Christian Doctrine (Paperback)

by Shirley C. Guthrie (Author) "You are not only a Christian; you are either a male or a female whose life, in fact if not in theory, is as much..." (more)
Key Phrases: Holy Spirit, New Testament, Jesus Christ (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE has introduced thousands to the tenets of the Christian faith. This newly revised edition reflects changes in teh church and society and takes into account new works in Reformed theology, gender references in the Bible, racism, pluralism, ecological developments and liberation theologies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 434 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; Rev Sub edition (July 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664253687
• ISBN-13: 978-0664253684
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,363 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Presbyterian/Reformed theology., February 9, 1999

By	[e-mail] "guydgriffith" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

Guthrie's "Christian Doctrine" is an excellent introduction to Presbyterian/Reformed theology. A student of Karl Barth's, Guthrie's style, clarity, and structure enable this revised version of his Covenant Life Curriculum doctrinal offering to be appropriated by laity and clergy alike. The updated version is inclusive of theological voices that have joined the ongoing debate in the last thirty years. At the end of each chapter questions are provided to enable group study. This is a wonderful study for serious small group or Sunday school class work. A must have for any serious layperson in the Presbyterian/Reformed family.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Theology for the Big Picture , May 12, 2005

By	A. Omelianchuk - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Shirley Guthrie's introduction to Christian theology was recommended to me by Professor Roger E. Olson as a primer book for a theology/doctrine small group I started at my church, and it most helpfully delivered. Guthrie's book comes from a Presbyterian tradition that cherishes the works of Calvin and the documents of Westminster divines. Though he sees himself in neo-orthodox tradition, he displays a thorough knowledge of the London and Belgic Confessions as well as the Heidelberg Catechism, and remains reverent to them as he provocatively speaks to issues of racism, economic disparity, and human life. He also is a great writer that communicates complex subjects with remarkable ease.

Guthrie's strongest chapter by far is on the Atonement, where he deals with many of the hard problems in a penal-substitution theory that normally obfuscate the fact that God is FOR us and loves us without abandoning the theory altogether. His chapters on the church, Holy Sprit, and the Trinity are also especially strong. Written in the 1960's Guthrie took on some of the hot topics of the day, which shows a sometimes prophetic voice, yet also a dated one. His view of Word Council of Churches is awkwardly optimistic, and his weakest chapters are on the subject of Predestination and Biblical studies, though he does have some helpful notes on subjects of general and special revelation.

Though some might be ascared of Guthrie's neo-orthodox moorings, I can heartily recommend this book to any evangelical who is looking for a bigger picture of Christian theology.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Think and Question-It's Okay, February 10, 2001

By	"klparchem" (Marietta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

If your faith background was strict and dogmatic and you left because it was so narrow minded, then this is the book to help you find your faith once more. One of the best quotes from the book is, "An honest doubter is closer to the truth than a superficial or dishonest believer." Dr. Guthrie talks about the basic Christian Beliefs and reviews the pros and cons of each area-- so that you can decide what you believe. He does not hand out "pat" answers-- nor does he give "politically correct" answers. He does give Bible references throughout for further reflection. His work is refreshing and most helpful.