Fundamental Theology: A Protestant Perspective - Softcover

Becker, Matthew L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0567568334 ISBN 13: 9780567568335

Publisher: T&T Clark, 2015

Synopsis

Introducing university students to the academic discipline of Christian theology, this book serves as an orientation to fundamental theology from a Protestant perspective by addressing issues that are preliminary and foundational to the discipline in the context of a liberal arts university. The book also sets forth what has traditionally been called a theological encyclopedia, that is, a description of the parts of Christian theology that together form the discipline into a unified academic subject. Finally, the book examines the relation of Christian theology to the arts and sciences within the university and underscores the need for critical and positive interaction with these other academic disciplines.

About this title

Book Description:

Introduces university students to the academic discipline of Christian theology

From the Back Cover:

• Dr. Becker's book is basic without being simplistic. This is one of the highest praises I can bestow on a scholarly book that has been written for undergraduate students. He has fulfilled a task that is not easy to do. As one of my teachers used to say to us, "It is easy to write complicated texts, but writing one that is understandable--that is tricky!" Dr. Becker has written a thorough introduction to Christian theology which, nevertheless, is quite understandable. --Prof. Dr. Notger Slenczka, Professor of Systematic Theology, Humboldt University, Berlin

• In this text introducing students and general readers to the basis of Christian theology, Matthew Becker invites readers to wrestle with the most important questions facing Christians in our time.  The best introductory textbooks respect students enough to ask them not only to know a subject's basic vocabulary and grammar but also to think through the material.  Becker's is a student-friendly text not only because it provides learning helps, but most importantly because it hooks readers with the inner logic of faith's truth claims.  Students will not only find the "big questions" about life's meaning raised here but also the skills to love God not only with the heart but also with the mind.  --Mark Mattes, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, Grandview University, author of The Role of Justification in Recent Theology

• This clear, accessible, and insightful tour of the tasks and message of Christian theology is a marvelous introduction for undergraduates, as well as a fresh and helpful approach for the more seasoned religious studies scholar and theologian. This book's clarity and student-friendly approach is only possible because of the depth and range of Dr. Becker's understanding of religion in the Western world. The wisdom of a careful mind and the passion for connecting theological themes with ordinary human experience come together in this outstanding demonstration of theological reflection.  Highly recommended!  --Terry D. Cooper, Ed.D., Ph.D., author of Paul Tillich and Psychology, Dimensions of Evil, and co-author with Don Browning of Religious Thought and the Modern Psychologies (2nd edition).

• G. K. Chesterton once said that if you have and want to keep a white fence, you will be very busy re-whiting it. Mud, dirt, animal refuse, and erosion will work their effects. So it is with conserving, conservatism, or tradition, and as it will be when you are debating issues of modernity and post-modernity. Odds are, however, that any discussion of the place one particular tradition--Christianity--and one discipline--theology--have in the mix, the conversations and deliberations will be much more promising and productive if the participants have engaged and been engaged by Matthew Becker's wonderful ponderings and systematic presentations. --from the Afterword by Martin E. Marty, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of History, The University of Chicago

About this edition

• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0567568334
• ISBN 13: 9780567568335
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 600