Review: Introducing Evangelical Theology

Respected evangelical scholar Daniel J. Treier has distilled his celebrated Evangelical Dictionary of Theology into a systematic theology textbook: Introducing Evangelical Theology (Baker Academic, 2019). Designed for intermediate to advanced theology students, Treier systematically treats evangelical approaches to Christian doctrine through a trinitarian framework. In Part 1, "Knowing the Triune God," Treier discusses the ways in which we know God through creeds, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. Part 2 examines the role of the Father in providence, creation, and theological anthropology. Part 3 moves to the person and work of the Son in reconciliation and salvation. Finally, Part 4 discusses how the Holy Spirit breathes life into the Christian life, Scripture, the church, and the new creation.

This book is specially geared toward evangelical thinkers; Treier, following Bebbington's famous quadrilateral, sees evangelicals as a particular Christian movement focused on the Cross of Christ and the impetus to spread this good news. Each chapter discusses particular issues and debates in evangelical theology; for instance, the chapter on theological anthropology discusses current debates surrounding gender roles in the church, sexuality, and race. Treier writes generously, clearly, and objectively and allows full exposure to such matters. Given the deep treatment of various perspectives, however, each viewpoint is limited to only a few sentences. While the book may have been more valuable for its evangelical audience by expanding its discussion of evangelical debates, one recognizes that it would have made the read that more cumbersome!

The author writes at a high level, assuming a working knowledge of basic theological terms. It would be a very fitting text for a second-level theology class. One weakness of the book is that key terms are not bolded but denoted with an asterisk. This prevented the ability to easily identify terms on the page. A comprehensive glossary in the back was very useful (but could have benefited from page references). Overall, Introducing Evangelical Theology succeeds in its task of presenting Christian doctrine through the unique lens of evangelicalism. Evangelical and non-evangelical students alike will benefit from exposure to this theological framework.

(A complimentary review copy was given in exchange for an honest review.)

Comments

Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak....

Review: NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

A revised version of the previously published NIV Zondervan Study Bible, the NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (Zondervan, 2018) represents the best of biblical scholarship in a compact study Bible. It introduces Biblical Theology (BT), a discipline that is intended for readers to weave individual books and stories into a larger metanarrative that reveals God's redemptive plan through the entire Bible. To that end, this study Bible includes articles introducing BT and articles on theological matters. While the emphasis of this Bible may appeal to a more Reformed/covenantal audience, the contributors span a variety of theological traditions and are respected authorities within their discipline. The verse-by-verse notes—over 20,000—are insightful and suitable for determining the historical, literary, and cultural background of the text with a view to responsible interpretation of Scripture. There are in-text cross references, a concordance, maps, and useful charts. Each bo...

Review: Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age

The advancements of technology and social media are changing what it means to be human, yet religious studies rarely tend to intersect with technological and neurological sciences. In Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age: The Future is Now (Lexington Books, 2018), Kirk A. Bingaman ventures into how technology informs spiritual care. Himself a professor of pastoral care, Bingaman claims that humans are becoming techno sapiens. Rather than retreating from technology, Bingaman sees the unavoidable development of technology as part of God's ongoing work of "doing a new thing." Consequently, he sees positive means for artificial intelligence that can be embraced in pastoral care. For Bingaman, pastoral and spiritual care in a digital age requires preserving humanity through contemplative spiritual practices, preventing technology from overtaking human identity. Bingaman's book is important for many reasons. First, he asserts that technological change is unav...

Leitourgia

Search This Blog