Theology for the Community of God (Paperback)

by Stanley J. Grenz (Author) "Foundational to our entire world view is our testimony that we have come to know the only true God..." (more)
Key Phrases: eschatological covenant community, four great heresies, corporate human story, New Testament, Old Testament, Grand Rapids (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A fresh reappropriation of the evangelical and catholic heritage of the faith. -- Christianity Today

Product Description
This proven systematic theology represents the very best in evangelical theology. Stanley Grenz presents the traditional themes of Christian doctrine--God, humankind, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and the last things--all within an emphasis on God's central program for creation, namely, the establishment of community. Masterfully blending biblical, historical, and contemporary concerns, Grenz's respected work provides a coherent vision of the faith that is both intellectually satisfying and expressible in Christian living.

Product Details

• Paperback: 691 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802847552
• ISBN-13: 978-0802847553
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,430 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great overview of historical positions; weak pneumatology, July 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Theology for the Community of God (Hardcover)

Grenz helped me tremendously by tracking the history of several theological positions such as trinitarian doctrine, atonement, etc. Given Grenz's education, the trek through history should come as no surprise, and a few of the ideas of his mentor, Wolfhart Pannenberg, leaked fittingly into the work. Grenz was devout in relating every aspect of his theology to the concept of community. Unfortunately, his presentation of the Holy Spirit was a bit impersonal (love bond between the Father and Son). This book is certainly worthwhile for seminary students or laypeople wanting to delve into systematic theology. The book serves as a great beginning to further study or a sufficient summary of popular theological positions in the past and present. However, if you are a teacher, please do not follow in the footsteps of my professor by giving a test with 50 True/False questions over the entire book (859 pages)!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you like easy-to-read theology books, then get this, April 19, 2005

By	theologicalresearcher "theologicalresearcher" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This book has to be one of the most accessible evangelical theology books out there. Grenz's book is scholarly yet simple for the layperson. He writes from an evangelical Baptist perspective but builds his work around the concept of the community aspect of the Triune God. He argues that the Triune God's fellowship overflows into the church. All the sections are written from this community aspect of redemption. Grenz covers practically all matters you'll find in standard systematic theologies (from prolegomena to eschatology). The writing style is not like other more technical systematic theologies (e.g., Erickson, Grudem, Reymond, etc.) because it is written in a narrative fashion. You won't see Grenz being too detailed in his discussion of certain issues (hence, his book is only about 700 pages). This book is a must read for anyone wanting a good and easy introduction to the major topics of systematic theology.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars enlightening read, August 10, 2000

By	Martin Rollins (Sudbury, ON, Canada) - See all my reviews

This book is very indepth and is well worth the read. While adhering to historical orthodoxy, Grenz is also quite creative. His bibliology section, for example, appears in chapter 14, rather than in the traditional theological prolegomena (introductory) section of most systematics texts. His integrative motif of 'community' is excellent, but I disagree with Grenz at several points. His characterization of the Holy Spirit as the bond of love between the Father and the Son makes the third member of the Trinity rather impersonal. I would have preferred a more unequivocal assertion regarding the real personality of the Spirit. The 'concretization' of the relationship between the Father and the Son seems to be an inadequate description of the Holy Spirit as presented in the Scriptures. Grenz gives excellent hisorical background on each topic, the work is saturated with the Scriptures, and the author clearly is a passionate Christian believer. Wonderful text for spiritual enrichment and undoubtedly a solid introductory volume for college and seminary settings.