Product Description

An enhanced version of a classic undergraduate text

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18348 in Books
• Published on: 2001-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 448 pages

From the Back Cover
This abridgment of Erickson's classic Christian Theology gives an overview of the doctrines of revelation, God, creation, providence, humanity, sin, Jesus Christ, atonement and salvation, the church, and eschatology. Erickson's careful theological reflection is here made accessible to any serious reader.

"Clearly written and well-outlined, this book would serve as an excellent college textbook as well as being accessible to educated laypersons." -Warren McWilliams, Religious Studies Review

"This is an outstanding introduction to theology that should become a standard undergraduate textbook. It's accessible to all general readers, and I strongly recommend it to all bookstores." -John Kohlenberger III, Bookstore Journal

"Unhesitatingly recommended for use in Christian colleges." -Robert A. Pyne and Gary L. Nebeker, Bibliotheca Sacra

"This prominent publication is most worthy of serious study." -The Baptist Standard

"Erickson's goal was to write a briefer version of his popular Christian Theology-with a view to providing a primer of and transition to more extended discussions of theology. As such, Erickson admirably achieved his purposes." -B. Dale Ellenburg, Mid-America Theological Journal

Millard J. Erickson is Distinguished Professor of Theology at Truett Seminary. He is the author of numerous works, including Christian Theology, God in Three Persons, and The Word Became Flesh.

L. Arnold Hustad is professor of theology and philosophy at Crown College, St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.

About the Author
Millard J. Erickson is Distinguished Professor of Theology at Truett Seminary and at Western Seminary, Portland. He is the author of numerous works, including Christian Theology, God in Three Persons, and The Word Became Flesh. L. Arnold Hustad is professor of theology and philosophy at Crown College, St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.

Customer Reviews

INTRODUCING CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE by Millard J. Erickson
Introducing Christian Doctrine (second edition), written by Millard J. Erickson and edited by L. Arnold Hustad, is a briefer version of Erickson's previous work, Christian Theology. Introducing Christian Doctrine is an introductory-level textbook in systematic theology.

This book covers the full gamut of Christian theology, with sections on what theology is, God's revelation, the nature and work of god, humanity and sin, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and eschatology. On issues of doctrine, Erickson explains the various positions, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and then pronounces which he believes is the best position. The reader may not always agree, but Erickson's arguments are well-reasoned and logical.

Introducing Christian Doctrine is easy to read, perhaps surprisingly so, both for theology students and laity. And in addition to being a worthwhile textbook, it also serves as a very handy quick reference guide to doctrinal questions. No self-respecting theologian should be without it.

Introducing Christian Doctrine - Millard J. Erickson
As an abridged version of a longer, more detailed theology text, I anticipated that this shorter volume from Erickson would neglect some key areas in systematics. I was wrong. Introducing Christian Doctrine is jam-packed without being overstuffed. It has sacrificed nothing essential as far as I can tell. There are times that I wish the theological discussions would continue on a little more but there are more copious volumes out there that treat most of these subjects with greater depth. My only complaint is that Erickson doesn't provide a list of titles for further study on each of the theological topics he discusses. Most chapters end with a huge chunk of white space available on the page and it's possible that a list of recommendations to explore each topic further would've been helpful. But that is a minor defect in a surprisingly rich book.

Erickson follows the standard model of "description, examination, evaluation, and final conclusion" in presenting his topics. This helps the reader get a good grasp of what the doctrine in question is all about, how it has been supported by its proponents, how it stands to biblical scrutiny, and finally whether or not it is tenable. Especially helpful is the "implications" section in some of the chapters. After reviewing the biblical data, he concludes and suggests what the implications of the particular theological viewpoint would be if held correctly.

Erickson provides a brief roadmap and study guide to each chapter which is usually only a page long. Included here are the chapter objectives, the chapter summary, a list of study questions, and a chapter outline. However tempted I always am to skip right to the meat of the text, I force myself to read this preparatory section because Erickson always does a good job of priming the reader for the chapter ahead. It's like seeing the big picture at the begging and then focusing on the details afterwards. With an eye on the whole map you can learn the smaller areas with greater ease.

As far as the content goes, I disagree with Erickson on a relatively small number of things. Most notably his conclusion on the issue of eschatology (pp. 393-400) as well as his theodicy (pp. 147-149). Nonetheless, even when we disagree I appreciate the fact that he refrains from "strawmanning" and caricaturing the positions he tends to disagree with. With a coolness that most of us don't operate with he simply refutes the views he disagrees with by using a palette of Scriptural documentation. Whatever my disagreements with him are, I respect the way he frames the opposing views and rejects them without sensationalistic dismissals. I even appreciated that he had a section on Postmodernity and Theology.

For a thoughtful, biblical, and eminently readable text on theology, I'd readily recommend this shortened version of his longer work on systematics. Introducing Christian Doctrine is a lot like John Frame's Salvation Belongs to the Lord, and while it's a tad more technical, it's by no means unapproachable by the average layman. Introducing Christian Doctrine is a solid, readable work whose staying power has been confirmed by its widespread usage in the academic world.

Nicely done abridgement
I have been quite happy with this abridged version of Erickson's 1300-word Christian Theology. While I find the full verison to be one of the more excellent references out there and think it is well-suited for a more advanced theological course, it boggles the mind of many students in an introductory course. This condensed version of Erickson's work by his former grad student Arnold Hustad is perfect for an undergraduate introduction to Christian theology.