The Christian faith consists of certain beliefs, called doctrines. And theology is the study of doctrine. Theology is important if we are to know God rightly and live in his world accordingly as those he has redeemed. Christopher Morgan’s Christian Theology: The Biblical Story and Our Faith provides a fantastic and accessible overview of our Christian beliefs.
Theology
An Accessible Guide to Systematic Theology, Christian Theology by Christopher Morgan
For a while now, I’ve been on the hunt for a solid, entry-level systematic theology to use with people in my church. We have a wealth of in-depth, academic-level systematic theologies available to us today, especially for those of us in the Reformed tradition. But there’s a notable gap in literature that hits the sweet spot—at least for those of us who are Reformed and Baptist—between those more technical, lengthier works and systematic theologies that are geared to the average person in the pew.
This is partly why I think Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology has been so popular despite its methodological and theological problems. I’ll be honest; I’ve used it with people! It’s accessible, easy to understand, saturated with scripture, and generally takes Reformed positions. In terms of those qualities, it’s ideal for use in the church. But alas, there’s that pesky methodology (Biblicism) along with his odd (Grudem’s view of prophecy) to even straight-up aberrant (eternal subordination of the Son) theological positions at times.
So I’ve long desired a replacement, something that’s equally accessible, readable, scripture saturated, but without the problems of Grudem.
I’m pleased to say that I think I’ve found that in Christopher Morgan’s Christian Theology: The Biblical Story and Our Faith.
Continue readingNew City Catechism | Book Recommendation
This month’s book recommendation at CrossWay Milwaukee is the New City Catechism, a modern-day catechism that helps teach the essentials of the Christian faith in a helpful question and answer format.
The Importance of Theology, Pt. 3 (Church Theology, Ep. 7)
In this episode, Kirk and Dan conclude their discussion on the importance of doctrine and theology by finishing out talking about the hurdles we face along the way, as well as giving some practical tips and suggestions towards growing your discipline in theological learning.
Access the episode here (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more).
See all other episodes in this series.
The Importance of Theology, Pt. 2 (Church Theology, Ep. 6)
Dan and Kirk continue their discussion on the importance of theology in the life of the believer and the life of the church. In this episode they talk about things like “theological triage” (or “dogmatic rank”), the Biblical spirit in which we are to hold to sound doctrine, as well as some initial hurdles we might face along the way.
Access the episode here (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more).
See all other episodes in this series.
Kirk E. Miller 