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Christian Theology: An Introduction
CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY "The genius of Alister E. McGrath is his remarkable ability to write in a clear, concise, and lucid manner that draws both teachers and students to participate with the great thinkers of the Christian tradition, past and present. Education and illumination are the abundant fruits of this massive, well-organized text, which is sure to appeal to a wide range of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox audiences. For this we are indebted to the author."Dennis Ngien, Professor of Systematic Theology, Tyndale University College and Seminary, Toronto, Canada"For sheer comprehensiveness, clarity, and coherence, Alister McGrath has produced the definitive textbook. Always accurate and engaging, students are gently introduced to the gift of Theology in a memorable way."Ian S. Markham, Dean and President of Virginia Theological SeminaryPraise for the fifth edition"Alister McGrath has proven himself a master at engagingly and simply introducing Christian theology in all of its contested complexity. All who work at the critical appropriation of the theological tradition stand in debt to McGrath."M. Douglas Meeks, Cal Turner Chancellor Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies, Vanderbilt University Divinity SchoolNow celebrating its 25th year of publication, Christian Theology is one of the most internationally acclaimed textbooks in this area today. Completely rewritten for the sixth edition, it remains the ideal introduction to the beliefs and interpretation of Christianity. It is specifically designed for students with no prior knowledge, presenting the primary themes and debates of Christian theology with clarity and historical context.This new edition retains all the elements that have made it so successful while also including significant additions and developments. There is an increased discussion of contemporary theology to complement the excellent coverage of historical material. Important new information has also been added, in areas such as the Holy Spirit, contemporary non-Western theologies, and feminist voices in Christian theology. The text is rich in pedagogy to encourage student learning, featuring a two colour design, glossary, end-of-chapter discussion questions, and much more. Written by renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath, this classic text is a clear, lively and concise introduction that provides instructors with the tools they need to engage with their students on Christian theology.
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 1991
383 people are currently reading
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About the author
Alister E. McGrath
451 books497 followersAlister Edgar McGrath is a Northern Irish theologian, priest, intellectual historian, scientist, and Christian apologist. He currently holds the Andreas Idreos Professorship in Science and Religion in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, and is Professor of Divinity at Gresham College. He was previously Professor of Theology, Ministry, and Education at King's College London and Head of the Centre for Theology, Religion and Culture, Professor of Historical Theology at the University of Oxford, and was principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, until 2005. He is an Anglican priest and is ordained within the Church of England.
Aside from being a faculty member at Oxford, McGrath has also taught at Cambridge University and is a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. McGrath holds three doctorates from the University of Oxford, a DPhil in Molecular Biophysics, a Doctor of Divinity in Theology and a Doctor of Letters in Intellectual History.
McGrath is noted for his work in historical theology, systematic theology, and the relationship between science and religion, as well as his writings on apologetics. He is also known for his opposition to New Atheism and antireligionism and his advocacy of theological critical realism. Among his best-known books are The Twilight of Atheism, The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine, Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes, and the Meaning of Life, and A Scientific Theology. He is also the author of a number of popular textbooks on theology.
Aside from being a faculty member at Oxford, McGrath has also taught at Cambridge University and is a Teaching Fellow at Regent College. McGrath holds three doctorates from the University of Oxford, a DPhil in Molecular Biophysics, a Doctor of Divinity in Theology and a Doctor of Letters in Intellectual History.
McGrath is noted for his work in historical theology, systematic theology, and the relationship between science and religion, as well as his writings on apologetics. He is also known for his opposition to New Atheism and antireligionism and his advocacy of theological critical realism. Among his best-known books are The Twilight of Atheism, The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine, Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes, and the Meaning of Life, and A Scientific Theology. He is also the author of a number of popular textbooks on theology.
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October 2, 2020
کتاب دو جلد داره، جلد اول به تاریخچه و مقدمات اختصاص داره و جلد دوم به مباحث اصلی الهیاتی مسیحی، مثل تثلیث و طبیعت مسیح و نجات و کفاره.
کتاب خوبی میبود، اگر دو ضعف بزرگ رو نداشت:
یکی ترجمه و ویراستاری بسیار بسیار بد، مخصوصاً جلد اول که بهروز حدادی ترجمه کرده بود. جلد دوم رو جمعی از مترجمها ترجمه کرده بودن (هر فصل یک مترجم) و قابل قبولتر بود، هرچند هنوز مشکلاتی داشت.
دوم هم ماهیت بیش از حد درسی کتاب، یعنی اسم بردن از آدمها و مکتبهای مختلف و گزارشی یکی دو پاراگرافه از هر کدوم و رفتن سراغ نفر بعدی. این اصرار برای اسم بردن از همه، باعث شده بود کتاب عمق پیدا نکنه و خیلی از موضوعاتی که میتونست توی مطلب فرو بره و سفر جذابی تدارک ببینه، به گزارش خشک و بیروحی از دور اکتفا کنه.
همچنان دنبال کتاب خوبی برای بیشتر خوندن راجع به الهیات مسیحی.
کتاب خوبی میبود، اگر دو ضعف بزرگ رو نداشت:
یکی ترجمه و ویراستاری بسیار بسیار بد، مخصوصاً جلد اول که بهروز حدادی ترجمه کرده بود. جلد دوم رو جمعی از مترجمها ترجمه کرده بودن (هر فصل یک مترجم) و قابل قبولتر بود، هرچند هنوز مشکلاتی داشت.
دوم هم ماهیت بیش از حد درسی کتاب، یعنی اسم بردن از آدمها و مکتبهای مختلف و گزارشی یکی دو پاراگرافه از هر کدوم و رفتن سراغ نفر بعدی. این اصرار برای اسم بردن از همه، باعث شده بود کتاب عمق پیدا نکنه و خیلی از موضوعاتی که میتونست توی مطلب فرو بره و سفر جذابی تدارک ببینه، به گزارش خشک و بیروحی از دور اکتفا کنه.
همچنان دنبال کتاب خوبی برای بیشتر خوندن راجع به الهیات مسیحی.
June 25, 2024
McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 3rd Edition.
If one is used to reading Evangelical systematic theologies, then one will find McGrath’s approach to be strange. McGrath does not follow the format of normal systematicians. While he does address the various loci of systematic theology, that is not the point of the book. McGrath’s underlying point is in showing the various loci, how were they developed in the history of the Church? He maintains (indirectly, to the degree that he follows George Lindbeck’s analysis) that some doctrines can only be formed in terms of the prevailing philosophy.
With that understanding, McGrath’s first 160 pages take the reader on a tour of historical theology. He introduces her to the various approaches to theology and common philosophical movements that have determined theology. On page 159 he actually begins where most Evangelical theologians begin: prolegomena. He discusses how tradition and revelation have been employed in theology. As to the conclusion, let the reader decide. The other loci of the theology (God, Trinity, Christ, Salvation, Church, Ecclesiology) are discussed in a neutral manner. He doesn’t come to conclusions, but is only making the reader think through her convictions: If I believe x about philosophy and epistemology, how can I still maintain y in soteriology?
For example, on pp. 38-39 he discusses how the pre- and early Reformers were philosophical nominalists. Accordingly, he *hints* that our understanding of justification by faith alone (which McGrath maintains) could only have arisen in a nominalist context. Is he right? Probably, but he doesn’t develop the point.
Pros of the book:
1. Despite the philosophical jargon, it was a very easy read.
2. McGrath recognizes who (or what) will be the key players in the coming decades: postliberal theology and narrative theology. Put simply, post-liberal theology denies that there is some universal unmediated human experience from which one may draw. Post-liberal theology says that the heart of religion lies in the language and rites of a community (119-120).
Narrative theology offers us a powerful philosophical construct—and a surprisingly biblical one as well. It highlights stories in relation to Christian theology. The advantages are: narrative is the main genre and focus of Scripture; it avoids the dulling result of “abstractionism;” narrative affirms that God meets us in history and speaks to us in history; it neatly expresses the tension between the limited knowledge of characters in the biblical story and the omniscient knowledge of God (167-170).
3. By using the insights of narrative and post-liberalism, McGrath utterly destroys Enlightenment theology and liberalism. If George Lindbeck is correct—and he is—then there is no universal culture or experience in which to appeal.
Cons of the book:
1. He repeats himself with a vengeance. I lost count of how many times he said, “but if George Lindbeck is correct….”
2.
3.
If one is used to reading Evangelical systematic theologies, then one will find McGrath’s approach to be strange. McGrath does not follow the format of normal systematicians. While he does address the various loci of systematic theology, that is not the point of the book. McGrath’s underlying point is in showing the various loci, how were they developed in the history of the Church? He maintains (indirectly, to the degree that he follows George Lindbeck’s analysis) that some doctrines can only be formed in terms of the prevailing philosophy.
With that understanding, McGrath’s first 160 pages take the reader on a tour of historical theology. He introduces her to the various approaches to theology and common philosophical movements that have determined theology. On page 159 he actually begins where most Evangelical theologians begin: prolegomena. He discusses how tradition and revelation have been employed in theology. As to the conclusion, let the reader decide. The other loci of the theology (God, Trinity, Christ, Salvation, Church, Ecclesiology) are discussed in a neutral manner. He doesn’t come to conclusions, but is only making the reader think through her convictions: If I believe x about philosophy and epistemology, how can I still maintain y in soteriology?
For example, on pp. 38-39 he discusses how the pre- and early Reformers were philosophical nominalists. Accordingly, he *hints* that our understanding of justification by faith alone (which McGrath maintains) could only have arisen in a nominalist context. Is he right? Probably, but he doesn’t develop the point.
Pros of the book:
1. Despite the philosophical jargon, it was a very easy read.
2. McGrath recognizes who (or what) will be the key players in the coming decades: postliberal theology and narrative theology. Put simply, post-liberal theology denies that there is some universal unmediated human experience from which one may draw. Post-liberal theology says that the heart of religion lies in the language and rites of a community (119-120).
Narrative theology offers us a powerful philosophical construct—and a surprisingly biblical one as well. It highlights stories in relation to Christian theology. The advantages are: narrative is the main genre and focus of Scripture; it avoids the dulling result of “abstractionism;” narrative affirms that God meets us in history and speaks to us in history; it neatly expresses the tension between the limited knowledge of characters in the biblical story and the omniscient knowledge of God (167-170).
3. By using the insights of narrative and post-liberalism, McGrath utterly destroys Enlightenment theology and liberalism. If George Lindbeck is correct—and he is—then there is no universal culture or experience in which to appeal.
Cons of the book:
1. He repeats himself with a vengeance. I lost count of how many times he said, “but if George Lindbeck is correct….”
2.
3.
September 13, 2021
Of course in a broad survey like this you're going to have holes. And generally I think McGrath does a good job and it's a good intro. But overall the way he chooses to order the different parts of the book seems a little upside down. In earlier sections McGrath first chooses to discuss more modern topics like faith & science, the recent atheistic/theistic search for the historical Jesus, historical discussions on theology and philosophy, and the concept of scriptural revelation, and only afterward goes on to talk about basic doctrines like the trinity and salvation in later chapters. The chapter on sacraments is woefully inadequate, missing even a basic list of explanations of the Roman Catholic sacraments, and how they're practiced. He spends more page time covering the controversy over infant baptism, and only afterwards does he talk about what baptism actually is, for fewer pages.
Because I have background in Christianity, it was easy for me to follow along. But I could see this intro being incredibly difficult to work through for a nonChristian unfamiliar with the basics. If already vaguely familiar with a certain section of Christianity, this book will widen your knowledge and give you some groundwork. But this is not the first intro book to pick up if you have zero background.
Because I have background in Christianity, it was easy for me to follow along. But I could see this intro being incredibly difficult to work through for a nonChristian unfamiliar with the basics. If already vaguely familiar with a certain section of Christianity, this book will widen your knowledge and give you some groundwork. But this is not the first intro book to pick up if you have zero background.
September 10, 2025
I read the first 200 pages of this book with enthusiasm. As a theology teacher, I appreciated McGrath's clarification of many words, concepts and events related to the formation of essential Christian dogma. I eagerly ordered copies of the book for my upcoming Basic Christian Doctrine Class. But as the class and I began to read the second half of the book, we hit a snag. McGrath is so thorough in his overview that he includes many, many modern views (last hundred years) and their non-orthodox ideas. My students were overwhelmed with too much unnecessary information.
A much better choice for an overview of Christian theology that focuses on the basic truths that were taught and accepted before the advent of liberal theologians, would have been Thomas Oden's Classic Christianity. Unfortunately that is not available in Portuguese and I had to muddle through as well as I could with what I've got.
A much better choice for an overview of Christian theology that focuses on the basic truths that were taught and accepted before the advent of liberal theologians, would have been Thomas Oden's Classic Christianity. Unfortunately that is not available in Portuguese and I had to muddle through as well as I could with what I've got.
June 14, 2017
*I am actually reading the third edition, I just realised!
McGrath is a very clear and succinct writer. Indeed, his prose is smooth. So there is much benefit to this book. However, having so enjoyed Reformation Thought I was slightly disappointed with this work.
As well as being slightly underwhelmed overall I have a few specific disappointments.
Although McGrath is clearly trying to be unbiased in his handling of debates within Christian theology there are a number of areas where it seems his own opinions become very clear. Many of these are welcome, but a few are not so.
It seems the author is very opposed to those who maintain God's impassibility. This is worrying, and it threatens God's transcendence and the very Godness of God. It also weakens the creator/creature distinction that is vital to historic Christianity.
Less worrying, but quiet disappointing, is the author's clear desire to have the undergraduates reading this book know he doesn't hold to any view of creation that doesn't start with the big bang.
Also really disappointing is his treatment of the sacraments. First, he says all the Reformers were against the idea that the sacraments are efficacious. But this is simply not true. Secondly, he later discusses the whole subject, and particularly the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, as if the only positions that existed were those of Luther, Zwingli, and Rome. Where is Calvin's position?
Liked it, it almost got a four.
McGrath is a very clear and succinct writer. Indeed, his prose is smooth. So there is much benefit to this book. However, having so enjoyed Reformation Thought I was slightly disappointed with this work.
As well as being slightly underwhelmed overall I have a few specific disappointments.
Although McGrath is clearly trying to be unbiased in his handling of debates within Christian theology there are a number of areas where it seems his own opinions become very clear. Many of these are welcome, but a few are not so.
It seems the author is very opposed to those who maintain God's impassibility. This is worrying, and it threatens God's transcendence and the very Godness of God. It also weakens the creator/creature distinction that is vital to historic Christianity.
Less worrying, but quiet disappointing, is the author's clear desire to have the undergraduates reading this book know he doesn't hold to any view of creation that doesn't start with the big bang.
Also really disappointing is his treatment of the sacraments. First, he says all the Reformers were against the idea that the sacraments are efficacious. But this is simply not true. Secondly, he later discusses the whole subject, and particularly the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, as if the only positions that existed were those of Luther, Zwingli, and Rome. Where is Calvin's position?
Liked it, it almost got a four.
June 7, 2012
One of the most highly recommended introductions. It's not an easy read, but it's great at fleshing out the ideas of Christian thoughts from 100ad to contemporary theology. It helps to make complex ideas which shouldn't be complex into understandable concepts. I found that if I tried to read more than a few pages at a time Christian concepts of God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus began to become fuzzy. Therefore I suggest dipping in when you have a very alert mind and read only one section or chapter at a time. I guess I'm a real lightweight when it comes to containing all of those brilliant concepts in mind. I really have a hard time chewing gum and walking at the same time. Do not let my unfocused attention keep you from reading this book.
April 30, 2021
This is a good book that I am happy to have completed. I am also now very happy that I never took theology in college. For while I have always greatly enjoyed theology in my reading, I had not quite comprehended previously the difference between theology as a Christian topic, and theology as an academic discipline. This book is an introduction to the academic discipline. This means that there are many too many historic arguments and topics that have virtually no relationship to what the bible teaches, but rather are the opinions and musings of intelligent philosophers (who call themselves theologians). I have very little interest in these musings, nor in the large amounts of (so-called Christian) theology that rejects the foundations of Christianity (e.g. the bible, or the person of Jesus). The result was that about half of the book was difficult reading for me. Not because it was poorly written, but because I couldn’t convince myself to care, or have any interest in what was written.
January 12, 2023
This is an interesting book. reading it as a former catholic I found it very enlightening as it offers description, analysis and discussion of all the important concepts and beliefs linked to christian theology. The author displays objectivity in presenting the numerous ideas and interpretations fostered by theologians, philosophers, sociologists and psychologists. I still found the explanations surrounding many of the concepts as being rather murky, in particular about the Trinity and the Holy Spririt. In my view this is an important cultural document as it lets you see how beliefs, interpretations and numerous contradictions evolved over time.
Read
December 16, 2025Overall a helpful overview. Students probably find it a bit dense and lengthy but it is doing what I need it to do in my course right now.
August 9, 2017
I wish I could give it 4.5, but oh well. I think it's a very good introduction to every major theme in Christian theology, however, I missed more focus on eastern theology and lutheran development. Since the author is reformed, it was noticeable how that tradition played a major role in some parts of the book. Having said that, I still think he makes an excellent job explaining the postures of each tradition. I would recommend this to every first year theology student, since it's an easy read and you get a lot of names so you can further your studies in the subjects that you find more interesting.
August 24, 2018
It took me over 2 years to get through this book. The most interesting and informative chapters involved the history of various theological movements. About 75% of the book went into detail on some topic of theology or other, but instead of focusing on a few mains schools of thought and explaining them well, the author crammed as many 1-page theologian summaries as possible, which made many of the positions non-sensical. For a solid overview of everything, though, this is a good reference book with plenty of citations to learn more about any particular movement or theologian.
December 3, 2024
I think this book accomplishes what it sets out to do: familiarize an unfamiliar audience with a basic overview of Christian theology. I would probably recommend Roger Olson’s “Story of Christian Theology” over this for a more engaging read, but this would make a great text for someone who will need to be able to reference selections often. I would also liked to have seen more discussion of the Eastern Orthodox views. It should be noted that I read the 1st edition, so perhaps some of these criticisms have been met in newer editions.
September 5, 2025
This was very disappointing. I read the 7th edition and was shocked at how much modern liberal theology was included as providing viable and valuable voices at the table.
For one example:
“Feminism has offered some important insights in many areas of theology, including the role of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth Johnson (born 1941), a Catholic professor of systematic theology at Fordham University, New York, has been a particularly significant contributor to recent feminist discussions about the role of the Holy Spirit, especially in her landmark publications “She Who Is”… and “Women, Earth and Creator Spirit.” Throughout these works, Johnson refers to the Spirit as “she.”
- p. 345
Nowhere after is this hedged in, condemned, or qualified. McGrath is either lazy or has drank the Kool-Aid. I would not recommend this to others, especially those new in the faith who do not yet have orthodox guardrails.
For one example:
“Feminism has offered some important insights in many areas of theology, including the role of the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth Johnson (born 1941), a Catholic professor of systematic theology at Fordham University, New York, has been a particularly significant contributor to recent feminist discussions about the role of the Holy Spirit, especially in her landmark publications “She Who Is”… and “Women, Earth and Creator Spirit.” Throughout these works, Johnson refers to the Spirit as “she.”
- p. 345
Nowhere after is this hedged in, condemned, or qualified. McGrath is either lazy or has drank the Kool-Aid. I would not recommend this to others, especially those new in the faith who do not yet have orthodox guardrails.
October 21, 2025
A great introduction to many ideas about the Bible. It was written in an engaging approachable maner.
August 6, 2025
The title says it all, that being said, it is a very good and straightforward intro. Very accessible.
January 24, 2023
I've been slowly working through this book for a long time! It is a deeply satisfying and helpful read for anyone and everyone interested in Christian Theology. Obviously, it is better used as a reference book, but can also be undertaken as a cover-to-cover project. McGrath's writing is excellent and accessible, and he does a brilliant job of giving a comprehensive overview of many of the central themes of Christian Theology and history. Being very balanced, fair, intellectually honest, and exceptionally knowledgable, with the ability to write in a simple, concise, and yet somehow thorough manner, McGrath was the perfect writer for this project.
February 17, 2018
Excellent for those new to the faith or those who have followed Jesus for decades! McGrath always writes in a way that is deep and challenging yet very understandable.
August 1, 2021
This book is what it says: an introduction to Christian Theology. It's a massively large book, but even so it only briefly touches on topics. The book is arranged in 3 parts: the first part gives an overview of Christian history focusing on key movements, debates/heresies, and theologians from that time period. The second part briefly looks at the sources of theology and how they influence each other. The final section gives 10 major topics in theology and gives a brief overview of each. Nothing is covered in a lot of depth (because there just isn't room in a volume like this) but at the end of each section there is a list of books and articles to look into for more information.
*2013* So, I'm going to be honest with myself and admit that I'm done reading this book now. I really enjoyed the first four chapters, but then I bogged down because it got technical and really, textbooks are easier to keep reading when there are things like grades and test involved. Also, I've now misplaced the book and haven't seen it in over two months.
*edited Feb. 2020* So, my second read through went about the same as my first, meaning I still didn't finish. I restarted and I did make it all the way to chapter 7, I think, but I'm not in a place where I'm reading theology on this level for fun.
*edited Feb. 2021* Third times the charm, right? I'm starting at chapter 7, where I left off last time, and we'll see how far I get. All the way, baby! Let's do this.
*edited July 2021* I finished!!! Man, that was a thing. The secret in the end turned out to be making a chart where I could colour out each page after I read it.
*2013* So, I'm going to be honest with myself and admit that I'm done reading this book now. I really enjoyed the first four chapters, but then I bogged down because it got technical and really, textbooks are easier to keep reading when there are things like grades and test involved. Also, I've now misplaced the book and haven't seen it in over two months.
*edited Feb. 2020* So, my second read through went about the same as my first, meaning I still didn't finish. I restarted and I did make it all the way to chapter 7, I think, but I'm not in a place where I'm reading theology on this level for fun.
*edited Feb. 2021* Third times the charm, right? I'm starting at chapter 7, where I left off last time, and we'll see how far I get. All the way, baby! Let's do this.
*edited July 2021* I finished!!! Man, that was a thing. The secret in the end turned out to be making a chart where I could colour out each page after I read it.
December 11, 2020
The textbook wasn't bad. It is pretty dense; in light of the breadth of material covered, he was forced to be brief and summary, which necessarily meant many sections were not deeply engaging.
I would consider a strength to be how in most of the book, McGrath allowed voices from across the spectrum to have their little say, sometimes even those on the far outskirts. I appreciated this and it is what I liked best. The weakest part and what I liked the least was when I witnessed an exception to this rule. For example, the section on human nature, sin, and grace was really bad; the degree McGrath is an Augustinian fanboy was on full display. It was so wholly biased towards the Augustinian view and flippantly dismissive of other perspectives (the few barely touched on), that I was naturally put off since I consider Augustine to be the single most horrific and absolute worst thing that has ever happened to Christianity. The Western church is still tragically entangled in the doctrines he introduced, and we may never rid this leaven from the dough. Worse of all, McGrath didn’t even briefly mention other important viewpoints on the matter; not even a word about the insights the New Perspective has brought to the table. The chapter on the Last Things was truly lacking as well, in its treatment of hell--dismissing annihilation as being without biblical support, while implicitly suggesting the Traditional view of eternal conscious torment actually had some.
I would consider a strength to be how in most of the book, McGrath allowed voices from across the spectrum to have their little say, sometimes even those on the far outskirts. I appreciated this and it is what I liked best. The weakest part and what I liked the least was when I witnessed an exception to this rule. For example, the section on human nature, sin, and grace was really bad; the degree McGrath is an Augustinian fanboy was on full display. It was so wholly biased towards the Augustinian view and flippantly dismissive of other perspectives (the few barely touched on), that I was naturally put off since I consider Augustine to be the single most horrific and absolute worst thing that has ever happened to Christianity. The Western church is still tragically entangled in the doctrines he introduced, and we may never rid this leaven from the dough. Worse of all, McGrath didn’t even briefly mention other important viewpoints on the matter; not even a word about the insights the New Perspective has brought to the table. The chapter on the Last Things was truly lacking as well, in its treatment of hell--dismissing annihilation as being without biblical support, while implicitly suggesting the Traditional view of eternal conscious torment actually had some.
January 12, 2020
This is a decent introduction to the beliefs of Christianity, if you’re going to use a textbook to do so. It is very heavy on Protestant views, though does make a point of showing the diversity within Christian belief. Following a 4-chapter overview of Christian history and major figures, each chapter takes a theological theme within which it shows the historical development of ideas that fall under that theme. I particularly like that structure. However, in each of those chapters there is perhaps too much emphasis on the Enlightenment and Karl Barth. It is also very much a “white man’s” book of Christian theology. Women are rare and liberation types of theology are only portrayed in contrast to the “standard” of tradition. There are also some themes that he does not address sufficiently, including especially experience as a source for theology which emphasizes the idea of universal human experience (which does not exist) over the much more relevant ways in which our experience/social position affects our understanding of theology.
April 4, 2020
I can't recommend this book highly enough. As a person who comes from a scientific background myself, I appreciated this in the author and in thr professional and indepth way he presents information. I looked at some of the older versions of this book as well, and this edition is the best. The information is meaty- it is not spoon fed, but if you are prepared to grapple deeply with theology and understand how the concepts have come into being, this is the book for you. He includes theogical viewpoints of many different types, which I also appreciated. The study of theology is about understanding one's own theology and coming to grips with how and why one holds certain beliefs.
I would say as a caveat that if you come from a denomination which is prescriptive in theology, ie one which tells you that "Christians believe this because the Bible says it," you may find this book both challenging and eye opening. The variety id Christian beliefs not just currently around the world but over the past 2000 years is staggering. There is scope for all of us, to both agree and disagree.
I would say as a caveat that if you come from a denomination which is prescriptive in theology, ie one which tells you that "Christians believe this because the Bible says it," you may find this book both challenging and eye opening. The variety id Christian beliefs not just currently around the world but over the past 2000 years is staggering. There is scope for all of us, to both agree and disagree.
April 20, 2023
McGrath has the impossible task of making a book everyone will like. Still, his writing is compelling and clear, the chapters are well organized, and I learned a lot.
You can tell when McGrath lands on a topic he enjoys, and my favorite chapter was chapter 12 on Faith and History. Fascinating little chapter and McGrath does a great job. He's also great in historical theology and in the prolegomena.
My biggest complaint is that when discussing all of Christian Theology, 500 pages isn't very much, and when you get to the systematic part of the book, too much valuable page space is spent on current debates, regardless of their importance. Do we really need to talk about using gendered words for God? I'm not trying to suggest here that this wouldn't be a meaningful conversation, but surely less important compared to the many other topics that could have been discussed.
You can tell when McGrath lands on a topic he enjoys, and my favorite chapter was chapter 12 on Faith and History. Fascinating little chapter and McGrath does a great job. He's also great in historical theology and in the prolegomena.
My biggest complaint is that when discussing all of Christian Theology, 500 pages isn't very much, and when you get to the systematic part of the book, too much valuable page space is spent on current debates, regardless of their importance. Do we really need to talk about using gendered words for God? I'm not trying to suggest here that this wouldn't be a meaningful conversation, but surely less important compared to the many other topics that could have been discussed.
July 17, 2025
Afgelopen semester een vak theologie gevolgd. Ik dacht: als ik zo af en toe naar een zondagsviering ga wil ik toch eigenlijk wel weten waar ik precies ja en amen tegen zeg. Ik had niet verwacht dat het met me zo zou grijpen. Wat ik meeneem van deze introductie: een nieuw besef van hoe rijk en complex de christelijke traditie en theologie eigenlijk is. En ook hoe ongegrond veel van de vooroordelen of ideeën die ik had over het christendom eigen zijn. Nu moet ik zeggen dat ik nog steeds niet weet wat ik precies geloof en dat vind ik niet zo erg. Dit boek heeft het misschien nog wel complexer gemaakt. Nu is het niet meer alleen de vraag of ik wel of niet in een christelijke God geloof, maar ook welke interpretatie, welke theologie dat geloof dan precies belichaamt… ach ja. Voortschrijdend proces.
January 2, 2018
I like how, for each section, McGrath provides information on how beliefs on the topic have changed over time. That said, it also makes for dry reading (at least for me, who doesn't know much about the history of the church). Many names kept recurring, but since I am not familiar with these names, it was hard to keep track of who has said what on the different topics.
Overall, this is a solid introduction to Christian theology and how it has developed over time in the church. If you're new to the subject like me, I recommend reading with the understanding that you won't be able to track everything or remember what everything that each historical figure has said on the major points of Christian theology. Otherwise, it's going to be a stressful read.
Overall, this is a solid introduction to Christian theology and how it has developed over time in the church. If you're new to the subject like me, I recommend reading with the understanding that you won't be able to track everything or remember what everything that each historical figure has said on the major points of Christian theology. Otherwise, it's going to be a stressful read.
May 4, 2019
Written as a textbook for university, McGrath provides an overview of all the different ages of Christianity. He summarises each historical era by describing the main ideas of the time, theological concepts and influential thinkers.
It’s a must-have if you want a concise overview of the historical context for contemporary Christian theology and where concepts originated from.
It should be noted that is obviously an Introductory, some people will therefore find it wanting. It reaches its target audience well though.
McGrath is an author and thinker I deeply admire for his breadth of knowledge and depth of insight! This is yet another instance where it shines through.
It’s a must-have if you want a concise overview of the historical context for contemporary Christian theology and where concepts originated from.
It should be noted that is obviously an Introductory, some people will therefore find it wanting. It reaches its target audience well though.
McGrath is an author and thinker I deeply admire for his breadth of knowledge and depth of insight! This is yet another instance where it shines through.
June 18, 2020
This is a definitive theological textbook that I have surprisingly read a lot of in the process of beginning to uncover the development of Christian thought. Theology is a massive unending topic, which theologian Donald Heinz has called a 'difficult art.' I can emphatically concur with this. The study of theology is an ongoing and never-ending process, but one I relish being involved with.
I might not remember all the historical details but what is clear is there have been much theological reflection, interpretations and counter arguments over the course of several thousand years.
A very valuable foundational resource book.
I might not remember all the historical details but what is clear is there have been much theological reflection, interpretations and counter arguments over the course of several thousand years.
A very valuable foundational resource book.
November 20, 2017
This book is very usefull, but it is much more about the theory than the practice. So it won't really help you to understand one special denomination or it won't help you to have more faith only it explains some theoretical conflicts about the theology.
Ez egy nagyon hasznos könyv, de többet mond az elméletről, mint a gyakorlatról. Tehát nem fog segíteni abban, hogy valaki egy konkrét felekezetet jobban megismerjen, és nem fog segíteni elmélyíteni a hitet, csak elmagyaráz néhány elméleti vitát a teológiával kapcsolatban.
Ez egy nagyon hasznos könyv, de többet mond az elméletről, mint a gyakorlatról. Tehát nem fog segíteni abban, hogy valaki egy konkrét felekezetet jobban megismerjen, és nem fog segíteni elmélyíteni a hitet, csak elmagyaráz néhány elméleti vitát a teológiával kapcsolatban.
July 9, 2022
The first, and probably last textbook I’ve ever read cover to cover. I was reading for general interest, with no previous theological experience, and found the systematic approach helpful and easily readable. Lots of tips for further reading if any one section is of particular interest, and not too much detail on any of the wide ranging topics covered. There is a helpful glossary which I used often. There aren’t many good jokes!
I’m glad I read this, which is very Eugene from my usual reading. I’m off to find a novel now, though.
I’m glad I read this, which is very Eugene from my usual reading. I’m off to find a novel now, though.
July 28, 2018
This book is great. It doesn't go as in-depth into some issues as systematic theologies like Grudem's, but its strength is that it tries to explain theological issues from many points of view, some that exist today and some that were only issues in church history. The writing is (mostly) neutral and non-opinionated. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to get an overview of the theological landscape throughout history, beyond their own theological tradition.
February 18, 2019
McGrath’s introduction and overview of Christian theology is excellent! Not only does the reader leave with a grasp of the basic areas and perspectives of theological study, but McGrath also gives special attention to the development of theology over the last 2000 years. The benefit gave Ned from a historical sense of the development of theology cannot be overstated. This very readable overview is recommended for all!
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