Christian Doctrine has introduced thousands of laity, students, and theologians to the tenets of the Christian faith. This edition reflects changes in the church and society since the publication of the first edition and takes into account new works in Reformed theology, gender references in the Bible, racism, pluralism, ecological developments, and liberation theologies.
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About the Author
Shirley C. Guthrie Jr. was, for many years, Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Guthrie's "Christian Doctrine" is an excellent introduction to Presbyterian/Reformed theology. A student of Karl Barth's, Guthrie's style, clarity, and structure enable this revised version of his Covenant Life Curriculum doctrinal offering to be appropriated by laity and clergy alike. The updated version is inclusive of theological voices that have joined the ongoing debate in the last thirty years. At the end of each chapter questions are provided to enable group study. This is a wonderful study for serious small group or Sunday school class work. A must have for any serious layperson in the Presbyterian/Reformed family.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Shirley Guthrie's introduction to Christian theology was recommended to me by Professor Roger E. Olson as a primer book for a theology/doctrine small group I started at my church, and it most helpfully delivered. Guthrie's book comes from a Presbyterian tradition that cherishes the works of Calvin and the documents of Westminster divines. Though he sees himself in neo-orthodox tradition, he displays a thorough knowledge of the London and Belgic Confessions as well as the Heidelberg Catechism, and remains reverent to them as he provocatively speaks to issues of racism, economic disparity, and human life. He also is a great writer that communicates complex subjects with remarkable ease.
Guthrie's strongest chapter by far is on the Atonement, where he deals with many of the hard problems in a penal-substitution theory that normally obfuscate the fact that God is FOR us and loves us without abandoning the theory altogether. His chapters on the church, Holy Sprit, and the Trinity are also especially strong. Written in the 1960's Guthrie took on some of the hot topics of the day, which shows a sometimes prophetic voice, yet also a dated one. His view of Word Council of Churches is awkwardly optimistic, and his weakest chapters are on the subject of Predestination and Biblical studies, though he does have some helpful notes on subjects of general and special revelation.
Though some might be ascared of Guthrie's neo-orthodox moorings, I can heartily recommend this book to any evangelical who is looking for a bigger picture of Christian theology.
Guthrie's strongest chapter by far is on the Atonement, where he deals with many of the hard problems in a penal-substitution theory that normally obfuscate the fact that God is FOR us and loves us without abandoning the theory altogether. His chapters on the church, Holy Sprit, and the Trinity are also especially strong. Written in the 1960's Guthrie took on some of the hot topics of the day, which shows a sometimes prophetic voice, yet also a dated one. His view of Word Council of Churches is awkwardly optimistic, and his weakest chapters are on the subject of Predestination and Biblical studies, though he does have some helpful notes on subjects of general and special revelation.
Though some might be ascared of Guthrie's neo-orthodox moorings, I can heartily recommend this book to any evangelical who is looking for a bigger picture of Christian theology.
17 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By "klparchem"
Format:Paperback
If your faith background was strict and dogmatic and you left because it was so narrow minded, then this is the book to help you find your faith once more. One of the best quotes from the book is, "An honest doubter is closer to the truth than a superficial or dishonest believer." Dr. Guthrie talks about the basic Christian Beliefs and reviews the pros and cons of each area-- so that you can decide what you believe. He does not hand out "pat" answers-- nor does he give "politically correct" answers. He does give Bible references throughout for further reflection. His work is refreshing and most helpful.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
very scholarly work
This book is a resource I turn to frequently when seeking to increase my depth of understanding of Christian, and particularly PCUSA, doctrine. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Katharine H Bradley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still brilliant
Years ago in theological school this was our standard doctrine text. I have used it for many years because it is so accessible, so thorough and so wise. Read more
Published 1 month ago by been2camp
3.0 out of 5 stars
Can't get the flow
This book is a little wordy and that makes it hard for me to get the underline meaning. I am beginning to understand why theologians disagree so much now.
Published 3 months ago by winston davidson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian Doctrine
Christian Doctrine by Shirley Guthrie. This book is very inresting, easy read, I love getting lightly used books that
are well marked.
are well marked.
Published 3 months ago by L L Strickland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian Doctrine
This book was recommended by my associate pastor. It is an in-depth discussion of the effects the Reformation had on the church. Questions about one's own beliefs are included. Read more
Published 7 months ago by nancy bertrand
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian Doctrine
This is a very clearly written book that provides many practical examples as teaching aids. It is basically an old book (though in 1994) but very good to use to prepare for... Read more
Published 21 months ago by inquiringmind
5.0 out of 5 stars
thorough coverage of the subject
I needed this book for a class. It arrived promptly and was in good condition as expected. Guthrie is thorough and clear, although pedantic and more conservative than I.
Published on October 28, 2009 by lay theology student
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thank You
I was very pleased how quickly I received the book. It is in excellent condition. Thank you for your service and honestly stating the quality of the book.
Published on September 14, 2009 by Kathleen H. Malone
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insights into the nature and activity of the trinitarian God
A study of Christian doctrine from a Reformed (Calvinistic)and orthodox point of view, using illustrations and idioms that would be understandable by an intelligent layperson. Read more
Published on March 2, 2009 by Robert D. Young
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best teaching tool for Reformed Theology!
I have used this with many local church groups and find it understandable, grace-full, and clear! It can be opened at any chapter and understood without reading the previous... Read more
Published on March 21, 2008 by N. Lassiter
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 50
books:
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82
books
cite this book:
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- Church Dogmatics (14 Volume Set) by Karl Barth on 5 pages
- Institutes of the Christian Religion (Two Volumes in One) by John Calvin on page 38, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Way of Jesus Christ: Christology in Messianic Dimensions by Jurgen Moltmann in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Trinity and the Kingdom of God: The Doctrine of God by Jurgen Moltmann in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
See all 50 books this book cites
- Equipping the Saints: Teacher Training in the Church by Sara Covin Juengst on 15 pages
- Portraits of God: A Biblical Theology of Holiness by Allan Coppedge on 8 pages
- Introducing the Reformed Faith: Biblical Revelation, Christian Tradition, Contemporary Significance by Donald K. McKim on 7 pages
- This We Believe: Eight Truths Presbyterians Affirm by Stephen W. Plunkett on 6 pages
- Christian Social Ministry: An Introduction by Darrel R. Watkins on 6 pages
See all 82 books citing this book
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