Customer Reviews

Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology

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To paraphrase a saying, "In essentials unity; in other things liberty; in all things charity." With "Across the Spectrum", Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy have put this into practice, surveying a wide variety of what I call "next-tier" Christian doctrinal questions. In this unique book, each chapter deals with a different issue in Christian doctrine, each issue the subject of considerable past and/or present interest and debate among evangelical Christians, and each one outside the common ecumenical core of Christian doctrine. Or rather, not outside that core, but at a more-detailed level of extrapolation and understanding of that core, while remaining within it.

For example, Body and Eddy explain in their first chapter, all traditional and evangelical Christians affirm the divine, infallible, and unique inspiration of the Bible. This is a core (ecumenical) doctrine. But what does it mean to say the Bible is inspired of God in this way, particularly with respect to mundane and spiritually-ancillary Biblical details such as geneologies, chronologies, observations of nature and creation, and so on? Is it to say that the Bible is without face-value error in all its statements, even these? Or is it to say that the Bible faithfully communicates what God intends it to, without pollution that would interfere with his redemptive message - a position allowing for imprecision or inaccuracy in Biblical details extraneous to faith and practice?

In other words, is it verbal, plenary, inerrant inspiration? Or infallible concepts transported by human literature? This is the "next tier" to the inspiration doctrine, and most other Christian doctrines likewise have "next tiers" of their own. In these "next tier" issues, Christians have long had liberty to explore and debate, even while both affirming the general doctrines within which they nest, and charitably acknowledging one another's faith.

"Across the Spectrum" affirms this charity, presenting chapters on such issues as:

- What does it mean to say God is in control? Predestination? Or mere foreknowledge?
- What does it mean to affirm humans are free and morally responsible? Is this compatible with predestination and election? Or not?
- Was Christ's atonement limited or not? Does God save (and condemn) by election? Or by human response to his grace?
- What happens to the unevangelized, those who die without the knowledge of the core Christian doctrines?
- What is a permissible way of interpreting the "days" creation account in Genesis? Is Genesis 1 scientific and historical fact (perhaps phrased phenomenologically)? Or is it storied theology?

Each chapter begins by summarizing the issue and presenting the core, general doctrinal stance taken by all traditional Christians at all times, in contrast to modernist or non-Christian views on the issue. Each chapter then, in sections, puts forward a well-argued case for each position. Arguments are based primarily on Biblical exegesis, but include some theology and philosophy and also include counters to common objections. Naturally, space limitations constrain each argument to a high level and just a few pages. But arguments for each position are nonetheless faithfully, fairly, and forcefully presented (I often found myself agreeing with whichever position whose argument I read most recently :-).

In summary, charity for the diversity of viewpoints within Christianity is perhaps the hallmark of this unique book. For that reason, some conservative Christians will have a hard time with this book, believing many of these "next tier" issues are, in fact, obviously answered by Scripture, and that those answers are thus squarely part-and-parcel of the general core doctrines themselves. Thus no debate over them is legitimate, and other views (such as many of those presented by this book) flirt with apostasy. For a doctrinely-legalistic Christian, who defines the saving essentials so that they include a hundred or more narrow, systematic theological claims that would take dozens or hundreds of pages to explicate, "Across the Spectrum" will be a hard swallow. For Christians more inclined to the example of the Bible itself - a work of anything but systematic theology - "Across the Spectrum" will be a valued resource.

Most of the reviews of this book are missing the point of this book. The varying views given in this book have come out of thought and interpretation of what is written in the Bible and who they believe God to be. The point is for the reader to not only read the different views given in this book and "pick and choose", but to thoughtfully read along with the Bible and try to come up with their own coherent worldview.
Not to mention this is only an introduction to the different evangelical viewpoints that are around. It's not that they are supposed to choose one or another (more than likely their views are already solidified), perhaps it could be viewed as a tool to understand and communicate with christians who have different views on God, Creation, etc... Maybe even a way to debate with someone who you might think has the wrong view.

Boyd and Eddy have written something close to a masterpiece when it comes to discussing issues in practical theology. In this book, arguments for each side are clearly presented, argued, and argued against. In the end, the reader is left to decide what they think is true, and is given resources to help them figure out what is true.
Howeverm, one may object (as Mr. Scott does) that the Bible is the sole source of truth, and we must follow its word. Granted, but what exactly does the bible say about these issues? That is the issue at hand, and to simply reject one side of the discussion without careful thought is outrageous. Indeed, if the Bible were as clear as many people would like to believe, then there would be no need for this book. However, to sustain this position, one needs to simply denounce the works of many evangelicals, without regard to the work God has done in their lives, dismissing it as the work of Satan.
I apologize for that excursion, but such character attacks are silly and unfounded, and the authors deserve to be defended against such attacks. The book they've written, though not perfect, is a model for how evangelicals should deal with differing viewpoints; in love, and with an open heart and mind.

I came on-line today, looking to purchase 50 copies of this book. We use it as a supplement in the second year of the discipleship program we run at our church (based on a 21-month curriculum I co-wrote). I couldn't believe that the reviews are only averaging 1.5 stars-- and had to write a review (my first). A low rating for this book is patently absurd. This book is AWESOME for looking at the two or more "sides" of various topics within the pale of Christian orthodoxy. If you're looking for an objective account of how "good people have disagreed"-- now and in the past, then you've come across an unmatched resource. If you insist on dogmatically holding to a single view on these complex topics, this book will frustrate you. Unfortunately, that is a reflection of your legalism/dogmatism, not an underlying flaw in the book.

This great resource reads kind of like a collection of cliff notes on those "3 Views" and "4 Views" books I'm always thinking about reading but never get around to. Boyd and Eddy do a fantastic job of appropriately representing the various positions on a number of confusing topics. With only two exceptions (The Threefold Self and the Cessationist View on the Gifts) I found myself either agreeing or saying "Wow, I guess I see how someone with a high view of scripture can actually believe that." Oh, and there is an on-line appendix that covers another 12 topics.

I agree with some of the reviewers that a couple of the positions (e.g. the openness of God) I would not include in self designated evangelical discussion. However, in the author's defense, there are individuals and movements that would like to both call themselves evangelicals and hold these positions, so they are worth being informed about.

The text focuses on the biblical data with lesser space devoted to philosophical arguments and appeals to church history. This is not a devotional text (look elsewhere for that). However, on the whole it is a worthwhile and accessible 263 pages that will help a reader defend their position, understand the diversity in their movement and give a hearing to the vast reservoir of Biblical data.

This is an excellent book.

Its excellence is not so much in the contents discussed but by the fact that the differences within Evangelicalism are finally laid open for all to examine. In the spirit of Zondervan's "views" books "Across the Spectrum" will only serve to improve academic, intellectual, theological, and philosophical reflection.

Differences in theological issues are many. However, they need not divide but make up the richness of what Roger Olsen calls the Mosaic of Christian belief.

Those who attribute to Boyd malicious ulterior motives are misguided. "Across the Spectrum" to anyone who reads it is not meant as a defense of any particular view. Opposing views are each fairly represented and easy to understand.

Rather than labeling our brethren as heretics for holding diverse viewpoints (within the pale of orthodoxy) and accusing some of attacking God I wish others would look beyond their own insecurities, biases and presuppositions and enter into humble dialog with opposing views.

It shouldn't have to be said, but since no one has REALLY said it, I will. Do you negative reviewers actually believe that the authors hold all of these views? And that it is their intent for you to just pick any of them (cafeteria-style) and that they're all equal? Do you think that they crafted all of these positions? From many of the comments, some of you are placing the blame on Boyd and Eddy for presenting views held by a good number of your fellow believers. PLEASE....before blasting away with all the negativity, understand what the intent of the book is.

Several of the reviewers here "get it." I have read this book and refer to it regularly when trying to understand the basis for a position that I do not hold when I have come across someone who does hold such a view. And, by the way, you can't tell from reading this book what position the authors actually hold, anyway. Can any of you tell me which of these views are held by Paul Eddy? I don't think so. Just because you may have read some of Boyd's other books and think you have him pegged, doesn't mean that these topics aren't treated very fairly in this book. It's a great resource and its a shame that many of us are so quick to criticize without using the wisdom that God has for us.

Note to Jan from Baltimore - I read your four other reviews, too. Do you have anything edifying to say about anything? You're very verbose (are you sure you didn't go to an Ivy League school?) but really didn't say anything of value, in my humble opinion.

This book has helped me to strengthen my conservative beliefs (not obtained from "liberal Yale or Princeton", Jan) via solid scripture and to better understand other evangelical beliefs (and their history) held by Christians with whom I will celebrate with in heaven. Just because we don't all hold the same EXACT beliefs about non-core salvation issues, if we have repented and now follow Jesus, we can sing His praises in the Kingdom....together.

Let's focus on what we have in common as believers rather than simply trash something we don't understand.

By the way, if you're an evangelical Christian, I'll bet that your beliefs are fairly presented in this book. Nice work to the authors on this one!

How very frustrating this becomes. Within two days of my pointed observation regarding the purpose of this book, another review again targets it for reasons beyond that very purpose. I now feel as if it's almost pointless to try further elucidation of its value, but I might as well try again.

Firstly, Ms. Ashton suggests that Across the Spectrum reveals severe divisions within the modern church, resultantly causing the actual Biblical truth to be scattered. Quite frankly, such an opinion betrays a severe lack of knowledge about church history. Of all of the views presented in this book, *none* are younger than two hundred years, and most have been passionately debated for well over a thousand years. I seriously doubt that modern culture has caused this diversity of opinion when the opinions themselves predate that culture by hundreds upon hundreds of years! These same types of theological argumentation can furthermore be traced directly to the generation immediately following the apostles--such debates were the very reason for the canonization of the New Testament. Contrary to Ms. Ashton's belief, the "splintering" of the modern church does not exist due to these beliefs, and the church has never been fully united on any *one* of these issues.

Secondly, Ms. Ashton refers to many of the arguments for various positions as "theospeakish doubletalk" that call into question even the essentials of Christian faith. Again, this raises questions regarding the reason behind her position. The Christian position, as defined by the Nicene creed (generally accepted by nearly all denominations as the uniting Christian beliefs), describes only a few *necessary* beliefs: Christ, the Son of God and one with both the Father and the Holy Spirit, became man, was crucified to redeem mankind of its sins, rose on the third day, and will return to judge mankind. *That* is the uniting Christian belief, and none of the positions in Across the Spectrum call these claims into question. Ms. Ashton's identification of Christian "essentials" is completely off-base.

Finally, I do not intend to criticize or belittle, but I simply cannot stand idly while individuals criticize a book and its author on the basis of perceived flaws and ideological motivations when those very criticisms have no sound basis. Again, this book is intended as a RESOURCE to better understand differing theological perspectives, and succeeds very well. It does not advocate one position over another, it does not call into question core Christian beliefs and it most certainly does not intend to "convert" you to one perspective over another. Perhaps once more people begin to realize this, they will give Across the Spectrum a more fair reading.

In spite of all the criticism it has received here, I think this book does a good job of presenting the various evangelical positions on the issues it covers. It's a great starting point for anyone wishing to explore or develop their own views on these issues in light of the differing positions taken by other evangelical Christians. Some have criticized the authors for bias toward their own views. But that's to be expected from a book like this. No one is completely unbiased. The intent of the authors is not to have the last word, but to help Christians begin to think through their positions on important theological issues. If you are afraid of having your theology challenged, either don't read the book or don't be afraid. It can be a great learning experience if you approach it with a critical, but open, mind. If you do read the book you should also be willing to do further reading and study on issues that are important to you. Each chapter has good list of further reading at the end for that purpose. Whether or not some of these positions are held by a majority of evangelicals is beside the point. The Bible is used as the authority in defining every position described in this book. That should be enough for any evangelical Christian to give it consideration.

As far as Janine Wigram's comment on and earlier edition this review goes, "Just because some theologaster quotes verses to 'support' the position doesn't legitimize it. How naive and silly to suppose that mere citation of Bible texts sanctions a theological position as Evangelical or Scriptural." This is is true. It's just as true of her quotation of Rom. 16:17-18 and her application of it to the views that oppose hers in this book. As anyone who has read the book can see, Boyd and Eddy do more than just prooftext Scripture. I think they are doing with it what any honest and committed Christian ought to do: Study it carefully to see what it really teaches us. For those of us who admit that our interpretation of the Bible may not be on par with the Apostle Paul, this book is a good place to start (not the last word, by any means).

I find it extremely ironic that the majority of reviews for this book address Gregory Boyd's personal beliefs--views that quite frankly have little to do with this particular work. It is first and foremost designed to be a comparative theology resource, and as such, it functions extremely well. As pointed out in the introduction, the authors do *not* intend to advocate one view over another, and each perspective is given fair and impartial examination. At no point do Boyd or Eddy adopt a personal stance or advocate a certain belief. They rather maintain objectivity throughout, a fact that is apparently overlooked by other reviewers. Again, this book is merely designed to give background on differing theological views and the evidence for such views, and it succeeds quite well in that regard. The aforementioned criticisms of this work derive from ad hominem attacks on Boyd. Regardless of the beliefs we may hold, such personal attacks belie both insecurity and inconsistency with genuine Christian beliefs. Read the book and judge for yourself.