Invitation To Dogmatic Theology

""McGlasson's book is a pointed, powerful, and hard-hitting outline and defense of the way dogmatic theology must grow out of and be defined by the canonical shape of the Word in its witness to the risen Lord. This is a book that will rustle feathers at a time when feathers need rustling in a church that has allowed our grasp of God's truth to slip away from its scriptural and Christological moorings. Written with clarity and helpful argumentative sweep and summary, McGlasson raises challenges that must be faced by all pastors, seminarians, and theologians."" --Ephraim Radner, author of Hope among the Fragments ""A welcome addition to the growing body of literature on theological method and authority. Major influences on the author include Brevard Childs and Karl Barth."" --Donald G. Bloesch, Emeritus, Dubuque Theological Seminary ""Persuaded that both liberal and evangelical theologies fail to convey the mature consensus of historic and canonical Christian faith, Paul McGlasson offers a passionate and learned defense of his own proposal. Although readers will not find all of his criticisms or suggestions convincing, this book will provoke, illuminate, and display the enduring relevance of dogmatic theology for the life of the church."" --Michael Horton, Westminster Seminary Paul C. McGlasson is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He received his MDiv from Yale Divinity School and his PhD from Yale University in Systematic Theology. He is the author of several books, including God the Redeemer, Canon and Proclamation, and Invitation to Dogmatic Theology. McGlasson has served the church both as a parish minister, and as a teacher of theology in college and seminary.

Are you intimidated by theology? Confused? Bored? Michael Jinkins knows it doesn't have to be that way. "Theology is our critical and prayerful reflection on the totality of life," he writes. "We all do theology on a regular basis, whether or not we are conscious of the fact." In Invitation to Theology Jinkins offers a knowledgeable, helpful and caring guide to walk you through the basics of the Christian faith. Following the pattern of the ancient summary of the Christian faith, the Apostles' Creed, Jinkins highlights the key doctrines of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity, church, salvation and resurrection. He cuts a clear path through theological terms, traditions and debates. And in the spirit of C. S. Lewis, he invites you to consider some of the most profound reflections--from the distant past to the present day--on Christian belief. Throughout this fascinating journey, the main road is always kept in view: "The meaning and shape of our life together as a community of persons is grounded in the inner life of God, the Trinity, and has been revealed to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ." If you are eager to think about your faith, to examine what and why you believe and to reflect on how such faith can be lived out in our world, Invitation to Theology is the book for you.

In Volume I the author analyses the Word of God and the response of the Christian community in a lucid and accesible way. In this second volume he interprets the classical assertions of the Christian faith in terms of Gods creative and redemptive project in the world of today. His experiential approach is meant to restore the credibility, vibrancy and relevance of faith in Christ for our times.

The task of theology is to translate the priceless message of the gospel of Christ from its ancient sources into current experiences and patterns of thought. In this first volume, the author presents a lucid and accessible account of the Word of God and challenges his readers to find their own responses to this message. In volume II he interprets the classical assertions of the Christian faith in terms of Gods creative and redemptive project.

Moving beyond conversionism Many Christians today are uncomfortable with older, simpler notions about evangelism as conversionism but see as insufficient the more progressive model of evangelism as hospitality. Transcending that dichotomy, Richard Osmer advances a theology of evangelism as a multifaceted act of invitation into Christ-following community. Osmer begins by exploring references to evangelism in the New Testament—both in the Gospels and in the letters of Paul. He then enters into dialogue with Karl Barth to work through ideas of church witness and the relationship of evangelism to salvation. Finally, with lucid explanations and illustrative case studies, he offers guidance for pastors, laity, and students to use as they reimagine how evangelism might best happen in their churches and missional organizations. Osmer’s approach mirrors the conviction, stated in his introduction, that our concept of evangelism must be formed and constantly reformed by keeping the Bible, church doctrine, and practical theology in conversation. Foundational to Osmer’s rendering of evangelism as invitation is the essential truth that it is Christ and the Holy Spirit who calls converts and makes disciples—not Christians. Thus, we can invite our neighbors to the wedding feast while remaining reassured that the table is already set.

Now revised, The Experience of God is a balanced synthesis of present-day thinking on issues such as experience and God, revelation and history, faith and unbelief. Theology emerges as an exciting adventure available to all.

This short book arose out of four talks given by John Macquarrie to the congregation of his parish church in Oxford in Lent 1994. They were asking questions which concern many people today - questions about science and religion, omnipotence and infinity, the God of the Old Testament, the continuity of fathe and how far one faith can be universal, Christ's humanity and the purpose of the creeds. Professor Macquarrie responded by discussing four major issues: 'Why Believe?', 'Believing in God', 'What about Jesus Christ?', 'Do We Need the Church?'

THE writer of this work proposes to present in three volumes, in English, an outline of a three year course of Dogmatic Theology, such as is offered to students for the priesthood in Catholic Seminaries. No attempt is made to give more than the merest outline; but it is hoped that it will satisfy the needs of some who are not professional students, especially by showing the nature of the questions dealt with in each Treatise, and their proportionate importance, as indicated by the space allowed to them. Aeterna Press