What do you think?
Rate this book
Introducing Major Theologians: From The Apostolic Fathers To The Twentieth Century
Is 'newer' really 'better'? We often assume so, but if we do treat the past as inferior, we will ignore the legacy of history, and thus will find ourselves stranded on the tiny desert island of our own moment in time. In particular, this applies to Christian theology, which should be thought, and lived, corporately by the church down through the ages. The remedy to 'chronological snobbery' is, as C. S. Lewis put it, 'to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds'. Such is the motivation behind Michael Reeves' introduction to a selection of influential or significant Christian theologians. This accessible and informative volume covers the Apostolic Fathers, Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, Athanasius, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Owen, Edwards, Schleiermacher, Barth and Packer. Each chapter begins with a brief biography and some background, and then surveys each theologian's major work or works, gives a timeline for historical context, and ends with guidance for further reading.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2015
18 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reeves
75 books574 followersMichael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology in the UK (www.ust.ac.uk). He is Director of the European Theologians Network, and speaks and teaches regularly worldwide. Previously he has been Head of Theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 23, 2020
A brilliant introduction to a very small selection of some of the most influential Christian thinkers. The books is well written and Reeves tries to, and does well-in, trying to be honest with his thoughts and own opinions.
I would maybe recommend reading this book a chapter at a time with long gaps between chapters. Or using this book as a reference-style book. As trying to read it cover to cover was very heavy going.
I would maybe recommend reading this book a chapter at a time with long gaps between chapters. Or using this book as a reference-style book. As trying to read it cover to cover was very heavy going.
July 10, 2024
Excellent introduction to Christian theologians. It left me with the desire and motivation to read and get to know the original sources.
Read
July 12, 2024This book is fantastic. It covers 'Major Theologians' across the last two millennia, and gives us an understanding of who they are, the context in which they work, and their main works. This book encourages the reader to continue in their understanding of God and gives websites and books to continue to read about each theologian.
Theologians that this book introduces includes Clement of Rome, Justin Matyr, Athanasius, Anslem, Aquinas, Schleriermacher, and Barth. Though, there are many more.
One can really appreciate this book if they continue their research and uses this book as a starting point in their theological exploration. Otherwise, it is just a brief introduction to theology & Christian history.
This book has a very clear line tracing to modern Protestant evangelical theology, and so misses out on major figures from different traditions within Christendom, for example St. John of the Cross, St. Gregory Palamas and St. John Damascene. It references Council of Nicaea and Constantinople.
Personally, I would've liked to have seen a focus on Christian theology through the 1st millennia, and Reeves' understanding and summary of the seven ecumenical councils, plus major theologians pre-reformation/before Great Schism. However, this is not the point of the book and I understand this is just a personal preference.
Please do consider this book as a book to help you enter the world of theology, and learn about major figures.
Theologians that this book introduces includes Clement of Rome, Justin Matyr, Athanasius, Anslem, Aquinas, Schleriermacher, and Barth. Though, there are many more.
One can really appreciate this book if they continue their research and uses this book as a starting point in their theological exploration. Otherwise, it is just a brief introduction to theology & Christian history.
This book has a very clear line tracing to modern Protestant evangelical theology, and so misses out on major figures from different traditions within Christendom, for example St. John of the Cross, St. Gregory Palamas and St. John Damascene. It references Council of Nicaea and Constantinople.
Personally, I would've liked to have seen a focus on Christian theology through the 1st millennia, and Reeves' understanding and summary of the seven ecumenical councils, plus major theologians pre-reformation/before Great Schism. However, this is not the point of the book and I understand this is just a personal preference.
Please do consider this book as a book to help you enter the world of theology, and learn about major figures.
March 16, 2018
Excellent book. Best of its kind I have read. It does exactly what it promises: introduces you to major theologians. Mike provides a well researched and well articulated and concise survey of both the life and writings of significant theologians. Mike offers guidance and encouragement for the readers to explore the theologians' writings for themselves and I am confident this book will be for me (and has been already for many) a launch pad for becoming familiar with the primary sources themselves to the glory of God.
I would however offer one criticism of this book: it is in my opinion too narrow and one might argue it should rather be titled: "Introducing the major theologians of the Reformed/Calvinist Evangelical tradition". Although which "major theologians" an author chooses to include in such a book is necessarily highly selective and unavoidably influenced by the writers particular perspective and tradition, I am left with wishing Mike had broadened his scope and perhaps mustered up enough charity to apply his great teaching ability to more major theologians from alternative veins of church history (rather than just those shoulders on which his neo-Puritan Calvinistic brethren stand, minus Schleiermacher).
Inevitably a writer of such a book of this nature defines his vision of theological orthodoxy by his selection and so my concerns with this book are that it propagates the myth of the New Calvinists - that the only major theologians are those listed herein (again excluding Schleiermacher) and any other proposed "major theologians" are only significant for their significant theological heresy. I would have liked to see other theologians (whom, given their impact, to call "major" would be an understatement by anyone's definition) such as Jacob Arminius, Balthaser Hubmaier, John Wesley (major theologiser at least). But then again, this probably just shows my equal prejudice.
I would however offer one criticism of this book: it is in my opinion too narrow and one might argue it should rather be titled: "Introducing the major theologians of the Reformed/Calvinist Evangelical tradition". Although which "major theologians" an author chooses to include in such a book is necessarily highly selective and unavoidably influenced by the writers particular perspective and tradition, I am left with wishing Mike had broadened his scope and perhaps mustered up enough charity to apply his great teaching ability to more major theologians from alternative veins of church history (rather than just those shoulders on which his neo-Puritan Calvinistic brethren stand, minus Schleiermacher).
Inevitably a writer of such a book of this nature defines his vision of theological orthodoxy by his selection and so my concerns with this book are that it propagates the myth of the New Calvinists - that the only major theologians are those listed herein (again excluding Schleiermacher) and any other proposed "major theologians" are only significant for their significant theological heresy. I would have liked to see other theologians (whom, given their impact, to call "major" would be an understatement by anyone's definition) such as Jacob Arminius, Balthaser Hubmaier, John Wesley (major theologiser at least). But then again, this probably just shows my equal prejudice.
January 13, 2019
This book is a new edition of The Breeze of the Centuries: Introducing Great Theologians — From the Apostolic Fathers to Aquinas and On Giants' Shoulders helpfully put into one volume. I wanted to recommend it to our church's students, so I decided to re-read it (it's been several years). Honestly, it's even better than I remember. On the other hand, readers should probably be warned that Reeves's selection is rather Calvinist-heavy.
August 4, 2025
A fine introduction to some of the world’s most famous theologians. The defense of truth of Athanasius, the self-examination of Augustine and the perusing mind of Thomas of Aquinas are admirable. I liked to read about the Reformation and the desire that Luther, Calvin and Puritans like Owen and Edwards had to make the Bible known to the ordinary peasant – and to make a fist against papal Rome. I also appreciated the book tips that Michael Reeves gives at the end of each introduction of a theologian – very convenient if you want to have a deep dive.
Reeves’ Lutheran explanation of the Christian life is recognisable: “The life of faith is thus one of constant Anfechtung (conflict or temptation) as we believe in opposition to our hearts, minds and consciences. “To believe means to live in constant contradiction of empirical reality and to trust one’s self to that which is hidden.” Our hearts believe that our works can please God. Faith says otherwise. Our consciences condemn us, since we are sinners. Faith turns to the gospel, for only there can we know the truth about ourselves. Faith trusts Christ instead of the heart or the conscience.”
Though I admire the love of God that most theologians show – especially visible since the Reformation – I do get a bit sceptic about the Calvinist idea of election and its ramifications in the ecclesiastical discourse. Christ died and rose again for all people and not a select few. But I do understand that this sparks and has sparked a lot of debate.
Reeves’ Lutheran explanation of the Christian life is recognisable: “The life of faith is thus one of constant Anfechtung (conflict or temptation) as we believe in opposition to our hearts, minds and consciences. “To believe means to live in constant contradiction of empirical reality and to trust one’s self to that which is hidden.” Our hearts believe that our works can please God. Faith says otherwise. Our consciences condemn us, since we are sinners. Faith turns to the gospel, for only there can we know the truth about ourselves. Faith trusts Christ instead of the heart or the conscience.”
Though I admire the love of God that most theologians show – especially visible since the Reformation – I do get a bit sceptic about the Calvinist idea of election and its ramifications in the ecclesiastical discourse. Christ died and rose again for all people and not a select few. But I do understand that this sparks and has sparked a lot of debate.
July 20, 2020
This book is a hugely enjoyable account of several thinkers whose theology shaped the direction of the church. It’s scope on the church fathers is , by necessity of time, sketchy, but the important Athanasius gets a very clear chapter to himself. After the medieval big three of Augustine, Anselm and Aquinas , we get to the reformation , the Puritan era, American theology as represented by Jonathan Edwards and then the Victorian era with liberal father schliermacher and finally Barth and Packer.
All the accounts are both meaty and clear. If the book has a fault it’s it’s obvious bias towards Calvinism in the figures it selects post Reformation , which means that figures like the important systematic theologian Charles Finney don’t get a look in. It could also have explored beyond Protestantism - Western theological histories tend to ignore Eastern Orthodoxy , despite the fact that orthodox theology offers useful insights , and , despite my own cards on the table being that I’m a former Catholic and Pentecostal who ended up as an evangelical Anglican ( very long story ) , figures such as the catholic Hans Kung , who challenged catholic doctrines such as papal infallibility and whose doctrine of critical rationality gave apologetics a new direction would have been worth covering despite his sometimes dubious Christology.
Of course more on the Fathers and other Puritans would have been great too. The systematic work of Watson and Charnock for instance. But this is still a very enjoyable and instructive book.
All the accounts are both meaty and clear. If the book has a fault it’s it’s obvious bias towards Calvinism in the figures it selects post Reformation , which means that figures like the important systematic theologian Charles Finney don’t get a look in. It could also have explored beyond Protestantism - Western theological histories tend to ignore Eastern Orthodoxy , despite the fact that orthodox theology offers useful insights , and , despite my own cards on the table being that I’m a former Catholic and Pentecostal who ended up as an evangelical Anglican ( very long story ) , figures such as the catholic Hans Kung , who challenged catholic doctrines such as papal infallibility and whose doctrine of critical rationality gave apologetics a new direction would have been worth covering despite his sometimes dubious Christology.
Of course more on the Fathers and other Puritans would have been great too. The systematic work of Watson and Charnock for instance. But this is still a very enjoyable and instructive book.
Read
February 3, 2024(4.3) Mike Reeves introduces the works of a number of theologians from the early church through to the 20th Century.
He does this with warm humour, humility and honesty. His suggestions of where to start in terms of getting to grips with each theologian are really helpful. The biographies are understandably short but give a distinctive taste of each thinker.
I like the fact he includes controversial figures such as Schleiermacher and deals with them honestly but graciously and allows the reader to work out where they agree or disagree.
The purpose of the book is to get readers to “go back to the sources” once more and I’m certainly now inspired to read more Puritan work, especially Owen.
He does this with warm humour, humility and honesty. His suggestions of where to start in terms of getting to grips with each theologian are really helpful. The biographies are understandably short but give a distinctive taste of each thinker.
I like the fact he includes controversial figures such as Schleiermacher and deals with them honestly but graciously and allows the reader to work out where they agree or disagree.
The purpose of the book is to get readers to “go back to the sources” once more and I’m certainly now inspired to read more Puritan work, especially Owen.
June 10, 2022
13 chapters on influential thinkers from church history. Even if you know the majority of the theologians, you will still benefit from Michael Reeves' insightful analysis and warm tone.
This book provides a short biography for each man leaving space for an exploration of their thinking and writings. An enermous amount of reading must have gone into writing this book- Reeves even summaries Barth's Church Dogmatics!
Each chapter ends with a short reading list so the reader can enjoy the primary sources for themselves.
Ad fontes!
This book provides a short biography for each man leaving space for an exploration of their thinking and writings. An enermous amount of reading must have gone into writing this book- Reeves even summaries Barth's Church Dogmatics!
Each chapter ends with a short reading list so the reader can enjoy the primary sources for themselves.
Ad fontes!
July 31, 2022
A really good introduction to great theologians from the past, including the most recent one - JI Packer. Reeves does an impressive job in making laymen understand the major works of theologians across the centuries. He reviews their major works, and gives advice on how to approach these works.
Along the way, expect candour rarely seen. For example, John Owen is really worth a read, but he is hardly accessible to many. But theologians tend to gloss over that. Reeves said it as it is - “To be honest, whether read, said, chanted or rapped, Owen is tough meat.”
Along the way, expect candour rarely seen. For example, John Owen is really worth a read, but he is hardly accessible to many. But theologians tend to gloss over that. Reeves said it as it is - “To be honest, whether read, said, chanted or rapped, Owen is tough meat.”
May 4, 2020
a great, broad introduction to notable theologians.
Reeves does well in giving unbiased facts and also some of his comments which are helpful to those unsure of the theology given by the theologians.
Great read for those who are interested in the history and reasons behind certain theologies we see today.
Reeves does well in giving unbiased facts and also some of his comments which are helpful to those unsure of the theology given by the theologians.
Great read for those who are interested in the history and reasons behind certain theologies we see today.
August 23, 2022
A decently well-written useful survey of some of the major thinkers who have contributed to Protestant Evangelical thought over the years. Reeves does well to faithfully pass on the ideas of even the thinkers he clearly disagrees with. A great book to read through but also a useful guide to reference before diving into the theologians themselves.
August 11, 2018
Solid introductory summary of some major theologians.
August 15, 2021
A very good read. I really enjoy and appreciate the chapters on Athanasius, Edwards, and Schleiermacher.
April 10, 2022
A useful primer
April 14, 2022
This book does what it says on the cover... and so much more. It seeks to encourage the reader not to read about the major theologians but to read the theologians.
Ad fontes.
Ad fontes.
April 28, 2023
I want to be friends with Michael Reeves
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews