Theology: The Basics - Softcover

McGrath, Alister E.

3.74

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Softcover

ISBN 10: 1405114258 ISBN 13: 9781405114257

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2004

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Written by one of the world’s 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 heaven
Includes within each chapter an overview of one of these themes, presents relevant biblical passages, and summarizes the contribution of one major theologian
Uses the Apostle's Creed as a framework in order to provide a user-friendly structure
Features 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.

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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

About the Author:

Alister E. McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University, and Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He is one of the world’s leading Protestant theologians and the author of numerous popular theology textbooks, including Christian Theology (Third Edition, 2001), The Christian Theology Reader (Second Edition, 2001), Christian Spirituality (1999), Reformation Thought (Third Edition, 1999), Science and Religion (1998), Historical Theology (1998), and An Introduction to Christianity (1997), all available from Blackwell Publishing. He is also editor of The Blackwell Companion to Protestantism (2003).

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