Description
Book SynopsisA fun, concise and attractive introduction to a fascinating and challenging subject. This is the ideal book for secondary school students and undergraduate students coming to theology for the first time, or indeed for anyone who just doesn't know where to start. The book examines key thinkers from the New Testament to Feminist Theology. It starts by considering some of the authors of New Testament writings and then focuses on representatives of the western tradition of theological speculation. Nearly half the work concentrates on 20th century thinkers and problems. It puts them in their historical, social and cultural settings, emphasizing that theology is as much a reflection on the world we live in as it is on God. Technical terms are explained in simple language throughout the text. This makes the book an ideal reference tool for a clear first overview of theology.
Trade Review"At first glance, it would seem impossible to write a history of Christian theology that runs only 300-odd pages. However, this book is not so much a history of theology as it is a sampling of key figures from that history. These theological "snapshots" are designed to provide an introduction to readers who have little or no familiarity with the subject. Johnston (former vice principal, Midleton Coll., Ireland) has over 30 years of experience teaching theology, and he is effective in explaining difficult concepts in a clear and simple manner. He also includes helpful definitions of theological terms throughout the book, assisting the reader in grasping the material. Johnston generally makes excellent selections in terms of theological figures to cover, featuring Paul, gospel writers, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Loyola, Calvin, Wesley, Schleiermacher, Newman, Barth, Bonhoeffer, Rahner, Reuther, Breuggeman, and Cupitt. Johnston also provides brief historical discussions that link the different periods covered by these theological writers. Recommended for all libraries. -- John Jaeger * Library Journal, February 15, 2009 *
This concise overview of the history of theology consists of 16 chapters accompanied with a further reading list...The structure of the book clearly show that author's focus is on modern theologies. The volume is written in an easy-to-understand style. Moreover, the author's use of a number of headings and his explanation of basic theological terms (that appear in boxes) will assist the reader to grasp the content of the volume that covers a wide range of theologians and their thoughts. * Theological Book Review, Vol 21, 2009 *
[T]his is not a book for established scholars or for advanced students in theology. It is written with beginners in mind, and for the most part it is well-suited for the purpose. Johnston avoids difficult theological jargon, and his quick and efficient movement across traditions and perspectives maintains interest and gives one a sense of the interminably conversational nature of theology. -- Thomas A. James * Interpretation, April 2010 *
Table of Contents1. Writers of the New Testament: The First Christian Theologians; 2. Augustine of Hippo: a Father of the Church; 3. St Thomas Aquinas and the Reasonableness of Faith; 4. Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation; 5. St Ignatius Loyola and John Calvin: The two sides dig in; 6. John Wesley and Evangelical Revival; 7. The Contexts of Modern Theology; 8. Friedrich Schleiermacher and Religious Feeling; 9. John Henry Newman and Catholic Renewal. 10. Karl Barth and a Theology of the Word; 11. Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Cost of Discipleship; 12. Karl Rahner and Human Transcendence; 13. Rosemary Radford Ruether and Women-Church; 14. Walter Brueggemann and the Biblical Imagination; 15. Don Cupitt and being Adrift.
