A handy reference guide

As a Seminary student, and as a Pastor, I have read several “theology” books, including those by Elwell, Grenz, and Grudem, that are listed in Gegg R. Allison’s resource list. I learned a lot from them, but there is no way that I could ever suggest that the reading was pleasant. Allison’s book 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology (Baker Books, 2018) may not dig as deeply into the various parts of a Christian Theology as the aforementioned resources, but this book is certainly easier to read.

                Any Systematic Theology addresses several doctrines, and this is no exception. Allison walks the reader through the doctrines of: Word of God, God, God's Creatures, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Salvation, Church, and Future things. Each section addresses different parts of the doctrine, and is broken down into a simple to understand format. For example, the first section under the Doctrine of the Word of God, “The Inspiration of Scripture” includes a summary, a listing of the main themes, and a list of key scriptures pertaining to the topic. Then in the section called ‘Understanding the Doctrine’, the author addresses major affirmations, biblical support, and major errors. Allison also has a section labeled ‘Enacting the Doctrine’, followed by what is probably the main purpose of the book, ‘Teaching the Doctrine’.  This last section includes a ‘teaching outline’, very helpful for the Sunday school teacher, or a pastor who likes handy references on his bookshelf, rather than having to dig through the wordy volumes of most Theology texts.

                This book is definitely more ‘entry level’ study rather than Graduate study material, but it does serve as a handy reference, for those quick questions, or to help find the scripture references in a hurry.

                I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.

4/5