Theology: The Basics - Softcover

McGrath, Alister E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470656751 ISBN 13: 9780470656754

Publisher: Blackwell Pub, 2011

Synopsis

Completely updated and expanded, this third edition from one of the world's leading theologians introduces students to key theological issues, contextualizing them within the bible and the works of seminal theologians. 

• Introduces readers to key theological issues such as God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, faith, creation, salvation, atonement, religious history, and heaven
• Thoroughly updated, with the addition of a new chapter on the Holy Spirit
• Now includes images and more pedagogical features to engage the reader
• Each chapter offers an overview of an important theme, presents relevant biblical passages, and summarizes the contribution of a major theologian
• Expands the range of theological positions discussed within the book, especially those of contemporary and feminist theologians
• Maintains the user-friendly structure of the previous edition, with the Apostle's Creed as a framework
• Concludes with suggestions on how readers can take their study further
• Can be used alongside the new edition of Theology: The Basic Readings for a complete overview of the field

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More to Explore: See More McGrath Titles

Title Historical Theology Christian Theology Theology Reformation Thought An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought An Introduction The Basics An Introduction   Guide Type Textbook Textbook Textbook Textbook   Audience Level Introductory Introductory Introductory Introductory   Pages 320 536 256 326   List Price $49.95 $51.95 $29.95 $44.95   Publication Date July, 2012 October, 2010 September, 2011 March, 2012   Author(s) Alister E. McGrath Alister E. McGrath Alister E. McGrath Alister E. McGrath   Imprint Wiley-Blackwell Wiley-Blackwell Wiley-Blackwell Wiley-Blackwell   Print Book 0470672862 1444335146 0470656751 0470672811   Kindle Book B008D30RKE B0089VT6A2 B006F6AWQU B006K4HQWK   Edition 2nd 5th 3rd 4th   Brief Description An authoritative exploration of the history of Christian theology from the Patristic period to present-day developments. An ideal introduction to the history, sources & methods, and key figures of Christian thought. An engaging introduction to core topics of Christianity discussing them in relation to the Bible and key theologians. This classic text introduces the central ideas and developments of the European Reformations to readers of history and theology.

Why Study Theology? Insights from author Alister E. McGrath

Author Alister E. McGrath

There are a number of reasons why it’s both important and enriching to study theology and here I have listed what I think are three of the most important.

Firstly, studying theology is about making sense of some of the great debates and themes of history. It is impossible to study the religious art of the Middle Ages, the great literature of the Renaissance, the history of the sixteenth century, or the novels of J. R. R. Tolkien without knowing something about theology. To study theology is to pass through a gateway which offers an enhanced vision of human thought and history. It’s like a lens that helps bring things into focus.

Secondly, theology enables us to see things through the eyes of others, so that we can gain fresh perspectives on some of the great questions of faith. One of the leading themes of C. S. Lewis’s late work An Experiment in Criticism (1961) is that reading literature enables us to see with the eyes of others, deepening and sometimes challenging our own ideas. To read Augustine, Athanasius, Thomas Aquinas or Karl Barth is to have our eyes opened to other ways of seeing things. We may not agree with them, but their insights help us forge and enrich our own approaches.

Thirdly, studying theology brings new depth and vitality to faith. When the novelist Evelyn Waugh discovered Christianity in 1930, he spoke of beginning the “delicious process of exploring it limitlessly.” Theology is about mapping the landscape of faith, discovering its landmarks, appreciating its inner logic, and experiencing its beauty and richness.

The Triumph of Saint Thomas Aquinas, painting by Benozzo de Gozzoli, ca. 1420-97, tempera. Musee de Louvre, paris. The Art Archive / Musee de Louvre, Paris/Gianni Dagli Otti

William Blake's Ancient of Days, 1794, relief etching with watercolor, 23.3 x 16.8 cm. British Museum, London. AKG Images/Erich Lessing

C.S. Lewis. Getty Images

Book Description:

Written by one of the worlds leading Protestant theologians, Theology: The Basics is designed for students taking a first short course in Christian theology or for lay Christians who wish to find out more about their faith. Accessible and lively, this introductory textbook:Introduces readers to key theological issues, such as God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, faith, creation, salvation, atonement, religious history and heavenIncludes within each chapter an overview of one of these themes, presents relevant biblical passages, and summarizes the contribution of one major theologianUses the Apostles Creed as a framework in order to provide a user-friendly structureFeatures a concluding section which explains how readers can take their study further, giving examples of the kind of detailed discussion that is possible.Alister E. McGrath is the author of numerous popular theology textbooks, including Christian Theology 3rd edition and The Christian Theology Reader 2nd edition. Readers may wish to use this book in order to make the transition to these more challenging texts.

About this edition

• Publisher: Blackwell Pub
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0470656751
• ISBN 13: 9780470656754
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 221