Christian Theology (7th Edition): An Introduction

"Christian Theology: An Introduction, Sixth Edition is the best-selling title in the Religion & Theology programme, with 28,819 units sold since publication in October 2016. Considered the most internationally acclaimed textbooks in this area, this work presents Christian theology as a whole rather than focussing on any specific school or denominational form of theology. This is one of the trademarks of this work and it is much appreciated by students and instructors. Retaining the organisation and structure of the sixth edition and its accessible writing style, the proposed new edition will reduce the coverage on older thinkers to focus on modern theologians who made an impact in the field during the period 1980-2010 (e.g. Wolfhart Pannenberg and JuáIp8srgen Moltmann) as well as on movements in theology that were influential in the recent past, but whose profile and perceived significance is now fading (such as Radical Orthodoxy). An expanded coverage on non-Western and queer theologies ensures that the book retains its reputation for comprehensiveness, but also shows that we are responding to new trends and voices in the field. For this edition, McGrath is going to be flanked by junior theological educationalist Matthew Thomas, whose research intersects with two of the most important constituencies for the textbook: Catholicism and evangelicalism. As a younger scholar, he will be alert to issues that are relevant to a new generation of students and will ensure the new edition stays ahead of the curve for the years to come"--

Table of Contents:
List of Illustrations xix

Preface xxi

To the Student: How to Use This Book xxiv

To the Teacher: How to Use This Book xxvi

Video and Audio Resources xxix

About the Companion Website xxx

Part I Landmarks: Periods, Themes, and Personalities of Christian Theology 1

Introduction 3

1 Early Christianity: The Patristic Period, c.100-c.700 5

2 The Middle Ages and the Renaissance, c.700-c.1500 23

3 The Age of Reformation, c.1500-c.1750 44

4 The Modern Period, c.1750 to the Present 67

Part II Sources and Methods 95

5 Getting Started: Preliminaries 97

6 The Sources of Theology 122

7 Knowledge of God: Natural and Revealed 156

8 Philosophy and Theology: Dialogue and Debate 176

Part III Christian Theology 199

9 The Doctrine of God 201

10 The Person of Jesus Christ 240

11 The Nature and Basis of Salvation 288

12 The Holy Spirit 327

13 The Trinity 351

14 Human Nature, Sin, and Grace 384

15 The Church 415

16 The Sacraments 448

17 Christianity and the World Religions 475

18 Last Things: The Christian Hope 499

Jargon- Busting: A Glossary of Theological Terms 524

Sources of Citations 532

Acknowledgments 547

Index 549


Offers a lively, concise, and easily accessible approach to the development of Christianity's core themes over the centuries

As Christianity enters into a new phase of expansion, the study of Christian theology continues to play a key role in modern intellectual culture, as well as to those wanting to understand the central issues and preoccupations of the Middle Ages, the European Reformation, or many other periods in human history.

Since its initial publication more than 30 years ago, Christian Theology: An Introduction has established itself as one of the most respected and widely used theological textbooks. Now in its seventh edition, this classic textbook remains an unparalleled introduction to the primary concepts, themes, and developments of 2,000 years of Christian thought.

Designed for students with no prior knowledge of the subject, Christian Theology provides an overview of historical theology, explains central aspects of philosophical theology, describes major debates over Christian theological method, and explores key doctrines of systematic theology. Theologically neutral chapters offer balanced coverage of Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and evangelical traditions, positions, perspectives, and insights.

In this new edition, renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath is joined by educationalist Matthew J. Thomas to ensure that Christian Theology connects with a range of contemporary teaching contexts. Reviewed and improved content is supported by an entirely new series of fifteen lectures on Christian theology written and presented by Professor McGrath.

Christian Theology: An Introduction, Seventh Edition, remains the ideal textbook for university courses in Christian theology, seminary courses across denominations, church discussion groups, adult Sunday schools, and those looking for a reliable guide to the study of Christian thought.Read less