Theology--the study of God--is a concern for every believer, not just
theologians or those in ministry. It's the goal of good theology to
humble us before the triune God of majesty as we come to understand him
better. This is a book of and about good theology.
Award-winning author, theologian, and professor Michael Horton wrote
The Christian Faith as a book of systematic theology and doctrine
"that can be preached, experienced, and lived, as well as understood,
clarified, and articulated." It's written for a growing cast of
pilgrims--in ministry and laity--who are interested in learning about
Christ as a way of living as a Christian. Who understand that knowing
doctrine and walking in practical Christianity are not competing
interests.
The Christian Faith is divided into six parts, five of which each
focus on an aspect of God, while the first part sets up an understanding
and appreciation for the task of theology itself, addressing topics
like:
- The source of theology (where the idea of theology comes from and what
its limits are).
- The origin of the canon (how the modern Bible came about and why we
can trust it).
- The character of theology (is the nature of theology practical,
theoretical, or can it be both?).
In a manner equally as welcoming to professors, pastors, students, and
armchair theologians; Horton has organized this volume in a readable
fashion that includes a variety of learning features:
- A brief synopsis of biblical passages that inform certain doctrines.
- Surveys of past and current theologies with contemporary emphasis on
exegetical, philosophical, practical, and theological questions.
- Substantial interaction with various Christian movements within the
Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodoxy traditions, as well as the
hermeneutical issues raised by postmodernity.
- Charts, sidebars, questions for discussion, and an extensive
bibliography, divided into different entry levels and topics.
At the heart of this book is a deep love for and curiosity about God.
Its basic argument is that a personal relationship with God goes hand in
hand with the pursuit of theology. It isn't possible to know God without
studying him.
