An Introduction to Christian Theology (Introduction to Religion)
Cambridge University Press, 3/18/2010
EAN 9780521690379, ISBN10: 0521690374
Paperback, 654 pages, 22.8 x 15.3 x 2.9 cm
Language: English
Far from being solely an academic enterprise, the practice of theology can pique the interest of anyone who wonders about the meaning of life. Inviting readers on a journey of 'faith seeking understanding', this introduction to Christian theology - its basic concepts, confessional content, and history - emphasizes the relevance of the key convictions of Christian faith to the challenges of today's world. In the first part, this book introduces the project of Christian theology and sketches the critical context that confronts Christian thought and practice today. In a second part, it offers a survey of the key doctrinal themes of Christian theology - including revelation, the triune God, and the world as creation - identifying their biblical basis and the highlights of their historical development before giving a systematic evaluation of each theme. The third part provides an overview of Christian theology from the early church to the present.
Part I. Introduction to Theology
1. What is theology?
2. The critical context of theology today
Part II. Key Themes of Christian Theology
3. Revelation and knowledge of God
4. A tale of two theisms
5. The triune God
6. The world as creation
7. Humanity in the image of God and the disfigurement of sin
8. The problem of evil and the question of theodicy
9. The identity and person of Jesus Christ
10. The reconciling work of Jesus Christ
11. The person and work of the Holy Spirit
12. Dimensions of salvation
13. The church and its mission
14. Christianity in a global context
15. Hope and the future
Part III. Historical Survey of Christian Theology
16. Theology in the Patristic era (c.100–500 CE)
17. Theology in the Middle Ages (c.500–1400 CE)
18. Theology in the Reformation period (c.1400–1700 CE)
19. Theology in Modernity (c.1700–1960 CE)
20. Theology in the contemporary world (c.1960–present)
Theological glossary
Bibliography
Index.