Book Review: Christian Theology

The Contribution of Alister McGrath's Christian Theology: An Introduction for Theological Education: A Brief Analysis from the Perspective of Teaching Systematic Theology

“…While I do not claim to be exhaustive regarding the academic reactions to Christian Theology , I found nine scholarly reviews. As could be expected, most of them, more precisely four, were written with reference to the first edition (Ayres 1994, 440–42; Sarot 1995, 97–98; Plantinga 1996, 262–64; Sell 1998, 90–91). As far as the other five reviews are concerned, one is about the second edition ( New Blackfriars 1997, 350–51), three on the third edition (Becker 2002, 183–86; Kilby 2002, 275; Rochford 2002, 199–200), and one of the fourth edition (Schott 2007, 215).…”

“…Clarity is another positive feature of the book in nearly all the reviews (Ayres 1994, 441; Plantinga 1996, 262; Sell 1998, 90; Kilby 2002, 275). Plantinga (1996, 263) points out that its language is minimally intimidating for students, which makes the book a helpful resource in the preparation of the ground for teaching systematic theology.…”

“…However, Plantinga (1996, 263) questions why the last two names should be taken as weighty representatives in Christian theology, in contrast to others who are not mentioned. Ayres (1994, 441) asks more directly why influential names such as Aquinas, Rahner, and Moltmann are not included in the description of Trinitarian models.…”