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138th out of 169 books
—
121 voters
Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe
Doctrine is the word Christians use to define the truth-claims revealed in Holy Scripture. Of course there is a multitude of churches, church networks, and denominations, each with their own doctrinal statement with many points of disagreement. But while Christians disagree on a number of doctrines, there are key elements that cannot be denied by anyone claiming to be a fo...more
Hardcover, 463 pages
Published
March 31st 2010
by Crossway Books
(first published 2010)
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Sadly, most Christians rarely, if ever, put a second's thought into the doctrines of Christianity. Many may even find the title (Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe) to be offensive or controversial. Many, if not most, self-professing Christians may not even know what "doctrines" are or where they stand on the important doctrines that make up the Christian faith. All the more reason that every Christian should read this book (or listen to the audio version). No, not all Christians believe t...more
Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears (Vintage Jesus, Vintage Church, Death by Love) have teamed up on their 4th book together, entitled Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe. In it, the authors seek “to trace the big theological themes of Scripture along the storylines of the Bible” (p. 9). With this structure, readers are walked through chapters like “Trinity: God Is” and “Creation: God Makes” all the way through “Cross: God Dies” and Kingdom: God Reigns.” Filled with Scriptural and bibliograph...more
Potential readers should know off the bat that this book is not really designed to be casually leafed through from the first page to the last. It is a dense black brick with indie rocker artwork and a million footnotes. Which is great in a lot of ways, but it's a disappointment if you're not expecting it. I bought this book because I listened to the original podcasts and really enjoyed them. They were engaging and amusing and thoroughly Biblical. This book retains the last characteristic but bas...more
This book took me a long time to get through because I read it slowly only tackling a chapter or so a week, its dense and sometimes a little boring, but it is packed with good informational doctrine and for sure a book most Christians would benefit from, especially new believers.
For others with a more solid ground, the book really isn't meaty, but a great refresher of what the basics of faith are.
For others with a more solid ground, the book really isn't meaty, but a great refresher of what the basics of faith are.
1 like · like · see review
Jul 30, 2011
Cory Shumate
added it
Just finished this awesome work by Driscoll and Breshears. At 450+ pages, it took more than a few days to wade through, but it was well worth it. In this book, the authors work through Biblical doctrines in the order that the Bible presents them, working from Genesis to Revelation. With intensely practical applications appeal to any reader, Christian or not, and very accessible language, this book is no dry systematic theology. It's certainly not exhaustive, but it isn't meant to be. It is compl...more
An excellent introductory resource to systematic theology, from a Calvinist perspective, albeit. Even if you disagree with some points of it (such as complementarianism), it offers a wonderful and profound insight into Christianity, the basis of the Christian faith, and how humanity can enjoy a relationship with God through Christ and how God relates to humanity through Christ. It also happens to be the basis of membership classes at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, the church that Mark Driscoll (on...more
Doctrine is one of those books that is quite good at trying to blend systematic theology, biblical theology and the application of it while still containing a few unusual quirks. Driscoll's and Breshears's goal is to present a basic evangelical doctrine in which believers may understand their beliefs and worship the Lord that much more. The Book is divided into thirteen chapters:
Chapter 1. Trinity: God Is
Chapter 2. Revelation: God Speaks
Chapter 3. Creation: God Makes
Chapter 4. Image: God Loves
C...more
Chapter 1. Trinity: God Is
Chapter 2. Revelation: God Speaks
Chapter 3. Creation: God Makes
Chapter 4. Image: God Loves
C...more
Reading for Doctrine Series at CBC
It's a useful resource. It reads well, and is generally a good representation of evangelical theology.
Like most systematic theology books, there's bound to be something one disagrees with.
Every once in a while, a statement pops up that will leave you scratching your head. For example, when discussing the cross, he argues that God reconciles all people to Himself, but not in a saving way. But, how can you say that someone who is eternally condemned is in any way reconciled to God?
Like any syste...more
Like most systematic theology books, there's bound to be something one disagrees with.
Every once in a while, a statement pops up that will leave you scratching your head. For example, when discussing the cross, he argues that God reconciles all people to Himself, but not in a saving way. But, how can you say that someone who is eternally condemned is in any way reconciled to God?
Like any syste...more
Not being a Driscoll fan, I was surprised how much I enjoyed and agreed with this book. It is very hard to review an audio-book in depth as you don't have a ready reference to which to turn. This book in particular, which is very dense, follows an almost catechetical format, and would be at home in the class-room, took some getting used to in the audio-format. The narration also took some getting used to, something about the inflection in the narrator's voice, I think. However, it was clear and...more
Brilliant little book on Doctrine. Very good for a new believer, not so good for those that want to get into the depths of theology. Driscoll at times declares things to be true when the foundations are rather flimsy, this isn't a detractor at first. But as you progress in the faith and absorb more and more theology and begin to scrap the surface of theological writings this book begins to create problems as what was once held to be truth turns out to be far more complex than Driscoll declares.
This is essentially a systematic theology, but in an entirely different format from, say, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe is written in a highly readable format, comprised of just more than 10 chapters, which would actually be read like a book, rather than treated mainly as a resource like Grudem's. On the other hand, Grudem's Systematic Theology is much more thorough and more easily searchable. I'd recommend this book for people junior high and up.
An excellent beginners text on systematic theology. Don't let the word 'text' or the subject of systematic theology fool you into thinking this is dry or boring - it's anything but. It's an engaging, insightful and relevant examination of core biblical doctrines and how they relate to the life of the modern believer. It's a must for any new Christian, or Christian who hasn't explored theology much, who wants to learn more about their faith.
I liked this systematic theology. It's more accessible than Grudem or Erikson and has a more "elastic" than most of the conservative theologies. (For example, Driscoll opens the door on an extended creation.) I understand why Mars Hill requires its leaders to read this. It does a nice job of organizing the pieces. Not since seminary have I read a systematic theology, and even then, I took the classes out of order. Going forward, I will likely reread this every two years or so in order to get the...more
This is an excellent, readable book on Christian theology - What Scripture teaches about God. There is a wealth of information on many subjects. Throughout the book Driscoll and his co-author Gerry Beshears emphasize the fact that Jesus is the hero of the Bible. They demonstrate that "it was Jesus himself who taught that the Old Testament was primarily about him."
What a very educational and informative and VERY well researched book! It seems to cover all the really important Biblical subjects such as creation, the trinity, Jesus' death and resurrection, stewardship, hell, etc. I especially have enjoyed watching Mark Driscoll's Doctrine messages that go in line with each chapter to learn things that aren't included in the book. This was a book that people who want to learn more about their faith can deepen their understanding of things which is great for...more
I think I had way too high of expectations for this book. I love Mark Driscoll's sermons but I didn't really feel that same passion in his book. Very long, very dense. Took me longer then it should have to finish, (my indicator I wasn't completely into it). Had some solid doctrine and thoughts but I disagreed with several points and felt a lot of questions I had were glossed over or unanswered. Still going to listen to his preaching, but not sure if I will go for another book.
Good read, very well-researched book. I would definitely recommend it to the casual Christian who wants to move further in his Biblical knowledge, a learned Christian looking for a refresher, or the stranger to Christianity looking to know more about it.
Loved the footnotes, as well!
Loved the footnotes, as well!
Really enjoyed going through this book. Enjoyed the chapter on the incarnation, the cross, his description of the crucifixion, church discipline and stewardship. Book challenged me to think, which was pleasant. One of my favorite thots from the book comes from the cross chapter..."objectively Jesus's death was sufficient enough to save anyone and subjectively only efficient to save those who repent of their sins and trust in him."
I downloaded this book for my IPad while traveling. It is very readable. Overall, I have enjoyed the book immensely while not completely agreeing with all of Driscolls theology. Still, it has been interesting to ponder some theological areas I have failed to draw some connections in.
Solid overall and a very good introduction into theology. Many discussions receive brief and still comprehensive treatment. There are a few subjects that are not discussed at all. Namely, the relationship between Israel and the church as in dispensationalism and covenant theology. Likewise, he says nothing of the end times, the tribulation, his view on the millennium, or the rapture. He does not fully bring out the importance of eschatology to Set the world to rights. One weak place also was the...more
One of the best books I have read on Christian doctrine. Not preachy or full of illustrations (as most Driscoll books are, though not necessarily a bad thing)just straight forward christian theology. Great read for new christians or those mature in their faith who need a reminder.
This book was a great overview. I like that it was co-authored so the entire book is not just one soul author's opinion. While there were a lot of arguments, ideas, and theories left out or sometime overlooked, this was a book that beginners to theology could understand, grasp, and enjoy. The point was not a deep investigation into every topic filling up hundreds of pages but a general overview of Christianity with broad ideas and topics presented. It's a great start for those wanting to dig dee...more
This was a surprisingly interesting book. I've had the likes of Driscoll written off for years but he has come around to a much more orthodox view of Christianity. While I don't necessarily agree with him at every turn and I find him making a number of unsupported assertions, this book really is a fairly complete condensation of Christianity. If this was required reading for American Christians, I can't help but think the modern church might be in a slightly different position at this point. He...more
Hello! Calling all believers! Time for the church to wake up and smell the coffee of truth. This one will rock most Christians world with a very concise word for the not so wise and what we think is the truth?? But may not be? Read it and learn...
Weighty and clear but also fairly 'user-friendly' for anyone interested in going through a basic overview of essential Christian doctrine for their first time or for anyone investigating Christianity for the first time. Gladly recommend it.
Solid. Has some 'moments of glory' in a few outstanding chapters where he really nails it, but also some fairly average chapters that seem not fully formed. Highlights were chapters on Trinity, Image, Incarnation, Cross and Church -- even if you've read him on these topics before, he really nails them in Doctrine. A little slower to read than his other books, but still an accessible intro to systematic theology. I think he struggles at times with the balance between letting loose on his own pers...more
Great basis for a Christian to explore the core beliefs of the faith. Written in a straight-forward manner. Goes a long way to take theology out of the realm of the dusty-old-books and puts it into the hands of the average Joe-Christian.
Excellent introduction to basic orthodox Christian doctrine. Engaging and clearly understandable. The small group questions in the back are a valuable resource. Highly recommended for personal reading or a group study.
This book is what started it all for me. Learning and really digging into my faith and theology. It challenged me on what I thought I knew and helped to strengthen my faith entirely!
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Mark A. Driscoll is the founder and teaching pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington, as well as the co-founder of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network where he also served as President for a short period. Driscoll continues to serve on the board of Acts 29. He has contributed to the "Faith and Values" section of the Seattle Times and the "On Faith" section of the Washington Post.
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Feb 19, 2013 07:49pm