Product Description

This proven systematic theology represents the very best in evangelical theology. Stanley Grenz presents the traditional themes of Christian doctrine--God, humankind, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and the last things--all within an emphasis on God's central program for creation, namely, the establishment of community. Masterfully blending biblical, historical, and contemporary concerns, Grenz's respected work provides a coherent vision of the faith that is both intellectually satisfying and expressible in Christian living.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #55641 in Books
• Published on: 2000-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 691 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780802847553
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Review
A fresh reappropriation of the evangelical and catholic heritage of the faith. -- Christianity Today

Customer Reviews

Great overview of historical positions; weak pneumatology
Grenz helped me tremendously by tracking the history of several theological positions such as trinitarian doctrine, atonement, etc. Given Grenz's education, the trek through history should come as no surprise, and a few of the ideas of his mentor, Wolfhart Pannenberg, leaked fittingly into the work. Grenz was devout in relating every aspect of his theology to the concept of community. Unfortunately, his presentation of the Holy Spirit was a bit impersonal (love bond between the Father and Son). This book is certainly worthwhile for seminary students or laypeople wanting to delve into systematic theology. The book serves as a great beginning to further study or a sufficient summary of popular theological positions in the past and present. However, if you are a teacher, please do not follow in the footsteps of my professor by giving a test with 50 True/False questions over the entire book (859 pages)!

enlightening read
This book is very indepth and is well worth the read. While adhering to historical orthodoxy, Grenz is also quite creative. His bibliology section, for example, appears in chapter 14, rather than in the traditional theological prolegomena (introductory) section of most systematics texts. His integrative motif of 'community' is excellent, but I disagree with Grenz at several points. His characterization of the Holy Spirit as the bond of love between the Father and the Son makes the third member of the Trinity rather impersonal. I would have preferred a more unequivocal assertion regarding the real personality of the Spirit. The 'concretization' of the relationship between the Father and the Son seems to be an inadequate description of the Holy Spirit as presented in the Scriptures. Grenz gives excellent hisorical background on each topic, the work is saturated with the Scriptures, and the author clearly is a passionate Christian believer. Wonderful text for spiritual enrichment and undoubtedly a solid introductory volume for college and seminary settings.

If you like easy-to-read theology books, then get this
This book has to be one of the most accessible evangelical theology books out there. Grenz's book is scholarly yet simple for the layperson. He writes from an evangelical Baptist perspective but builds his work around the concept of the community aspect of the Triune God. He argues that the Triune God's fellowship overflows into the church. All the sections are written from this community aspect of redemption. Grenz covers practically all matters you'll find in standard systematic theologies (from prolegomena to eschatology). The writing style is not like other more technical systematic theologies (e.g., Erickson, Grudem, Reymond, etc.) because it is written in a narrative fashion. You won't see Grenz being too detailed in his discussion of certain issues (hence, his book is only about 700 pages). This book is a must read for anyone wanting a good and easy introduction to the major topics of systematic theology.