Our Legacy: The History of Christian Doctrine [Hardcover]

John D Hannah (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2001

What you believe does matter. This exploration and explanation of the essential truths of the Christian faith will help determine how you will live out your faith every day.

As you explore the truths in this book, discover that theology is not just a collection of information about God--it is a rich legacy. It is your legacy.

• Indexed for easy reference.

Editorial Reviews

Review

His book is clear, concise, and instructive, providing the needed ballast amidst the storm of the contemporary world. -- David F. Wells, Andrew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

From the Back Cover

How can you live out your faith without truly understanding it? The study of Christian doctrine is often considered the domain of professional Christian scholars. After all, what does doctrine have to do with the average layperson? And what does the history of what Christians believe have to do with how we should live today? John Hannah asserts that an understanding of theology-“the distilled knowledge of God that is the foundation of a walk with God”-is essential for living the Christian life. “No one can walk with a person he or she does not know,” he states. “Neither can we say we walk with God if we do not have an accurate knowledge of Him.” This book is not a collection of dry and dusty theories, nor a debate about the hair-splitting minutia that so often divides us. Instead, it is an exploration and explanation of the essential truths of the Christian faith-truths that determine how we live our lives every day. It is a call to the church to again have God our number one priority. Why Theology Matters Often Christians do not know what they believe or why they believe it. And according to John Hannah, a Christianity that is divorced from its theological history is merely morality rather than the vibrant, biblical faith that changes hearts and lives. Theologians regard theology not as an intellectual pursuit, but as “the art of living unto God.” Understanding biblical truth is actually a means to living a godly life. Theology doesn’t just provide us with insights about God; it provides the foundation from which we respond appropriately to God. Why does theology matter? An accurate comprehension of theology keeps us from confusing popular opinion with truth. It helps us distinguish between what is transient and what is eternal. Understanding theology in its historical context can also keep us from error. It guards us from being deceived by things that have the appearance of wisdom, but are not of God. And knowledge of the history of doctrine reminds us of the ultimate triumph of God and His people-in spite of the protestations of the world around us to the contrary. What you believe does matter. As you explore the truths in this book, you will discover that theology is not just a collection of information about God-it is a rich legacy. It is your legacy.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: NavPress (June 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576832643
• ISBN-13: 978-1576832646
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,505 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!, March 19, 2005

By 

Pastor, Theologian (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Our Legacy: The History of Christian Doctrine (Hardcover)

This is a must have for any student of the Bible. Hannah brilliantly summarizes church history and organizes his book around key doctrines. It is interesting, fresh, conservative and extremely helpful for spiritual growth. When one realizes most of the issues that Christians wrestle with today have already been dealt with, one wants to learn from history, so as not to repeat it again. Thanks Dr. Hannah!

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dogma, Theology, Christian Doctrine, November 11, 2006

By 

Philip S Roeda (Cook, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Our Legacy: The History of Christian Doctrine (Hardcover)

Our Legacy- The History of Christian doctrine written by John D. Hannah is a comparison and contrast of different trains of thought. What is the meaning of God's word, who God is, and the will of God. The presentation of the development of Christian thought through the last two thousand years is clear and respectful to the authors contrary views. Different aspects of Christian theology are developed through the presentations of the differing views. One learns why Roman Catholic thought and evangelical protestantism differ greatly. To a lesser extent Greek Orthodox. Reading this book an evangelical and Catholic will develop an understanding about modern liberal theology. The modernist perspective is a relative small part of this work when covering the 1750 to 1900 time period.(Albert Schweitzer, Friedrich Schleirmacher,Charles Finney),All in clear presentation. John Hannah developed differing perspectives about the Authority about the bible, The Trinity, The person, of Christ, The work of Christ, Salvation, The Church, and End Times. The book covers six time periods of thought and seven subjects, so all perspectives are kept to a couple page. A great read, a great starting point to understand theology.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reading, December 24, 2007

By 

Sabaw H. Lat - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Our Legacy: The History of Christian Doctrine (Hardcover)

It is a good book. Easy reading of the History of the Doctrines through out the churches in simple explanation.