Tradition and Incarnation: Foundations of Christian Theology

by William L. Portier

This two-part text for introductory theology courses at the undergraduate level explores foundational concepts dealing with revelation and various christological themes. †

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tradition and Incarnation was a basic introduction to Christian theology. The text gives an in depth look at the very basic questions that make up the foundations of Christian theology; for instance, "How was the Bible complied? Is Jesus human or divine? How do we know that the Bible is accurate?" etc.

The text explains the various forms through which Biblical accuracy can be discerned, such as form criticism, source criticism, and textual criticism. In addition to this, the book takes great pains to explain how faith and reason can co-exist and takes the time to address each of the various philosophical obstacles that Christianity has come up against since the Enlightenment.

I enjoyed this book due to the reason that it presented within its arguments. One of the main obstacles that Christianity has come up against in recent years is the unsoundness of a fundamentalist (strictly inerrant) viewpoint. The text takes great pains to explain that the Bible is infallible only when it is viewed in a theological manner - in layman's terms, the Bible is NOT a science textbook, nor is it a historical or geographically sound novel. Personally, I think that more people should be taking that viewpoint.

[Duane Alexander Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too advanced for undergrad American students today. 20 years ago it would have been fine.