Essentials of Christian Theology [Paperback]

William Placher (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2003

This splendid introductory textbook for Christian theology presents two essays by leading scholars on each of the major theological questions. William Placher provides an excellent discussion of the history and current state of each doctrine while the essays explore the key elements and contemporary issues relating to these important theological concepts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A stellar cast of scholars...Students and teachers will be using this volume for a long time. -- S. Mark Heim, Samuel Abbot Professor of Christian Theology, Andover Newton Theological School

A uniquely helpful resource. Placher's introduction to the history and language of each doctrine, and his summary statements,are invaluable. -- Shirley Guthrie, Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary

I strongly recommend this as a text for theology classes in seminaries, colleges and universities, and congregations. -- Lois Malcolm, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary

About the Author

William C. Placher was Charles D. and Elizabeth S. LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was the author or editor of a number of books including A History of Christian Theology, Jesus the Savior, and Essentials of Christian Theology, all published by WJK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 434 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1 edition (October 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664223958
• ISBN-13: 978-0664223953
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Theological give and take..., July 18, 2004

By 

FrKurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (Bloomington, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Essentials of Christian Theology (Paperback)

William Placher is a well-known theologian, a good writer and a great teacher, recognised as such by the American Academy of Religion a few years ago. When this book came out last year, I recognised it at once as a very valuable resource, both for classroom use and for congregational study. The book can be used as a good introduction to the key issues in theology, a companion volume for systematic theology classes, a worthwhile text for contemporary issues in theology, and a good pro-and-con collection on significant topics. As such, it should serve as a textbook in many settings.

Many of the names incorporated into this volume are significant figures in theology. I am pleased to have met several of them; I had heard of almost all of them before getting this text, which speaks to the prominence of the contributors.

There are nine primary issues addressed in the text, each with two essays developing the topic from different (although not always directly opposing) viewpoints. Each addresses aspects of what Placher identifies in the first chapter as the five factors in context of theology in North American today -- issues of modernity, post-modernity, ecumenism, pluralism, and the Barthian challenge. Placher describes the Barthian challenge as the idea that 'Christianity should never compromise its principles to fit the culture around it.' Placher defines ecumenism and pluralism for the context of this book, but modernity and post-modernity always present a challenge in definition.

Placher acknowledges that the nine primary topics are fairly standard; not all theological topics are covered here (such is often impossible in one-volume texts). He arranges them in the following manner:

Revelation and authority
Doctrine of God
Creation and providence
Human nature and sin
Christology (person and work of Jesus Christ)
Ecclesiology (church)
Christian life
Pluralism from a Christian perspective
Echatology (end-times; also, intentions and purposes)

Placher provides a brief introduction to each of the nine topics; these are almost always 7-8 pages in length, setting the stage for the subsequent dual presentations.

One of the more interesting exchanges for me was the chapter on 'Human nature and sin', where Placher paired Clark W. Williamson with Serene Jones. Serene Jones' father, Joe Jones, was a colleague of many years of Williamson; knowing Williamson and the elder Jones personally, and having met the younger Jones and having read her work independently, the exchange of views here was intriguing.

Placher's format is interesting -- the text is laid out with pull-quotes and text boxes scattered generously throughout the narrative, highlighting key points. There are suggested readings after each chapter, as well as questions for reflection and discussion. Placher's own introduction has a topically-arranged bibliography of further readings, too. There is a useful glossary of terms and names, as well as a good index.

The readings here are worthwhile without being unnecessarily hard or obtuse -- while this is a grand collection of theological scholars, it is also a good collection of accessible readings presuming no particularly in-depth theological education.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to theological studies, August 27, 2005

By 

Tedd Steele (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Essentials of Christian Theology (Paperback)

If you are beginning a journey in Christian theology, this book is for you. Dr. Placher has put together a collection of essays by 18 distinguished scholars. Nine important issues are discussed. Each section begins with a helpful introduction by Dr. Placher which serves to frame the discussion. Then two authors with different perspectives present their thoughts on the topic. At the end of each chapter are questions for discussion and a list of additional resources.

This book could serve as an excellent launching pad for further research in any of these areas. The great thing about the book is that it is not set up in an "us" versus "them" way. The authors don't set themselves up on the opposite sides of issues. Rather, each presents his or her own views in a non-confrontational way. By reading two perspectives on an issue, more of the nuance of the topic shows through. This is a wonderful resource.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Place for Evangelicals and Liberals to Meet, June 3, 2005

By 

R. Rauser (Edmonton, AB) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Essentials of Christian Theology (Paperback)

I teach at a conservative evangelical seminary and used this as a supplementary text to the mainstay (Millard Erickson). I must say that Placher has done a fantastic job of choosing a stellar lineup of essayists from a broad spectrum of opinion. Moreover, unlike some counterpoint books that leave the reader bewildered, each section here is unified by Placher's excellent introductions. The opinions expressed range from progressive evangelical to mainline liberal, and while there are definitely some places where my students were irritated (e.g. a defense of homosexual practice) or simply mystified (Cobb's process theology), their overall impression was positive. They recognized how much their horizons had been broadened, and that is the mark of an excellent introduction.