Theology Basics: A Summary Of Fundamental Christian Beliefs

by Phylicia D. Masonheimer

Theology Basics will guide you through some of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. Great for those just starting to study theology, each subject is discussed in a few paragraphs to give readers a starting point for further reading.

Includes recommended resources.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction

26 pages, ebook

Published May 31, 2020

Reviews

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super quick read and a very helpful little book! I'm definitely going to have to go back in dig into some of the other resources she suggests, but it's nice to have a simple overview of concepts and differences in thought within Christianity laid out like this. 10/10 recommend!

[Stacy Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very basic overview of Christian theology. I appreciate that Phylicia gives different viewpoints in her books.

Short, readable chapters. Easy to study. Would be fantastic in a group study setting.
I believe her other book, Every Woman a Theologian, expands and goes deeper. But I found this one excellent.

[Kathryn]

I read the expanded edition (2022) which has additional content from the version pictured on Goodreads.

I think this is an excellent introduction to theology basics in which the author attempts to share the different perspectives (Reformed vs Arminian vs Catholic/Orthodox) on core doctrine (topics covered include: the authority of Scripture, the nature of God, the nature of humanity, the nature of salvation, and the theology of final things).

I have to echo another reviewer – this is a great place to start, but don’t end your study here.

[Lisa Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic introduction to Theology. As someone who became a Christian later in life, I am filling in the gaps in my knowledge of the Church, and this book helped immensely. Phylicia breaks things down into easy-to-understand segments and then provides links to further information. Highly recommend!

[Olivia L. Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to understanding theology and points of view within as well as a lot of resources listed at the end to continue your studies.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

" Studying the Trinity, the work done on the cross, and our life in Christ leads us to a richer personal relationship with our God. Understanding other viewpoints within Christianity grants us the grace and patience necessary to have conversations across the aisle." (I found it helpful that she included various modern views that are not biblical/part of Christianity, but are coming into the church.)

An informative book on different views of theology in Christianity.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im torn between a 3.5 and a 4 star rating.

I generally like Phylicia's books. This is a forerunner to her Every Woman A Theologian, so it is an even more basic overview of theological concepts than that book was. I think it can be helpful for someone with no or very little theological understanding or vocabulary. And this book can help start a person on the journey to greater understanding. It is simple and accessible. The downside for me is that there are a few issues that I don't think Phylicia treats correctly or thoroughly enough. Her presentation of views on baptism leaves out some distinctions between Catholicism's views on baptism and covenantal views in Protestant churches. It also implies that people don't do full immersion for babies, but some in the Eastern Orthodox Church do. I'm not a fan of her dismissiveness of open theism and arguments for it. My biggest concern is her lack or discussion of the resurrection. She discusses Christ's resurrection, but she never once talks about OUR bodily resurrection as Christians. This is a fundamental belief of historic, orthodox Christianity. Reading N.T. Wright recently has driven this home for me, so I'm probably a bit hyper-vigilant now about it. Phylicia recommends N.T. Wright's podcast in the back, so she must be somewhat familiar with his works, but maybe not discussions on the resurrection. Her podcast definitely goes into more depth on some of the topics, so I'd recommend following up there and reading deeper after this book. It is good as an entry point to theology, but it makes for a really bad stopping point.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to theology!! I'm excited to dig deeper and learn even more on the subject.

[Megan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am looking for books that are fairly easy reads but offer a good foundational theology. I liked this book because the chapters are short and Phylicia gives a short overview of different perspectives on different theology basics. She does a good job of holding the view that many different conclusions are all biblical. It was not a deep dive on any concept though.

[alwayss.rejoice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this ebook by
Phylicia Masonheimer this book was short but packed with so much information on the Christian Faith. I left feeling more confident In what I believe. Phylicia also mentions so many good resources to continue the research yourself.

[Tristany Corgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy introduction to core Christian doctrines! Very enjoyable and understandable. Phylicia does come from an Arminian/Wesleyan background, but she remains very charitable with other theological views throughout the book.

[Patty Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good Primer for learning about the core beliefs (and the branches of those beliefs) of the church.
I think she does a great job and covers in 80 pages what took me 4 years of systematic theology classes to learn. Great jumping off point for more study as your interests leads.

[Karla Ticona · Rating 5 out of 5]

1´000,000 puntos.
Un resumen muy práctico y completo sobre la Teología, el estudio de Dios con un poco de historia y un desagregado de las diferentes denominaciones cristianas.

[Lizzy Tonkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bite sized theology. Would recommend to new to those new to the faith or new-to-theology believers.