The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 500 pages
• Published by: InterVarsity Press September 2002
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0830826955
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0830826957
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Weighs: 1.5 pounds

From Publishers Weekly
In this ambitious book, Olson shows from an evangelical perspective what is and is not authentic Christian belief. Chapters feature such topics as the Bible, God, Jesus and the Church, beginning with an overview of orthodox belief about the topic, citing Scripture, the Church Fathers and noted Christian writers throughout history. Olson then devotes a section to heretical beliefs, and follows this with an examination of diverse non-heretical beliefs among orthodox Christians (including Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox believers, and most Protestants). He ends each chapter envisioning greater unity among Christians, despite honest disagreements. While marred by some redundancy and excess verbiage, Olson's writing renders many complex theological concepts surprisingly accessible. And in his attempts to separate heresy from right belief, he acknowledges that those who adhere to beliefs he labels erroneous are usually sincere Christians (he cites wrong belief among fundamentalists, charismatics, liberal Christians and various sects). Attempting to mediate among the myriad dogmas, doctrines and opinions of orthodox Christians is no easy task, and Olson's descriptions of certain right beliefs and heresies (such as the psychological analogy for the Trinity and modalism) are sometimes barely distinguishable. Despite these and other small logical problems, Olson's book contributes greatly to contemporary evangelicalism not only in its impressive survey of many theologies, but also in its use of "The Great Tradition" of Christian belief as an essential guide to orthodoxy.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In this exemplary treatment of historical Christian theology and the development of belief, Olson (theology, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor Univ.) succeeds in presenting what he posits as a "very basic, relatively comprehensive, nontechnical, nonspeculative one-volume introduction" to the subject. Olson works best at "affirming a strong central core of identifiable Christian belief," concluding that "beliefs matter, but not all beliefs matter equally." An evangelical Christian who is well versed in the variety of Christian beliefs-from Orthodoxy to Roman Catholicism to Protestantism and others that fall under the heading of "esoteric Christianity"-he compares and contrasts various traditions in brief and simple language, illuminating complex doctrinal debates such as the Trinity, the nature of God, salvation, and humanity. He employs an informed rhetoric, showcasing a Christianity "that allows for great diversity and variety about every detail." While not heavily into scholarly apparatus, he footnotes and cites where necessary. Teachers who want to cover a broad spectrum of Christian beliefs should seriously consider this as a textbook for their courses. Its reasonable price and thoughtful, comprehensive perspective make it a compelling purchase. Highly recommended for academic and greater public libraries.
Sandra Collins, Duquesne Univ. Lib., Pittsburgh
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity (Hardcover) In this book by Professor Olson, Christian history and theology is examined for the many differences and similarities that have characterized different denominations and presuppositions. The aim of this book seems fairly simple: to find a common bond that all Christians everywhere can unite under and find agreement. Olson's plea is for a synthesis over analysis (that is, to examine our theology very thoroughly and rigorously but to press this examination to unity rather than division, which has most often been the case). Moving through twelve major/basic theological categories (Sources, Revelation, Scripture, God, Creation, Providence, Humanity, Jesus Christ, Salvation, Church, Life beyond Death, and the Kingdom of God), Olson presents the reader with a broad overview of what has typically and historically been held by varying denominations and sects among Christianity. Again, Olson's goal in all of this is twofold: to present a 'handbook' of sorts for the new student(s) of historical theology and to make a case for a "both-and" theology rather than a divisive position. Although I feel that he falls short of this goal on two or three of the major theological positions, Olson does well in making this a reality that can be worked towards in the theological arena, even presenting the reader with more of a practical, "how-to"-type goal of what this "both-and" can look like. On the whole, this book is an outstanding read and a tremendous resource. Olson writes very well and often times inspiring as he shares this vision of the theological horizon. This promises to be a great treasure and addition for libraries of pastors, theologians, students, and lay-persons. Although the "both-and" isn't always going to be present, the overall vision has been set for a goal towards which our modern theology can progress.