Integrative Theology

by Gordon R. Lewis, Bruce A. Demarest

Integrative Theology is designed to help graduate students in a pluralistic world utilize a standard method of fruitful research. Each chapter on a major (1) states a classic issue of ultimate concern, (2) surveys alternative past and present answers and (3) tests those proposals by their congruence with information on the subject progressively revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Then the chapter (4) formulates a doctrinal conclusion that consistently fits the many lines of biblical data, (5) defends that conviction respectfully, and finally (6) explores the conclusion’s relevance to a person’s spiritual birth, growth and service to others, all for the glory of God. Why the title Integrative Theology? In each chapter, steps 2-6 integrate the disciplines of historical, biblical, systematic, apologetic and practical theology.

Genres: Theology, Reference, Christianity, Christian, Academic, Nonfiction

578 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the overall heart attitude and goal of DeMarest and Lewis, but overall this is a really big work that's return on investment is somewhat lacking... Nothing definitive here... Mostly a bunch of developmental work that is a snap shot of where/why Denver Theological Seminary is where it is today... Not one that would serve well as a reference either. Too pastoral... in that it doesn't have any worthy theological distinctions (in content or methodology) that set it apart, so the pastoral aspects really become irrelevant in application other than in a "generic" evangelical sense.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book touts itself as competely objective theology, synthesizing each different theological study to draw their "integrated" conclusions. The process is informative - and most students of the Bible should utilize this method, but throughout the book one quickly understands that the authors are still filtering their assumptions and conclusions through their pre-existing beliefs and assumptions. Maintaining complete objectivity is nearly impossible to do, and I wish the authors would have made this clear from the outset. As a result, I nearly always skipped the Systematic Theology section, opting to read the Historical, Biblical, and Apologetic approaches only, doing my own Systematic synthesis.

I have found that it is definitely best to keep a notebook and pen handy while reading this book to write down moments of inspiraton and revelation as you come across them; there is so much information here, the things you learn or find imporant could be lost in the vastness of the book. The sheer number of epiphanies I have had reading this book could constitute a complete second book of its own!

[Tom Carleson · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a comprehensive and thoughtful book. For those of us who work through the umpteen hundred pages of it, it is a good, detailed presentation of what a Christian believes and why. Now, when questions arise of why I believe what I believe, I can go to this book and, hopefully, somewhat easily find the references and what other opinions are on the topic. It is an excellent reference book for the thoughtful Christian.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive and sound.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

reading part two now. Interesting treatment of creation and evolution.