Customer Reviews

Concise Theology

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is well suited for individual or small group study (I have done both). It has about 90 short chapters (2-4 pages each) of essential Christian doctrines, and is written from a Reformed perspective. Packer's writing style is straightforward, concise, and intended to be read by anyone. He includes numerous scripture references to support each of the doctrines, and I have found it useful to read a chapter and then spend up to an hour reading all of the related scripture references.

Sample topics include: Revelation (Scripture is the Word of God), Predestination (God has a purpose), Trinity (God is one and three), Holiness (God is Light), Conscience (God teaches and cleanses the heart), Incarnation, Virgin Birth, Repentance, Elders, Lord's Supper, Marriage, the Family, Second Coming, Heaven, Hell and many others.

Again, each chapter emphasizes why the doctrine is important for us to know - e.g., what difference it should make in our life. This book is wonde! rful for strengthening your faith and beliefs - helping you know why you believe what you believe, always based on the Bible.

May God bless you through this work as much as He has blessed me.....

J.I. Packer, who wrote such essential works as "Knowing God" and "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God", is wonderfully qualified to bring us this special little (267 pages) book, which in the words of Westminster Seminary professor Sinclair B. Ferguson "will serve equally well as an introduction to doctrine, a manual of theological terms, or a devotional study" (to which one might only add that it serves as a wonderful text for a group study as well).

The book is divided into 4 main sections, specifically "God Revealed as Creator," "God Revealed as Redeemer," "God Revealed as Lord of Grace," and "God Revealed as Lord of Destiny." These broad divisions are then subdivided into almost 100 short (2-4 pages) chapters, with topics ranging from "The Fall" to "The State". Not exactly a catechism, it is excellent medicine for a catechism-starved world, where vast numbers of Christians would have enormous difficultly even defining many of the most basic terms -- not to mention the most essential doctrines -- of our faith.

Finally, for those unfamiliar with Packer, he is Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and a senior editor of Christianity Today. He holds the D.Phil. from Oxford University, and is one of the world's most prominent Reformed theologians.

Many people like to pick up a book, read a couple of pages, and think about it. While upholding all of the wonderful things said in previous reviews, I would also like to add that this book is perfect for those who enjoy short readings. All of the major doctrines of the Christian faith are summarized and excellently presented in small chapters or sections of just a few pages. I went through this book in about a year and fully enjoyed it. In my opinion this book treats much of the same material found in "Knowing God" but in a more didactic, outlined manner. It is also a great quick reference of cardinal doctrinal points. It is condensed truth.

This is one of those "quick reference" type books. For those who need to brush up on basics; major theological points are put forth in a straight forward manner without the usual flummery.

Each salient has a page or two with appropriate Bible references. This format makes the book ideal for quick study or as a opener for discussion.

One caveat. The text definitely has a Reformed theological slant and may cause some to take umbrage at the tone of finality on matters that are quite open to reasoned disagreements. For example, the matter of Grace and Law. Opposing views are not given a fair hearing. But that is to be expected in a **CONCISE** handbook.

This handbook goes very well as a study guide to Berkohf's Systematic Theology.

Very good handbook that makes for a great reference.

the title say's just what you get. a concise theological guide to
historic christian beliefs. in short studies it covers all the essentials of the christian faith,
making it a great quick reference tool to go too when you need a ready
answer to an important question.
part one has God revealed as creator, part two as redeemer,part three as Lord of grace and part four as Lord
of destiny. each section has multiple listings, covering such topics as authority, omniscience, predestination, the trinity,
original sin, law, incarnation, dual nature of christ, election, regeneration, justification, the unpardonable sin,
second coming etc, etc.
an excellent tool to help any one get a grasp on the most important foundational truths of the christian faith in an easy
to read volume.
as it says on the back "the essentials are expressed so that you can both understand and appreciate the greatness
of God."

This is a great book. Packer handles a wide variety of subjects an easy to read style that doesn't water down the doctrine. I don't have as much time to read as I like, and particularly appreciated his brevity (it is titled CONCISE Theology, after all).

Packer's writes with an erudition, inpiration, and and force rare amongn evangelical scholars. His analyses are always anchored within the Scriptures themsleves. This is a book to cherish for insight, education, as well inpoiration. A rare achievement!

This book is exactly what it says it is: concise Christian theology. It is intelligently written yet not too difficult for the non-academic to understand. It consists of many short, one concept chapters, each explaining a single Christian belief from the Bible with the chapters and verses to support them.

Simple yet comprehensive. Read this one with an open Bible and notebook and pen in hand!
If you love Jesus you will appreciate how this book sheds more light on Him. Praise God for Dr Packer. He and this book are a gift to Christ's church.

Clear and readable theology. Each chapter is 2-3 pages long so you can digest the deep truths just a little at a time. What a gem from this author. Easily used as a daily devotional study.