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Basic Christian Doctrines

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Carl F. H. Henry (1913-2003) was one of the most important evangelical theologians of the twentieth century. He was instrumental in the founding of Christianity Today and Fuller Theological Seminary, both of which have drifted toward liberalism as of late. (Fuller's slide toward liberalism is detailed in George Marsden's REFORMING FUNDAMENTALISM.)

In 1960 or so, Christianity Today serially published a number of brief essays on various topics in theology, which were published together in this book. (Christianity Today was more scholarly and conservative in those days.) These essays (which number 43, plus a postscript by Roger Nicole) were written by some of the most prominent evangelical thinkers of the day, including Cornelius van Til, F. F. Bruce, G. E. Ladd, and E. J. Carnell. Actually, just about all the deep thinkers in Evangelical Christianity of the time except Gordon Clark appeared to have contributed to this project.

This book is an informative mini-systematic theology. It's a good place to start if you want an introduction to conservative Protestant theology.

This work was first published as a series in "Christianity Today," and collected in book form in 1962. From Carl F.H. Henry's introduction:

"This present collection of theological table talks with many of the devout scholars of our day is a feast for mind and heart. Here and there, special denominational traditions may shine through. But what the various contributors share in common as committed evangelicals far outweighs their differences. This basic agreement is only proper in a united theological effort that would stimulate renewed and devoted study of those priorities which determine the destiny of our world."

Contributors include G.C. Berkouwer, John H. Gerstner, J. Oliver Buswell Jr., Cornelius Van Til, F.F. Bruce, John F. Valvoord, John Murray, James I. Packer, and Roger Nicole.