Integrative Theology [Hardcover]

Gordon R. Lewis (Author), Bruce A. Demarest (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 1996

Integrative Theology is designed to help graduate students in a pluralistic world utilize a standard method of fruitful research. Each chapter on a major doctrine: (1) states a classic issue of ultimate concern, (2) surveys alternative past and present answers and (3) tests those proposals by their congruence with information on the subject progressively revealed from Genesis to Revelation. Then the chapter (4) formulates a doctrinal conclusion that consistently fits the many lines of biblical data, (5) defends that conviction respectfully, and finally (6) explores the conclusion's relevance to a person's spiritual birth, growth and service to others, all for the glory of God. Why the title Integrative Theology? In each chapter, steps 2-6 integrate the disciplines of historical, biblical, systematic, apologetic and practical theology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Integrative Theology is one of the most biblically reliable and faithful presentations of Christian theology from an evangelical perspective. It formulates each Christian doctrine on the basis of thorough biblical expositions and historical investigations. Its integrative methodology is very sound and its emphasis on applicational dimensions of each Christian doctrine makes it an absolutely unique contribution to evangelical systematic theology. -- Sung Wook Chung, Associate Professor of Theology, Denver Seminary <br><br>

From the Back Cover

This study is a new and distinctive approach to theology. It integrates the historical, biblical, systematic, apologetic, and practical fields. Integrative theology involves six steps: 1. Defining a distinct problem or subject for inquiry 2. Learning alternative approaches to the topic 3. Articulating a coherent summary of Old and New Testament teaching 4. Formulating a cohesive doctrine and relating it to other biblical doctrines and other knowledge 5. Defending the doctrine 6. Applying the doctrine as a driving force for Christian life and ministry. The complete three-book set now has been brought together in one volume to address the following topics: Book One: Knowing Ultimate Reality: The Living God - Book Two: Our Primary Need: Christ's Atoning Provisions - Book Three: Spirit-Given Life: God's People Present and Future

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Hardcover: 578 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (August 19, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310209153
• ISBN-13: 978-0310209157
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, clear, practical, July 1, 2002

By 

David Horner (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Integrative Theology (Hardcover)

While not written at the level of technical philosophical detail as Aquinas or Pannenberg (as another review here stresses), this text is still set apart from most general theological treatments by its philosophical clarity and coherence. This is in addition to the virtues of its serious treatment of the range of Scriptural data concerning each topic, its apologetic engagement with differing views, and its practical counsel for life and ministry. It is a great resource for thinking through major theological issues and positions. I recommend it highly.

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent treatment of Christian theology, April 30, 2001

By 

Gary F. Zeolla "Director of Darkness to Light... (Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Integrative Theology (Hardcover)

Drs. Lewis and Demarest were two of my professors at Denver Seminary. I was particularly close to Dr. Lewis. He is one of the most intelligent yet humble and gentle men I ever met. And these characteristics come through in his theology.

This theology covers the full range of theology. Each subject is dealt with in-depth. Supporting Scripture verses and the implications of the viewpoint presented are given. It also overviews contrary viewpoints and explains why they do not adequately fit the Biblical material. The reasons for the disagreement are presented in a very fair and straightforward manner. No harsh language at all is seen in this theology.

The theological viewpoint presented is Baptist-Reformed. I agreed with the Baptist perspective before I went to seminary and moved into a Reformed view while at seminary. I present the same perspective in my book "Scripture Workbook: For Personal Bible Study and Teaching the Bible."

So I would highly recommend this theology. And if you want to study even more Scripture verses that support each position given, see my book. It presents dozens or even hundreds of supporting verses for each topic covered.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro Textbook, March 19, 2007

By 

Alan Myatt - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Integrative Theology (Hardcover)

Okay, I'll confess up front that I am a former student of the authors, but that was before this book came out. As a student I appreciated the theological method modeled by Professors Demarest and Lewis, as it had the virtue of teaching the student how to think theologically, testing various theories against different alternatives as well as Scripture. They didn't just teach theology. They taught us how to DO theology. None of this simply memorizing and parroting back canned answers. Now, as a professor and practicing theologian my appreciation of the method has increased to the point that it has highly influenced my own theology text, to be released in Brazil (in Portuguese) later this year. I have found that students respond with enthusiasm to this type of presentation, as it brings theology to the heart of their world, and allows them to really engage the issues. Simply put, Integrative Theology is the best text available for providing a comprehensive treatment of how the task of Christian dogmatics can be a world view building enterprise. It's a great way to learn (and teach) theology and that alone merits five stars.

However, there is more than just that. The content and insight into historical, biblical and philosophical issues are a great way to demonstrate how the various disciplines in the seminary curriculum should come together in a balanced manner. Too often these disciplines ignore each other, or are outright antagonistic. Here the tendency of biblical theology to atomize the text and the tendency of philosophical theology to launch off into unbridled abstractions, divorced from revelation, are both avoided. Instead, you get a warm and practical treatment of relevant issues as the traditional loci of doctrines are developed.

As for the complaint of some reviewers that there is some sacrifice of depth and rigor, it must be kept in mind that a key part of the authors' purpose is to provide an introductory seminary level textbook. After spending the past three years working on such a text, I can testify that there are just some things you have to leave out, or at least treat with less detail, lest the discussion go over the head of your intended audience. Readers and students can make up for the lack by pursuing more advanced reading in the references, or taking upper level seminary courses. With Integrative Theology as a background, they'll have much easier going doing so. It's a great starting point for aspiring theologians, or laypeople who simply want to deepen their understanding of the scope of Christian doctrine. You may not always agree with their conclusions on every position, but you will come away being challenged to think it through for yourself and arrive at a coherent view that will deepen your understanding of divine truth. This book belongs in the library of every pastor and serious layperson.