Theology

Three Views on the Rapture: Pretribulation, Prewrath, or Posttribulation

The rapture–or the belief that Jesus’ living followers will, at some point, join him forever while others do not–is an important but contested doctrine among evangelicals. Scholars generally hold one of three perspectives on the timing and circumstances of the rapture, all of which are presented in this important volume of the Counterpoints series, Three Views on the Rapture. Each author provides a substantive explanation of his position, which is critiqued by the other two authors. A thorough introduction gives a historical overview of the doctrine of the rapture and its effects on the church. The interactive and fair-minded format of the Counterpoints series allows readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each view and draw informed, personal conclusions.

Transformed in Christ: Christology and the Christian Life in John Chrysostom

Scholarly readings of John Chrysostom’s Christology seldom examine the intimate relationship that exists between his doctrinal, sacramental, and praxeological views. The vital correlation between exegesis and praxis in patristic thought must be taken into consideration in any evaluation of christological positions. Chrysostom’s doctrine of Christ is intricately bound to life in the church. Within this conceptual framework, Chrysostom’s commentaries on John’s Gospel and Hebrews are examined. The christological portrait that emerges from this oeuvre is a depiction of the personal continuity of the divine Son in Christ; his sacramental presence in the church, the body of Christ; and his transforming work in the Christian, to the likeness of Christ.

Trinity and Humanity: An Introduction to the Theology of Colin Gunton

Colin Gunton is regarded by many as one of the most important English theologians of the twentieth century. A prolific writer and creative thinker, Gunton taught at King’s College, London, for over thirty years, until his untimely death in 2003. In this first single-authored introduction to Gunton’s theology, Uche Anizor traces the key theological themes, major contributors, and criticisms of his work.

Truth and the New Kind of Christian: The Emerging Effects of Postmodernism in the Church

R. Scott Smith surveys the influence of postmodernism and presents the claims of several Christian postmodern authors, including two key leaders in the Emerging Church. He uses their ideas as a starting point for a thorough critique of postmodernism, testing it against Scripture, reason, and logic, and evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. He assesses to what extent, if any, Christians should embrace “Christian” postmodernism.

Understanding Biblical Theology: A Comparison of Theory and Practice

Understanding Biblical Theology provides an expert and clarifying look at the catch-all term “biblical theology,” a movement that tries to remove the often-held dichotomy between biblical studies for the Church and as an academic pursuit. Using a spectrum between history and theology, each of the five “types” of biblical theology are identified as landing somewhere on the continuum from “more theological” to “more historical” in concern and practice. Readers will gain an appreciation for each of these approaches and understand how any student of the Bible can learn from them.

Understanding Old Testament Theology: Mapping the Terrain of Recent Approaches

In Understanding Old Testament Theology, professors Brittany Kim and Charlie Trimm provide an overview of the contemporary approaches to Old Testament theology. In three main sections, they examine approaches that ground Old Testament theology in history, survey approaches that foreground Old Testament theme(s), and consider approaches that highlight different contexts for doing Old Testament theology. Each main chapter describes both common features of the approach and points of tension and then offers a test case illuminating how it has been applied to the book of Exodus. Through reading this book, you’ll hopefully come to see the Old Testament in a fresh light—as something that’s alive and active, continually drawing us into deeper encounters with the living God.

Wesley on the Christian Life: The Heart Renewed in Love

In addition to providing a brief biographical sketch of this leading revivalist, Sanders spends equal time exploring Wesley’s take on the central truths of the faith and those doctrines that uniquely characterize the Wesleyan approach to spirituality. Combining history with theology, this helpful introduction to Wesley’s life and beliefs stands as an excellent addition to the growing Theologians on the Christian Life series.

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