Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 388 pages
• Published by: Wiley-Blackwell May 15, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0631208445
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0631208440
• Book Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.7 pounds

Product Review
"This approach is very well-pitched for the intended readership, particularly those who are teaching themselves. Historical Theology is an great resource, both for the teacher and student." Morwenna Ludlow, St John's College, Oxford

"Perhaps for the first time an expansive and ecumenical survey of Christian Theology has been produced that can be read with the same ease as a serious but gripping novel This book will serve as an invaluable tool: it locates theological innovation and controversy in its context-specific situation." G.W.P. McFarlane, London Bible College

"The book clearly would be useful in undergraduate courses, as well as in introductory seminary ones. McGrath's prose is clear and precise. He is very good at articulating distinctions between concepts Historical Theology would be a valuable reference book to have in one's library. It would certainly be helpful when preparing to teach survey courses requiring a component of history of theology, especially for those periods of which one has only cursory knowledge As one already hooked on historical theology, this reader found her interest renewed and expanded numerous times by McGrath's book. Historical Theology should be able to accomplish its primary purpose, that is, to introduce newcomers to 'historical theology as an important and interesting subject'." Jane E. Strohl, The Journal of Religion

Product Review
"This approach is very well-pitched for the intended readership, particularly those who are teaching themselves. Historical Theology is an great resource, both for the teacher and student." Morwenna Ludlow, St John's College, Oxford





"Perhaps for the first time an expansive and ecumenical survey of Christian Theology has been produced that can be read with the same ease as a serious but gripping novel This book will serve as an invaluable tool: it locates theological innovation and controversy in its context-specific situation." G.W.P. McFarlane, London Bible College


"The book clearly would be useful in undergraduate courses, as well as in introductory seminary ones. McGrath's prose is clear and precise. He is very good at articulating distinctions between concepts Historical Theology would be a valuable reference book to have in one's library. It would certainly be helpful when preparing to teach survey courses requiring a component of history of theology, especially for those periods of which one has only cursory knowledge As one already hooked on historical theology, this reader found her interest renewed and expanded numerous times by McGrath's book. Historical Theology should be able to accomplish its primary purpose, that is, to introduce newcomers to 'historical theology as an important and interesting subject'." Jane E. Strohl, The Journal of Religion

Reader Reviews
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.