Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive & Readable Theology

by James Montgomery Boice, Philip Ryken (Foreword)

In one systematic volume, James Montgomery Boice provides a readable overview of Christian theology. Both students and pastors will benefit from this rich source that covers all the major doctrines of Christianity.

With scholarly rigor and a pastor's heart, Boice carefully opens the topics of the nature of God, the character of his natural and special revelation, the fall, and the person and work of Christ. He then goes on to consider the work of the Holy Spirit in justification and sanctification. The book closes with careful discussion of ecclesiology and eschatology.

This updated edition includes a foreword by Philip Ryken and a section-by-section study guide. Both those long familiar with Boice and those newly introduced to him will benefit from his remarkable practicality and thoroughness, which will continue to make this a standard reference for years to come.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion, Reference, Audiobook

790 pages, Hardcover

First published June 19, 1986

About the author

James Montgomery Boice was a Reformed theologian, Bible teacher, and pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia from 1968 until his death in 2000. He was also president and cofounder of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the parent organization of The Bible Study Hour on which Boice was a speaker for more than thirty years.

Reviews

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were to ask me, ‘which systematic theology book should I read to encourage me to be in a closer relationship with Jesus and to be built up in the right doctrine?’ No doubt, my strong recommendation would be to read ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by pastor-theologian James Montgomery Boice.

This recommendation is based on two solid reasons.

Firstly, this theologically robust book introduces us to the sturdy pillars of the Christian faith with unambiguous clarity. Boice doesn’t waste any words in guiding us to understand the beauty, complexity, as well as simplicity of Christian doctrine. In other words, Boice steers away from speculative theological/philosophical jargon and presents his material in such a way that it is easily comprehended. With razor-sharp precision, the author has divided the contents of the book into four big sections which masterfully cover the intricate web of systematic doctrine:

The Sovereign God
God the Redeemer
Awakening to God
God and History
So the first reason why I recommend this book is on account of its theologically robust clarity.

The second reason I highly commend this work is its readability. Most systematic theology books are either readable or theologically robust. It’s rare to find a book that is both readable and theologically vigorous. But Boice’s work strikes the right balance. It’s accessible and readable yet without theological thinness.

Given that Boice was a pastor for many years, his work is sprinkled with practical wisdom and pastoral application of biblical doctrine. This quality is rare in the genre of systematic theology because most of the theologians are full time academics who may not have experienced the sensitivities of pastoral work. But Boice’s book is clearly written from a pastoral perspective to help students understand theology in reference to ‘real life’.

This new edition also includes a section-by-section study guide to assist the reader in digesting the content of this book.

Theological robustness and readability make this resource invaluable. All kinds of audiences (lay, pastors, and theologians) can greatly benefit from it. If you are a lay person who wants to grow deeper in your walk with God, this book is for you. If you are a pastor who wants to be re-energised in your ministry, read this book. If you are someone who wants to be spurred on and encouraged in your Christian walk, this book is for you.

I thank IVP Academic for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Austin Kuhn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible and thorough working through of the truths of the Christian faith. Boice also grounds the theological well in the practical. Would be a good first systematic theology book to engage with.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first Systematic Theology that I read, starting my senior year of Undergrad through my first year of my first Graduate degree. I had just come off of reading Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I think this was a clear and concise read and easily organized. He definitely takes a fairly reformed perspective (being Presbyterian). One of the weaknesses of this book is that there is not a lot of interaction with other theological backgrounds. In my opinion, if you are looking for an Evangelical Systematic Theology (and don't care about being campy or looked down upon for not reading something more mainline) your best bet is probably Wayne Grudem's ST. Grudem at least interacts well with several differing theological schools. Still, I never enjoyed Systematic Theology better than when I was reading Boice. Since then, I have read several Systematic Theologies and increasingly with each read I have become more and more interested in Biblical Theology, as opposed to Systematic. This makes a good first read, if you are intending several theologies, but if you are looking for only one, there are better.

[Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, just like a popular type of varnish, does what it says on the tin! It describes itself as '... a comprehensive and readable theology...', and it is! Montgomery Boice's style is eminently readable and understandable, and his many references and illustration are excellent. This volume should be owned and read by everyone who calls themselves a disciple of Jesus Christ ... without exception!

My only slight critical comment, is that I would have liked a little more theology on the second coming, i.e. viewpoints etc.

Otherwise, excellent, 5-star, highly recommended! Scheduled to be re-read in 2-years time!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Montgomery Boice’s “Foundations of the Christian Faith” is a classic and favourite of many Christians from multiple creeds. The book has been reprinted, this time including a study guide in the back. The guide includes a chapter summary, key concepts, and questions to aid the individual reader or group discussion.

Boice states in the preface that this volume is not a “rehash” of John Calvin’s “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” but his intent was to cover the same ground in more readable language and to “introduce themes that Calvin did not treat.” The 790 page volume is made up of 4 books which are made up of multiple parts. Book one, entitled “the Sovereign God” deals with various things such as the authority and inspiration of Scripture, theology proper (the doctrine of God), and God’s creation. In book two, “God the Redeemer” Boice discusses the fall of mankind, law and grace, and the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is followed y books three “Awakening to God” and four “God and History” which cover how God saves sinners, the Christian life, the church, and finally eschatology (the end times).

Boice was a Presbyterian and so it should come as no surprise that this work comes from a Calvinistic-protestant view of things like justification by faith which I appreciated. I did not agree with everything however. He seemed to reject divine impassibility, though I’m not entirely certain that’s what he meant. I also disagree with his Premillenial view on eschatology.

The secret Presbyterian in me is not particularly fond of the image of Jesus on the cover of the book (see the second of ten commandments), but the contents, I believe are fantastic. The chapters are about 10 pages each, give or take, which makes one chapter at a time and reflection on each simple and accessible.

I love Boice’s thoroughness in his topics, while maintaining a readable style. I’m really not a fan of his Premillenialism, but I would still recommend this comprehensive work on the Christian faith to any new believer. The book could serve as both an introduction and a refresher to the “Foundations of the Christian Faith.”

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s a book that deserves to slide not only onto your shelves among your important systematic theologies, but also to be open on your desk. James Montgomery Boice was the quintessential pastor-scholar. In other words, there’s real scholarly depth in what he shares to go along with a full-orbed real-life outlook. I’ve used several of his volumes that cover books of the Bible to real profit. I’ve seen glowing recommendations in book review sources printed in the 1980s of the original four volumes that later turned into this volume as well as the current reviews that suggest the luster hasn’t faded as is often the case in many academic titles. It’s nice to finally get my own crack at it.

What, then, is my own opinion of its value? Strangely enough, I opened it first to the section on the Spirit of God because I had been doing some in-depth study on that doctrine. I noticed two things quickly: a) he had something to say that was worth wrestling with, and b) it was not a regurgitation of what I just recently read in the well-known systematic theologies I consulted.  As I looked further into the book, I then saw that the section on the Spirit wasn’t even the best one in the book!

The book is an attractive hardback that also now has a study guide. I don’t agree with every conclusion he arrives at, but this is a quality resource. Better still, for pastors, it will help you see how to take deep theological concepts and make them palpable to those in the pew without devolving into watered-down, calorie-free doctrine trying to pass itself off as a real theological meal.

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.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the most part, this is a fairly straightforward explication of Presbyterian theology, filled with useful examples, decent quotes from classic authors, and a clear organization that makes walking through the basics of the Christian faith an easy thing. Over time, though, Boice's writing can get a little stale and rote; there are a few chapters that feel fairly repetitive, overall, which just makes the book feel unnecessarily long, even as the general content is good and well-sourced in Scripture itself. My main complaint with the book, though, is that the stable of authors that Boice draws on is intensely limited. They're all great—J.I. Packer, C.S. Lewis, R.C. Sproul, Augustine, and a few others—but there are only a handful that he actually engages with or quotes from, despite having the entirety of Christian history at his disposal. I love what C.S. Lewis has to say about a great many things, but I didn't pick up this book intending to read what C.S. Lewis had to say about the Christian faith, but you sure do get a lot of that here; it's not the worst mistake in the world, but it does end up feeling like Boice has a collection of quotes from just a few people saved up to use, instead of actually always picking the most persuasive, interesting, or useful things from Christian intellectual history to bolster his case. The final parts of this book are the best, when Boice starts to think about and speculate about the future of Presbyterianism and Christianity in culture. Even as I disagree with some of his conclusions, these make for far more interesting reading than most of the rest of the book, at least for someone familiar with much of the theology that he covers in earlier sections. Not a bad read, but certainly an arduous one, with definite room for paring down and overall improvement.

[Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the finest book on Theology that I have ever read. The essentials of Christianity are explained clearly, which honestly, while helpful and expected in a book tackling these subjects, it is not what causes me to praise the book. It's strength was in the passion and what I would call "pastoral care" that Boice so clearly shows. I could imagine him doing his very best to communicate biblical truth to me, him longing for me to better understand God and the matters of faith. I so appreciated that.

While I did not agree with everything that Boice presented, it was still a privilege to read his thoughts. It helped me to evaluate my theological views in matters where we varied.

It's going to take you some time to get through this volume, but take the plunge. You won't regret it. His explanation of "Justification by faith " is the clearest explanation of the topic I've ever read. It stirred a love of God in me, a thankfulness that is hard to put into words.

[Pat Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Foundations of the Christian Faith”, written by James Montgomery Boice, was an outstanding beginner to intermediate systematic theology. Boice does a really nice job of making the doctrines accessible, while at the same time, not dumbing the topics down so much as to make them unclear or incomplete.

This book reads so worshipful and devotional. Particularly, the last section on eschatology and the return of Christ. I could see using it as part of a daily Bible study time, or simply sit down and read 10 to 20 pages a day to plow through it.

Definitely recommend this volume. Again, it is detailed enough to understand the doctrines, yet not so academic that it would bog down the average person in the church.

Take up and read!!

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of the Christian faith; deeply beneficial for a college student or a decades-long pastor. Broken up into brief chapters; can be read devotionally or for group study. Though the chapters are topical, it is most helpful to read cover to cover, as topics build upon one another.

[Rob Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this theology overview tremendously helpful. Is Calvinistic/reformed in outlook but grounded enough that Arminians can appreciate it. One of the best overviews I've found.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource! Read my full review here.

[Nathan Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!

[Justin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this 4.4 Great for an overview of the orthodox Christian doctrine. Easy to read and push through. Recommend for any baby Christian!

[Andy Gruenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive.

[John Waldron · Rating 1 out of 5]

If your foundation is this long I'd hate to try and learn the whole thing

[46380258 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing! It blew my mind many times … just the way it makes you think and how he words it!

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Theology from a Reformed perspective. The chapters aren't too long so it is easier to cover in shorter periods. Would highly recommend!

[Daniel Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pastoral and devotional

[Mark Seeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second reading of this sermonic text that follows the flow of Calvin's Institutes was more appreciated than when I first read this single volume edition 20 some years ago. The great strength of this book is Boice's practical application of his themes. This is not dry academic theology. And it is engaging.

[Michael]

no options

[Stan Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practically written and useful for introducing newcomers to theology. Boice is careful to apply all the major theological concerns with our contemporary situation. I will definitely use this in my training of the young men I am discipling. This theology is a bit scanty on eschatology (future things) but he does emphasize the return of Christ and reuniting with him in our future home. Especially good on the authority of Scripture and the doctrines of Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit and the church.

[Maki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in college. It is meant to be a reference, but I read it cover to cover. It is a dense read and reads more like a textbook than anything else. But it gave me answers to theological questions I had, such as how were people in the Old Testament saved? What does it mean that Jesus was fully man and fully God? It provided the beginning of the foundation of my theological knowledge about Christianity.

[G Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be a good reference for a highschooler or a first year college course on theology. Very basic in writing style. I take issue with some of his theological conclusions, but overall a good snap shot of contemporary/popular reformed theology in America. Very pastoral and devotional in style. Boice is a good communicator.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book - for my EFCA credentialing process - as my main systematic theology resource. I really like how Boice writes as well. Was very helpful to study as I drafted my credentialing paper.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book did more to help me understand my faith and reformed doctrine. It may not be a best-seller, but for someone who grew up in a church of little teaching, this is a treasure.

[Mark Lacanienta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable theology.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like dealing with the arguments of "why" about the Bible then this is a great book!

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read portions of this Systematic Theology. It is excellent.