Christian Theology<\/em> by Alister E McGrath has been assigned reading for this class and it has once again expanded my thinking. McGrath states right from the very beginning: \u201c This book aims to make the study of theology as simple and rewarding as possible. It is has been written assuming that you know nothing about Christian theology,\u201d (xxv ) and this viewpoint makes this book very elementary but also very educational on all of theology. One of the things that I find intriguing is that in comparison as I read through the first section, what had been chapters in the other books was synthesized down to a couple paragraphs about people. History was stated very straightforward and multiple perspectives were addressed. Even theology in the modern period section of the book addressed things that I have not seen addressed such as black theology and theologies of the developing world. Philosophy and theology are addressed to give context to the theological perspective. The rest of the book contains the standard content for a theology book. The doctrines of the church and the staples of systematic theology are explained. It is written very straightforward and clear.<\/p>\n Analysis<\/p>\n So what do I think? I love theology because it is shallow enough that it can be right on the surface. Face value Christianity is where you know Jesus, accept Jesus, love Jesus and live for Jesus. Second, I love theology because it can be really deep.\u00a0\u00a0 Understanding the sacrament and baptism, which is so thick that it is, layer upon layer of thought, argument and theological warfare makes my head swim. But it really makes me think about what I believe. Third, I find that all of these books have the same content with different perspectives offered.\u00a0\u00a0 The different perspectives make me expand my knowledge and to gain more understanding.\u00a0\u00a0 It also gives me some insight on how different people perceive me. Same person but perceived from different vantage points. Can I make myself and what I preach and speak clear enough that everyone gets the same general idea of who I am and what I stand for in the arena of theology.<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/p>\n This book includes some things that others have not to bring a bigger picture. It includes people who would even be considered anti-Christian. They would even be considered individuals who have shaped the cause against Christianity in the United States. By viewing their work and viewpoint it really does make it better rounded. I don\u2019t agree with every theologian and I don\u2019t agree with every atheist but I can gain knowledge by knowing his or her viewpoint and stand. I thought that the closing of the book kept it true to the purpose: \u201c Christian theology can never fully capture that vision of God. But it can at least challenge us to think deeply about God and cause us to get excited about it\u2019s themes.\u201d (464)\u00a0\u00a0 So to conclude: I love theology!<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Kevin Norwood<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"