Customer Reviews

Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought

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This book was a good resource as an introduction to historical Christian theology. At Southeastern Baptist Theological College, we used this as a companion text for our Church History class. By using certain case studies for specific historical theological events (i.e. heresies, etc.), McGrath delved deeper into certain subjects. Another definite 'plus' for the book is the numerous incorporations of source documents. McGrath would not just summarize what certain historical church figures did or said, he actually inserted their writings into the case studies scattered throughout the text. If you're looking to get an initial overview of the way theology progressed through the ages from the Church Fathers to the present, McGrath is a reliable source to consult.

This is a great introduction to historical Christian theology. Basically all major theological developments from the earliest rumblings to the modern era are treated. In cases when the theological arguments do become complicated, McGrath lays them out and reviews them again in appropriate detail. The meat of the book, the "case studies," contain short selections from the relevant original texts so students can engage the original authors at their level.

This must be a very difficult sort of book to write while keeping the length reasonable (which it is -- under 400 pages). As is appropriate for an introduction and overview, the book does not get *too* detailed about any one topic (e.g., the thousands of trees felled over the ontological argument are distilled to a few pages in a case study). But the list for further reading, one of the most important resources of a book like this, provides a road map of the relevant literature.

The knowledge of general history assumed is quite basic -- at times too much so. McGrath errs on the side of caution here. But this does make it all the more appropriate for self study as well as a basic college course.

Once the medieval period is reached, McGrath definitely focuses on Western Christian theology (though in his defense that has something to do with the change in the seat of Christian theological ferment in the world). This should be kept in mind when deciding on purchase. Also, the title is accurate: this is a book about theology, not the Church in general or its social context. Look elsewhere for that.

The material is drawn primarily from the historical material in McGrath's _Christian Theology_. The present book is more affordable (at least where I bought it), but less comprehensive. So that's the tradeoff. If you have the more comprehensive book this is probably not necessary.

There are many ways to study theology -- topically, by denominational structure, by particular theologians, etc. One of the more common approaches, and still a popular one, has been to study theology through the historical development of ideas, beliefs and doctrines. Alister McGrath's book, 'Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought' is one such text. Following a brief introduction, it is divided into four broad historical sections: The Patristic Period (100 - 451), the Middle Ages and Renaissance (500 - 1500), the Reformation and Post-Reformation (1500 - 1750), and finally, the Modern Period (1750 - the present).

In his introduction, McGrath traces the various sources and types of theology - biblical studies, philosophy, pastoral issues, and church history all provide insights into this. The development of historical theology as a discipline began in the Reformation era, when it became important to understand not only the doctrines and dogmatic principles of the church, but also how they came to be developed and instituted. Historical theology is an important pedagogic and critical tool, useful for creating a greater understanding of our present situations.

McGrath's chapters on the Patristic and Middle Ages periods look at the wider church ideas, developments of the creeds, canon of scripture, and early ecclesial structures along with the development of key ideas and key theologians. In addition to this, McGrath presents case studies, which include the various historical heresies (Donatism, Pelagianism, etc.) and various philosophical problems (arguments for the existence of God). Included here are discussions of the impact of Celtic Christianity and monastic institutions on the overall development of theology.

After these periods, into the Renaissance, Reformation, Post-Reformation and Modern periods, the book is predominantly Western in outlook. Beginning with Scholasticism and the philosophical Humanism of the Renaissance beginning to influence general intellectual life inside and outside of the church, McGrath continues with the various Reformations (not all were the same), including the Catholic Reformation (often termed the Counter-Reformation). The influence of the Enlightenment and theological movements since then include a long list of -isms, including Feminism, Marxism, Modernism and Postmodernism, Postliberalism, Romanticism, Liberal Protestantism, and Evangelicalism (among others!). Case studies in these include the key controversies of ideas in the Reformation, quests for the Historical Jesus, political influences in the theological debates, and the growing influence of the two-thirds world on the theological scene.

McGrath's final case study is on the issue of method in theology in the modern period -- the starting point as well as the purpose is continually questioned, and McGrath highlights issues drawing from Schleiermacher, Tillich, Rahner, Barth, Lindbeck and Guttierez. Immediately following this (indeed, this section could be the beginning of another book, a companion to this text), McGrath addresses the issue of 'Where next?' for the student and reader. McGrath includes an extensive list of suggested further readings, divided by period, topic, and other helpful groupings.

McGrath is a good writer and educator -- this book is accessible to most readers, not assuming a great background in history, philosophy or theology; however, the more background one has, the better the experience of reading this book. It is a survey, which means it does not go into great detail, but it does include a fairly thorough introduction to all of the major and many of the side issues of theology through the 2000 years of Christian history.

McGrath is a leading scholar in our day, and this book shows why. While obviously very informed in his area of study, his writing is alive and easily accessible to the reader just wading into the study of historical theology. There are excerpts of original writings from different issues in church history, all of which are framed by McGrath's helful explanation, summary, and commentary. Definitely worth having.

I have to read this book for my church history class and I have found it to be a very good resource. The author presents the material in a highly readable format but it is not immature writing either. There are brief explanations about key figures throughout the churches history and these help you relate theologies with their proponents. This is a well written book that is highly insightful.

Pros:
Well written
Based on historical documents
Very in-depth

Cons:
Not for personal reading

The book is excellent for the those interested in the roots of the Christian church. The topics and case studies are well organized. One problem, the editing is spotty. I thought I was just tired reading the book and noticed that full paragraphs repeat themselves in multiple locations. In one case about a third through the book, half a page is duplicated two pages later, which really slows down the reading. All in all it is an excellent book and I would read it again. (and probably will)

Read it because I'm interested in Theology. Very comprehensive. The companion reader is 5 stars.

Very good text book. Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought