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Survivor's Guide to Theology, The
This introduction to theology provides students with a complete overview of theology. Its three sections bring together information that is usually scattered over many volumes. The first section looks at what theology is, while the second offers an overview of the many theological systems, past and present. The last part is a quick-reference theological fact-finder, providing definitions of theological terms and brief biographies of major theologians.
640 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2006
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October 12, 2011
An excellent work on the development of christian theology! I held back the 5th star because the book did not examine as many of the main Protestant denominational theologies as I wished.
The book is divided into two main parts: an introduction to theological thought (e.g. 'what is theology?'), and explanation of different theological systems. The introduction was especially useful in framing the concepts many theological systems seek to address. Sawyer reflects on most (but not all) of history's famous philosophers and builds a base on which the reader can examine the theologies of the day. As for theological systems, Sawyer looks at the history, thoughts, and critiques of Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, Reformed (Calvinism), Wesleyan/Arminianism, Dispensationalism, Liberalism, Neorthodoxy, and Liberation Theology.
After these two parts is an additional 100+ pages of short biographies on important theologians and philosophers. The work finishes with a wealth of recommended readings on everything from creation to sin to election/predestination. It's a great book. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would, but I can't justify a full 5 without the explanation of more theological systems.
The book is divided into two main parts: an introduction to theological thought (e.g. 'what is theology?'), and explanation of different theological systems. The introduction was especially useful in framing the concepts many theological systems seek to address. Sawyer reflects on most (but not all) of history's famous philosophers and builds a base on which the reader can examine the theologies of the day. As for theological systems, Sawyer looks at the history, thoughts, and critiques of Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism, Reformed (Calvinism), Wesleyan/Arminianism, Dispensationalism, Liberalism, Neorthodoxy, and Liberation Theology.
After these two parts is an additional 100+ pages of short biographies on important theologians and philosophers. The work finishes with a wealth of recommended readings on everything from creation to sin to election/predestination. It's a great book. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would, but I can't justify a full 5 without the explanation of more theological systems.
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