The Christian Theology Reader [Paperback]

Alister E. McGrath (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2001 | ISBN-10: 063120637X | ISBN-13: 978-0631206378 | Edition: 2

This Reader brings together 324 seminal texts of Christian theology, drawn from more than 200 different sources throughout the two thousand years of Christian history.

• Follows the same structure as its companion volume, Christian Theology: An Introduction, or it can easily be used as a freestanding resource.
  
  
• Contains more classical and multicultural readings to supplement the wide-ranging collection of the first edition.
  
  
• Features updated study panels, introductions to every reading, bibliographies, a substantially revised and expanded glossary and study questions, as well as full cross-referencing.
  
  
• Includes a new section on 'Theological Resources on the Internet'.
  
  
• Won a Christianity Today book award in its first edition.

More details on the third edition of The Christian Theology Reader can be found on the following website: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/mcgrath

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In a time when Christians are increasingly ignorant of our own traditions, McGrath's efforts in his Introduction and this Reader are most welcome. Those who have found his Introduction a significant resource will undoubtedly also want to use his companion set of readings. Its great strength is the breadth of figures and topics treated, and we can hope that students who become acquainted with the riches in these brief selections will want to return to engage the primary sources in their fullness. Such engagements could offer an important sign of hope for Christianity's future." L. Gregory Jones, Duke University, North Carolina (of the previous edition)

"This anthology of extracts from primary sources will prove extremely useful for teaching historical and systematic theology. It is essential that students use primary sources, and a compromise has to be reached between undue expectations and snippets which are too brief to help. In the light of the author's introductions, the quotations are sufficiently substantial to be useful, yet remain within a compass which is realistic for undergraduate or theological college needs. I shall place it high on my book-lists for students". Anthony C. Thiselton, University of Nottingham (of the previous edition)

"The Christian Theology Reader brings the best primary sources to the theological inquirer." Gabriel Fackre, Andover Newton Theological School (of the previous edition)

Review

"Exquisitely crafted by a true master of the discipline, this inspired book is a theological and pedagogical treasure trove for students and teachers alike, and demonstrates once again why Alister McGrath is so widely trusted and revered as one of the most sagacious and gracefully discerning theologians writing today."
—Paul D. Janz, King's College London

"Alister McGrath’s anthology is a treasure trove of theological texts, the best such reader currently available. His brief introduction, comment, and questions for each reading make this a very handy resource for teachers and students alike. Through voices past and present, students will gain a seat at the dining table for a veritable feast of theology."
—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Wheaton College Graduate School --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 707 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (February 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 063120637X
• ISBN-13: 978-0631206378
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #871,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable companion to Christian Theology, November 4, 2000

By 

Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Christian Theology Reader (Paperback)

Alister McGrath's collections of readings are excellent reference works for anyone wishing a comprehensive, genuinely pluralistic study of the development of Christian theology. Particularly because many Christians have a limited scope, based entirely on one "school" or tradition, this book, and its highly readable companion volume, is enriching and enlightening. Since the books do not presume a knowledge of the various writers (as would many theology texts), but present a continuous historical perspective, either the student of religious studies, the historian, or one merely seeking to enrich his understanding of Christianity will find these texts "fill in the blanks" of the great richness in Christian thought throughout two millennia.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A HUGE book that's actually easy to finish!!!, February 12, 2010

By 

Lekesha Williams "SHORT ATTENTION SPAN" (RICHMOND, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christian Theology Reader (Paperback)

Wow is all I can say. I order books from amazon on a constant basis and none have come close to this one. I love how it is sectioned off into short chapters jammed pack with 1) info including an introduction and background for the writing, 2) the original excerpt from the writing, 3) comments that further explain or sum up the excerpt, 4) questions at the end so you can research some more on your own. I love it, especially the fact that each lesson (there's 362 lesson by the way) are ALL short, limited to 1-2 pages. This is perfect for those with wandering minds like myself to fit a solid lesson in a day with full concentration. I've even managed to keep a notebook in which I dedicate one page to each lesson, leaving room so I can come back and add things I learn later on. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for Everyone, April 22, 2007

By 

Ryan Leack (Fullerton, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Christian Theology Reader (Paperback)

Even if you know nothing about Christianity, upon finishing this anthology you will know all of the major debates and ideas that have been the foundation of the religion. I would recommend this book to everyone, for all should be educated about the world's major religions, like Christianity and Islam, which have billions of followers worldwide. This book is very easy to read and the selections are short, yet very informative. Their are also study questions and summarizations for extra knowledge. McGrath has a talent for making Christianity understood.