Global Dictionary of Theology (Hardcover)

~ William A. Dyrness (Editor), Veli-Matti Karkkainen (Editor), Juan Francisco Martinez (Editor), Simon Chan (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Theological dictionaries are foundational to any theological library. But until now there has been no Global Dictionary of Theology, a theological dictionary that presumes the contribution of the Western tradition but moves beyond it to embrace and explore a full range of global expressions of theology.

The Global Dictionary of Theology is inspired by the shift of the center of Christianity from the West to the global South. But it also reflects the increase in two-way traffic between these two sectors as well as the global awareness that has permeated popular culture to an unprecedented degree.

The editorial perspective of the Global Dictionary of Theology is an ecumenical evangelicalism that is receptive to discovering new facets of truth through listening and conversation on a global scale. Thus a distinctive feature of the Global Dictionary of Theology is its conversational approach. Contributors have been called on to write in the spirit of engaging in a larger theological conversation in which alternative views are expected and invited.

William A. Dyrness, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Juan F. Martinez and Simon Chan edit approximately 250 articles written by over 100 contributors representing the global spectrum of theological perspectives.

Pastors, theological teachers, theological students and lay Christian leaders will all find the Global Dictionary of Theology to be a resource that unfolds new dimensions and reveals new panoramas of theological perspective and inquiry. Here is a new launching point for doing theology in today's global context.

About the Author

Editors:

William A. Dyrness is professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a former missionary and the author of several books, including The Earth Is God's: A Theology of American Culture, Learning About Theology from the Third World, How Does America Hear the Gospel? and Reformed Theology and Visual Culture.

Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen is professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He has published numerous articles in international journals of theology. His books include Pneumatology (Baker), Christology (Baker), Toward a Pneumatological Theology (UPA), An Introduction to Ecclesiology (InterVarsity Press), Trinity and Religious Pluralism (Ashgate), The Doctrine of God (Baker) and One with God (Liturgical Press).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 996 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (October 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830824545
• ISBN-13: 978-0830824540
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #515,346 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for Informing The Reader of Different Views, December 15, 2008

By	PastoralMusings "mslapastor" (Dixie) - See all my reviews

This book is new to me in more ways than one. First of all, I live in south Mississippi. I am isolated in my ministry. I minister in Mississippi and Louisiana, and do not venture out further very often. I do try to read widely, however. Never the less, I was unprepared for the variety of view points that would be available. I do know, however, it is well that we seek to examine the viewpoints of others. We are all limited in what we see in Scripture. No single individual has such a corner on understanding and enlightenment that he would not benefit from considering another's viewpoint. That is what this dictionary does for us.
As one looks up various topics (I was surprised to see things such as business and human rights given articles in a dictionary of theology; but that is why this is given. These things are more important to some than to others. Thus, they must be considered, and we must consider why others count them as being important enough to put into a theological dictionary.) he will find that the editors sought to be fair and sympathetic in the ways that they portrayed the differences between the east and west in their ways and thoughts. Those differences are stated without harsh criticisms or condemnations. That is very good, in my opinion. Another thing that is seen is the fact of our limited perspective. We see the Scriptures through our cultural lens. There is no doubt of that. This book shows us other perspectives. Those perspectives may convert us, or they may solidify the beliefs that we already hold. Either way, this dictionary presents us with an opportunity to learn from others and the understanding to which their studies have led them.
In looking over the dictionary there was one thing that stood out to me. The dictionary is by no means an exhaustive dictionary of theology, though it is quite large. There are no entries for election or predestination. At the same time, it gives quite a bit of space to the larger picture under the entry for reformed theology. In looking at baptism I was quite pleased to see that baptism in water and various viewpoints were presented as well as Holy Spirit baptism. I was glad to see almost eighteen pages given to Christology which addressed past controversies over the person of Christ as well as presenting an overview of present day perspectives that are existent in various parts of the world.
In conclusion, this book is very in depth in its coverage of many topics. It does not nail down any certain view as dogma, however. The reader is left to form his own conclusions. Many of its topics relate to the various cultures and religions of the world. It is a book that will serve well in research libraries, seminaries, and the libraries of ministers who find themselves traveling much. It will also be useful to the one who desires to learn of the past and present differences in Christendom. While this book will probably not find its way onto the shelves of many American ministers, it is a book that will serve well those who are willing and ready to consider the studied opinions of others.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Theology from a Global Perspective, August 15, 2009

By	Robert J. Vajko "Bob Vajko" (Bloomington, Indiana) - See all my reviews

Here is a contribution to the church worldwide--theology as it proceeds from theologians from all over the world systematizing the Bible's teaching incarnationally in each culture. It helps North Americans to see some subjects that are missing in our traditional Western theology texts such as African theology, Australian theology, Japanese theology. It also help us to rethink some of our approaches to varied theological categories.

There is a wealth of information here for anyone ministering cross-culturally and theologizing cross-culturally.

Obviously, the articles are influenced by each author and his cultural bias. Nevertheless, it is good to be forced to see things from another cultural point of view.

I was surprised to not find an article on "church planting" and although the article on "Ecclesiology" was helpful it would been even more valuable to have mentioned the question of the starting of new churches under this category.

Here is a welcome volume to doing theology cross-culturally and well worth its price.