, Textbooks

265 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2015

Reviews

[Anna Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The structure and format of this helps make theology accessible for everyone!

[Carly Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I finished reading what I needed to for class but this was helpful in thinking through what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God!)

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extensive study on the basic doctrine of Creation, Fall and Salvation. These basic foundations hold together truths that have been debated, ridiculed and embraced over time and will continue to be so. Creation is the foundation of the Christian worldview. How we look at creation is the lens of our worldview. This part of the study reflected all worldviews and also questions posed for the Christian world view as well. It also reflects how Christians value life. All humans are created in God’s image and are valued by the creator. Not over the creator, but because of the creator. Being created in God’s image, we are given physical, intellectual and spiritual capacities that no other living thing is able to do. Creation involves community. In order to community to thrive, commitment and personal relationships must be nurtured. Creation points us to God. Creation has order. Creation even though it is revolving, it relies on the sun coming up and going down each day. There is a truth to the creation order that cannot be denied.

The Fall indicates our need for a savior. There is no denying that there is good and evil and a need for justice. A debt to be paid. We cannot know Jesus unless we know we have a need to deal with our sinfulness and the brokenness that is of this world. I loved this quote Sin is not a creation of God but a negation of God. It’s not a neutral tool God uses to accomplish his will but a force that acts against his revealed, moral will…scripture calls death the last enemy.. Salvation comes from Jesus alone and it is by the grace of God, we are saved by the work of Jesus. It is not our work, but His work that saves. It is faith in the work of Jesus that grace abounds for the Christian. Grace fixes what’s broken. Because Jesus is better I don’t have to be. That is grace. It is not based on what I have done, the letter of the law, but what Christ has done. Salvation becomes the motivation to delight in the law and God’s word, embrace the truth of God’s design and sovereignty.

With so much church history in regards to salvation, the study reflects a representative of an overview of the elements of God’s grace. Church history is relevant part of this study.

This could have been a large number of pages, but the authors were able to articulate these important doctrine issues and bring them together in short amount of pages. Some sections references deeper study for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This is a great resource for deeper study and the overview of Christianity. It is the why and the reason that Christianity will hold true to the very end.

A Special Thank You to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
Introduction to Christian Doctrine from Dallas Seminary Professors
This engaging and accessible systematic theology clearly explains essential spiritual truths for those new to doctrinal study or in need of a refresher. The authors use quick-paced introductions, overviews, reviews of the key tenets of orthodox evangelical doctrines, and more for an easy grasp of the subjects.
Led by general editors Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel, the writers are Douglas Blount and J. Scott Horrell, with contributors
J. Lanier Burns and Glenn R. Kreider. All are Dallas Seminary professors and theologians.
"Exploring Christian Theology" is useful for a preview or review of doctrine, discipleship, or personal reference. It can be used by ministry training programs, Bible colleges, or seminaries as an introduction to prepare students for more in-depth theological study. Now complete in three volumes.

My Review:
I have to say that the study of theology is very intimidating. My husband recently attended and graduated from seminary and he had to take several theology courses and theology isn't easy folks. It just isn't. But I have to say the authors of this series have provided some great material to get us on to a better understanding of Christian Theology.

First of all, if anyone out there believes that your salvation is all there is to your salvation, than they are sadly mistaken. God wants a relationship with each and every one of His children. It is as simple as that and theology can be the gateway to a better and more concise understanding of that relationship.

The authors provided you with a vast knowledge of learning within the 272 pages of Exploring Christian Theology, not their opinions or unbiased truths. It's simple, easy to grasp and full of knowledge.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Bethany House.

[K8lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say I'm a huge fan of reading theology books but this one was quite good! This is the second volume, in a three volume set, and it focuses on the theology for creation, the fall and salvation.


The book is useful in many ways and for many people! It could be used for the new believer, to give a nice over-view of the various doctrines that the church stands on and how they differ from denomination to denomination. For the seasoned believer it offers insight into the history behind the doctrines, which is an area I found very fascinating, as well as practical and scripture filled ways to implement the various principles. And for the scholar, this book would make an excellent resource to add to their library!


I greatly enjoyed the format of the text, in that, the book was broken into two sections and those sections broken into many smaller sections. It helped me focus on the different areas of each, (creation, fall and salvation) and pick up on key ideas, themes, principles, past concepts and where we stand today.


So over-all, if you are looking for a basic but in depth theology book, I highly recommend this one and I think I might even see about adding the other to volumes to our own collection!



I received this book, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a short series of books on basic Christian beliefs this one is good, this is the third one I have read and it explains believes and who they can differ between denominations. Good series

[Dustin Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful primer on the core doctrinal tenets of the Christian faith.

[Dan Curnutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is Volume 2 in a three volume set it must be noted that this is the last volume being published. Volumes 1 and 3 have been out for a while. This project was taken on by professor's from Dallas Theological Seminary, thus the views are Protestant Conservative Evangelical. Most pastors will know that for decades the major Systematic Theology work from Dallas Seminary has been Lewis Sperry Chafer's 8 volume work. So, why a new three volume series?

Well, the answer is found in the introduction for the series, the writers are wanting you to Know God and to do that you must Know About Him. So that means that as a Christian layperson or professional you need to study Theology. But the study of Theology can seem like a daunting task for the layperson. Here is what the introduction states as to why this series of texts;
"Exploring Christian Theology differs from other mini-theologies in that it strives to present a broad consensus, not a condensed systematic model of one evangelical teacher or protestant tradition.......Treat each volume as a simple primer that supplements (not supplants) more detailed treatments of theology--that complements (not competes with) intermediate and advanced works."

So, what we have is an attempt to give a more readable version of a Theological Text for the layperson. This is not meant to take the place of a more systematic approach to theology, as it states it is to supplement and complement other works that your denomination might use.

So, with that in mind I took up the task of reading through Volume two with the understanding that it was not a comprehensive look at the theological topics that it was going to tackle. I also liked what the author's had to say in that, "since this is not a systematic study you can pick and choose the topic you want to read without working through the text from beginning to end." That is good because most laypeople will have certain topics that they want to delve into without having to build upon them from one to the next.

Volume two deals with "The Christian Story in Four Acts:"
Act I -- Creation
Act II -- Fall
Act III -- Redemption
Act IV -- Restoration

Each of these topics are broken up into bite size studies that the reader can tackle and accomplish fairly easily. I particularly like their style of how they break down the four acts. The breakdown is:
High - Altitude Survey
Passages to Master
Facts to Never Forget
Dangers to Avoid
Principles to Put into Practice
Voices from the Past and Present
They also give you some recommendations for further books and studies you might do from things that have been discussed in their text.

Reading through this text I felt that they did an excellent job of breaking down the theological jargon in a way that a lay person will be able to understand. They have gone to great lengths to make the book readable.

I would highly recommend this material for any person who wants to get to know God better and put that knowledge and relationship into more practical use in their lives.

NOW, for one last bit of advice, for my Evangelical Free Church of America lay people this is a good set of books to read, but you also should purchase a copy of "Evangelical Convictions, A Theological Exposition of the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America." It is the official book to explain the complete Statement of Faith of our denomination. It is also well written and also written in a way that any layperson, pastor or theologian can understand.

Enjoy learning more about God as you read through these books, and don't forget to spend time in your Bible as well.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exploring Christian Theology Vol. II
Creation, Fall, and Salvation
By Nathan D. Holsteen & Michael J. Svigel

272 pages
Published by: Bethany House
Christian Theology
Retails for $16.99
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1131-7


About:
Two Dallas Seminary professors Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel come together to write about key doctrines of Christianity. This book, (Vol II of a 3 part series) highlights From Dust to Dust: Creation, Humanity and the Fall and Wise Unto Salvation: Gospel, Atonement, and Saving Grace.
The sole purpose of this book is to understand GOD better.

Impression:
For starters, upon opening and reading the very first pages, I was hooked. The writing style of this book had my eyes glued to the pages for hours. I love books that engage me as a reader right off the bat, and this book was one of them! I was very nervous about reading this book because the book title alone was intimidating for some reason, but I was pleasantly surprised at how the writers wrote as if they were talking to me.

On the very first pages, in the Introduction to be exact, page 8, it reads:

For some people, the word doctrine summons yawns of tedium, shudders of trepidation, or frowns of suspicion. Dogmatic preachers exasperate them, feuding denominations weary them, and droning scholars bore them.
When people hear the word theology, the condition sometimes worsens. They picture massive tomes packed with technical discussions, less-than-crucial data, and incomprehensible footnones--unusable information to distract them from God rather than drawing them nearer.

RIGHT?? This was exactly my first impression. I was scared to pick up this book. But then I kept reading. And what I found inside of it was exactly what I wasn't expecting.
Basically this book summarizes that God has a plan for all of us and that the good news about God's story is that anybody can be apart of it. (pg. 19)

Some highlights I am taking from this book:

Dangers to Avoid.
Sin is an existing fact.
Through Adam's original sin, we are born sinners and can only be saved by the grace of God.
Humanity was created in the image of God despite what science and skeptics say.
Angels and demons are finite creatures of their infinite Creator. They only do God's Will.
Salvation is by grace alone.
Karma doesn't exist. Jesus tells us in John 3:9 that good things happen and bad things happen. The rain falls on the just and the unjust and disaster affects us all.
It is my responsibility to trust that God's Promises are sure; He will complete what He started.
We will never outgrow the need for our Savior.
We live in a broken world, but grace fixes what's broken. The gospel is our only hope.
Salvation is God's gift to us.
Unlimited Atonement: The view that Christ died for all of us, without exception and those who have faith in Him will be saved.



I enjoyed the scripture memory verses, and diagrams throughout this book. Being a visual person, the diagrams helped. Voices From the Past and Present is a chapter that shares quotes and passages from different people through the years. I love when wisdom is shared this way. There were many excerpts that I related to. At the end of both Part One and Part Two of this book is small chapters called Shelf Space For Your Library with about 5 pages each half of the book of reading suggestions with titles, authors, publishing information, whether the reading material is for beginners, intermediate, or advanced ratings. This is extremely helpful as I am always looking for new reading material to study. I will be using this book for many references.

[James Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this second volume of Exploring Christian Theology, Nathan Holsteen, Michael Svigel, Glenn R. Kreider, and others explore the topics of creation, the Fall, and salvation in Christian theology. They provide an exposition of the doctrines, chronicle views on the topics throughout church history, list different perspectives on the topics, and provide practical guidance on how Christians should interact with the topics. The book also has a list of recommended books for those who wanted to go deeper, as well as a helpful glossary in the back.

The book interacts with certain questions. What does it mean for humanity to be created in God’s image? How do human beings receive their soul—-do they inherit it from their parents, does God create it for them at birth, or did it pre-exist their human existence? Did the Fall only weaken the human capacity to choose good, or did it obliterate it? This volume explores these questions, and more.

The greatest asset to this volume is that it surveys different Christian views on these topics, past and present. It does not assume that Christians throughout history have had the exact same views on these topics, but rather it acknowledges development and diversity. The lists of recommended books is also good because it includes books that have different perspectives. You will find atheist Richard Dawkins in one of the lists, and Calvinists and Arminians, inclusivists and exclusivists, in another. To be honest, I was bored with the parts of the book that explained the doctrines, but the parts about the interaction with the topics throughout church history made the book well worth the read, and those who teach such material may find those parts helpful.

In terms of the book’s weaknesses, I did not always care for the book’s organization. I realize and respect that these topics intersect with each other. The view that God created each person’s soul, for example, intersects with the question of whether humans are inherently good or bad, and beliefs about the extent of human corruption affect how Christian theologians conceptualize God’s role in salvation. Still, I do think that the editors should have worked a little harder at separating these topics into chapters. The first part of the book was looking at so much—-the image of God, the soul, and original sin. When I was reading a part of the book that quoted Christian thinkers throughout history and was hoping to see clearly the various views on human sinfulness, I was encountering views about what the image of God was. The second part of the book, which was about salvation, was repeating things about human sinfulness from the first half. The editors may have thought that this was the best way to organize the book, after considering various options. It was a bit distracting, though, for me as a reader. They should have had a part of the book about creation, a part about the Fall, and a part about salvation—-three parts of the book, rather than two.

Also, there were a few cases in which the book had charts about various Christian beliefs on certain topics (i.e., the nature of the atonement, and the spectrum from exclusivism to pluralism), but (as far as I could see or recall) it did not talk about these topics in the text itself. I think that charts should serve as a visual aid for things discussed in the text, not a substitute for them.

Overall, however, I did like this book and found it to be informative.

Bethany House Publishers sent me a complimentary review copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Are Here

In order to get where you want to go, you need to know where you are. It’s true in the mall, it’s true on a family road trip, and it is earth-shatteringly true in theology. Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel, both professors at Dallas Theological Seminary, have opened the map of Scripture, drawn some diagrams, and planted many a helpful road sign in Exploring Christian Theology, Volume II. Their goal — to help their readers “to better understand our own place in God’s unfolding story.”

Part One examines and clarifies the doctrines around creation, humanity, and the fall. Part Two unpacks the theology of the gospel, the atonement, and saving grace. Following an orderly format and utilizing accessible illustrations and relevant examples, the authors peel back the layers of intimidation that keep believers from tackling a serious study of theology on their own. The truth we gain from this volume is that serious study need not be painful or even difficult!

Since theology provides a road map for understanding the truth of Scripture, Holsteen and Svigel team up with a string of writers to provide an assortment of Scripture passages to master in gaining an understanding of creation, the fall, and redemption. Given that our understanding of the Word of God has been subject to a long history of “clarification, changes, and challenges,” the authors trace the major themes of human depravity and salvation through the early church era, the medieval period, the Reformation, and into Modern times. In this section, charts and sidebars provide a convenient aerial view. Then, because the Christian faith is firmly rooted in fact, they list a few of the reassuringly straightforward truths that are foundational to Christianity. Of course, there are dangers to avoid in theological thinking and several are examined; however, the common pitfall of keeping theology shut up in the ivory tower can be avoided with some of the practical principles offered in both sections of Exploring Christian Theology.

Even with their concise style and tight logic, Holsteen and Svigel make no claims that their 264 pages will serve as the last word on any topic. Quite the contrary. Exploring Christian Theology should be viewed as a springboard to further study, and just to make sure the pool is good and full, the book provides a list of names and quotations from major figures in historical theology (think Clement of Rome and Irenaeus up through J.I. Packer and Henry Thiessen). An annotated bibliography follows with recommended resources on the theology of salvation, redemption, the atonement and other topics as well as some controversial issues from a variety of vantage points. These resources are even rated: beginner, intermediate, advanced.

A valuable addition to a church library or a family’s book shelf, a supplement to a homeschooling curriculum, or simply a resource for personal study, Exploring Christian Theology will serve to confirm the truth of Romans 11:33:


“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

What a motivation for a lifetime of learning!

This book was provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s great to see this fine, inexpensive three-volume set that serves as an excellent primer to theology be now complete. (Don’t be confused as I was with this being volume 2 as the set was released in a 3-1-2 order). This set has a chance to be really helpful as size, price, and accessibility are all in its favor. I realized a long time ago that very few people are going to read a full-blown systematic theology tome.

This volume covers Creation, the Fall, and salvation. That means the doctrines of man, sin, and salvation are all covered. As for might imagine in a series that tries to teach the spectrum within believing Christianity rather than one narrow viewpoint as in most such volumes, this one is forced to address controversial Calvinism issues. The writers did a good job walking that tightrope no matter which side of the Calvinist line you fall. Clear discussion that will enable you to think your own thoughts in context are provided.

The text includes really helpful charts and graphs. Historical context about what Christians have believed in the past is exceptionally well done and clear. It really added to the value of the book. Even in the salvation section it was fascinating to read the history of thought about predestination.

I would disagree with points along the way, but the book was a winner and any Bible student would be greatly enriched by reading it.

I wholeheartedly recommend both this volume and the entire three-volume set.

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.

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Exploring Christian Theology, Volume Two: Creation, Fall and Salvation, Editors Nathan D. Holsteen and Michael J. Svigel discuss two fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith: the fall of man and salvation. The authors begin with a brief overview of creation and redemption before turning to the principle subject matter of original sin and its effects, and the salvation provided by Jesus Christ. They support their exposition with biblical passages and helpful illustrations. Designed to be helpful to Christians at any stage of their spiritual journey, Exploring Christian Theology is not an exhaustive study but a basic primer, complete with a brief explanation of each specific doctrine in its historical context.

Exploring Christian Theology, Volume Two, is not a long work, but it is worthy of a slow read. In order to understand the principles explained, readers should not rush through this important book. The illustrations and charts are extremely useful, and there is a list of additional resources for further study included.

For the most part, the editors explain these doctrines well. It is important to note that this volume does not argue for six-day creation, but rather presupposes it. I would have preferred more detailed explanations within their historical context instead of personal application. But Exploring Christian Theology, Volume Two is theologically sound for believers who wish to strengthen their understanding and confidence in the Christian faith.



I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable introduction to the doctrines of creation, fall, and salvation. The authors present a variety of views on the doctrines but affirm the traditional evangelical belief. The book is generally very readable. And it is not just theory. The authors include principles to put into practice to show how the doctrine applies to life and living. The only thing I did not like about the book was the long section containing quotes from church history. This book is for beginners in theological studies and I don't see how those pages of quotes will be appreciated. Other than that, I do recommend this book to those looking for an introduction to foundational doctrines. The authors include a list of books for further study so readers can continue if they want to explore further.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1GKk6kP.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book on Christian theology. It's packed full of information that helps you to understand the Bible in a more deeper way.

There is a lot to this book and you'll definitely want to have your Bible next to you as you are reading the book. You find that you want to keep digging deeper and deeper into the Word of God as you learn more and more through this book. There are so many amazing sections and I found it eye-opening as I read through the book.

The greatest thing I can say about this book is how easy it is to read. I was a bit intimidated by it at first as it is a book on theology, but the authors made this book very accessible and easy to understand. I came away with a much better understanding of Christian theology and would recommend it to anyone who longs to know more. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Bethany House Publishers

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very educational book, but it was a bit more in depth that I had been expecting. I'm going to have to actually put in some in-depth study time with this book and my Bible--one read through is nowhere near sufficient.

I particularly enjoy that the author shows how doctrine has evolved throughout history and details dangers of misuse of certain areas of doctrine.

I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning more about creation, fall and salvation.

**I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Kasey Cocoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title should tell you just what is inside. The information is logically presented and organized with quite a few tidbits I didn't know. I feel it can be read and studied regardless of which flavor of Christian you might be and that it has something for everyone. It's not a read in one sitting type book nor is it a read and put away type book. It's meant to be digested in your own pace and referred to on a regular basis. Overall this is a very informative book well worth keeping around. I received an ARC through Bethany House Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinion.

[Kelly Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book! This is well written and easy to locate answers. I will be looking for it's companion.

[Karan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was good. Learned about church history and doctrinal differences. Sometimes my brain hurt!