Exploring Christian Theology, Volume 2

While this is Volume 2 in a three volume set it must be noted that this is the last volume being published. Volumes 1 and 3 have been out for a while. This project was taken on by professor's from Dallas Theological Seminary, thus the views are Protestant Conservative Evangelical. Most pastors will know that for decades the major Systematic Theology work from Dallas Seminary has been Lewis Sperry Chafer's 8 volume work. So, why a new three volume series?

Well, the answer is found in the introduction for the series, the writers are wanting you to Know God and to do that you must Know About Him. So that means that as a Christian layperson or professional you need to study Theology. But the study of Theology can seem like a daunting task for the layperson. Here is what the introduction states as to why this series of texts;
     "Exploring Christian Theology differs from other mini-theologies in that it strives to present a broad consensus, not a condensed systematic model of one evangelical teacher or protestant tradition.......Treat each volume as a simple primer that supplements (not supplants) more detailed treatments of theology--that complements (not competes with) intermediate and advanced works."

So, what we have is an attempt to give a more readable version of a Theological Text for the layperson. This is not meant to take the place of a more systematic approach to theology, as it states it is to supplement and complement other works that your denomination might use.

So, with that in mind I took up the task of reading through Volume two with the understanding that it was not a comprehensive look at the theological topics that it was going to tackle. I also liked what the author's had to say in that, "since this is not a systematic study you can pick and choose the topic you want to read without working through the text from beginning to end." That is good because most laypeople will have certain topics that they want to delve into without having to build upon them from one to the next.

Volume two deals with "The Christian Story in Four Acts:"
     Act I -- Creation
     Act II -- Fall
     Act III -- Redemption
     Act IV -- Restoration

Each of these topics are broken up into bite size studies that the reader can tackle and accomplish fairly easily. I particularly like their style of how they break down the four acts. The breakdown is:
     High - Altitude Survey
     Passages to Master
     Facts to Never Forget
     Dangers to Avoid
     Principles to Put into Practice
     Voices from the Past and Present
They also give you some recommendations for further books and studies you might do from things that have been discussed in their text.

Reading through this text I felt that they did an excellent job of breaking down the theological jargon in a way that a lay person will be able to understand. They have gone to great lengths to make the book readable.

I would highly recommend this material for any person who wants to get to know God better and put that knowledge and relationship into more practical use in their lives.

NOW, for one last bit of advice, for my Evangelical Free Church of America lay people this is a good set of books to read, but you also should purchase a copy of "Evangelical Convictions, A Theological Exposition of the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America." It is the official book to explain the complete Statement of Faith of our denomination. It is also well written and also written in a way that any layperson, pastor or theologian can understand.

Enjoy learning more about God as you read through these books, and don't forget to spend time in your Bible as well.