Message and Existence: An Introduction to Christian Theology

by Langdon Gilkey

Book by Gilkey, Langdon

Genres: Theology

Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[M Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was enormously relieved by how much I liked this book. I've been aware of Langdon Gilkey since I was a teenager; my pastor from those years was a big fan. But when I finally got around to reading Gilkey for myself, some months ago (Reaping the Whirlwind), I was left cold. It made me sad to think I wouldn't enjoy his work in common with my late friend.

But I found this slim intro to Christian Theology to be clear and engaging. Gilkey's approach of "starting where the reader is" and relating the classic questions and answers of Christian theology to the experience of modern (late 1970s) Americans works very well. I found the final section of the book, on the Holy Spirit, to be a little less engaging than the rest of the book but that may have simply been my own situation at the time of reading.

Contrary to another review offered on this site, I do not find this book to be at all inaccessible to those not already trained in theology. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any of my congregants over the age of 18.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book, though I don't agree with all of his conclusions. Although written as an introduction to Christian theology, it requires prior theological understanding to get the most out of the book. The book follows the Apostle's Creed. I least identified with his chapter on God. His chapter on the human predicament, dealing with sin, is excellent. His confinement in a prisoner of war camp during World War II likely had an impact on his thinking in this area. Also, his chapter on Jesus Christ is very good.