Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know [Paperback]

Wayne Grudem (Author), Elliot Grudem (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

Christian Essentials Made Plain and Simple God doesn't call every Christian to go off to seminary, but there are certain matters of doctrine---that is, the church's teaching---that every Christian simply must know. Theology is important because what we believe affects how we live. If you're a relatively new believer in Jesus, or if you're a more mature Christian looking for a quick brush-up on basics of the faith, Christian Beliefs is for you. This readable guide to twenty basic Christian beliefs is a condensation of Wayne Grudem's award-winning book on systematic theology, prized by pastors and teachers everywhere. He and his son, Elliot, have boiled down the essentials of Christian theology for the average layperson and made them both clear and applicable to life. You will learn about the Bible, the characteristics of God, what it means that we are created in the image of God, what God has done for us in Christ, the purpose of the church, and much more. Each chapter includes questions for personal review or group discussion. These truly are twenty basic beliefs that every Christian should know. Wayne Grudem is a master teacher with the ability to explain profound truths in simple language. He is a man of deep conviction and theological passion---and those who read this book will be both educated and encouraged in the faith. R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky Based on Systematic Theology, this summary will certainly help beginners with Christ to get the hang of their faith. J. I. Packer, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia As Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology contracts into a compact book, I do not lose my enthusiasm for the truth he loves and the clarity of his words. John Piper, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Editorial Reviews

Review

'These truly are 20 basic beliefs that every Christian should know. Wayne Grudem is a master teacher with the ability to explain profound truths is simple language. He is a man of deep conviction and theological passion -- and those who read this book will be both educated and encouraged in the faith.' -- R. Albert Mohler Jr, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky <br><br>

About the Author

andnbsp;Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He holds degrees from Harvard (AB), Westminster Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Cambridge (PhD). He is the author of more than a dozen books including the bestselling Systematic Theology. andnbsp; SPANISH BIO: Wayne Grudem es profesor de teologia sistematica y biblica en Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, en Deerfield, Illinois. Ostenta titulos de Harvard (Licenciatura en Arte) del seminario Westminster (Maestro en Divinidades), y de Cambridge (Doctor en Filosofia). Es autor de un gran numero de libros, entre los que se incluye el ganador del Premio Medallon de Plata Teologia Sistematica y es coeditor de Recovering Biblical.

Elliot Grudem is Senior Minister at Christ the King Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his wife, Kacey, live in Raleigh with their daughter.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310255996
• ISBN-13: 978-0310255994
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Theology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview, December 8, 2006

By 

Brett W. Avants (Saint Charles, MO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know (Paperback)

Grudem's book is an excellent overview of the basics of Chistian beliefs from a Reformed point of view. The chapters are between 3-5 pages, just long enough for a new Christian to read and digest the material without getting bogged down in a lot of detailed discussion. That is not to say that this book is light on doctrine or details. All of the fundamentals are there. While it is written from a Reformed point of view, the book is applicable for all evangelical Christian perspectives. I know Pentecostal churches that use this book for new Christian classes. I am using this book as a text for a Christian Foundations class, and it is working well. For a new Christian, or for someone wanting to know the basics of Christian beliefs, this is a great starting point. For more in-depth study, I would also recommend Grudem's book Bible Doctrines, which is the next step up, and also his book Systematic Theology, which is extremely readable and detailed.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for the laymen, September 15, 2006

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T. Pantazi (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know (Paperback)

I love this book because the way Mr. Grudem speaks is like having a chat with a friend not talking to a intellectual. The issues he covers are clearly presented in ways that make it easy to follow. The systematic approach is clear and concise. Another thing I like is I can go back and grab a chapter for review and not have to worry about having read the other chapters. One final thought is that I appreciate how both sides of an argument are addressed. The author doesn't simply state the position he believes and leave you wondering about the other side of the story. He discusses the challenges that the theological position he is taking often faces.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know, March 20, 2006

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N. Day (Niceville, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know (Paperback)

I have read Grudem's Systematic Theology and Bible Doctrine. Christian Beliefs provides a wonderful introduction and practical guide concerning the primary doctrines of the Bible. It is written in such a way that even the young reader can understand.

I have found Wayne Grudem to be clear and precise.