Reviews for Christian Thought Revisited: Three Types of Theology

The average rating for Christian Thought Revisited: Three Types of Theology based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-04-12 00:00:00 Heather Nash I find myself highlighting the warning the author gave on page 16 of this book, which writes: "At this point, a word of warning is in order. Any typology is of necessity schematic. It may be illuminating, as long as it is not taken too literally. In this respect, a typology is like a caricature: When one sees a caricature of a person, one immediately recognizes the person by exaggeration of prominent features, although no one could possibly have such features. Likewise, in drawing a typology such as that presented here, one underscores those elements most characteristic of a particular type..." Personally, I find Dr. Gonzalez caricatures of the three ancient theologies very insightful and interesting. Although broad in strokes, it is nevertheless accurate especially considering the wealth of knowledge Dr Gonzalez has as a historian The book is helpful for those who would want an overview of the history of Christian theology, beginning with the Church Fathers, Tertullian, Origen and Irenaeus, and culminating with a discussion of its relevance for twentieth century's theological landscape, with the hope of rediscovering more fully, the type C theology he advocates.

Review # 2 was written on 2010-09-07 00:00:00 Samuel Tammekann Great overview of historical roots to modern streams of Christianity. Gonzalez is fairly general and sweeping in his groupings of historical figures and their influences on modern thought but this is inevitable when writing this kind of book given it's size and scope. I learned more about the influences of Irenaeus of Antioch, Origen of Alexandria and Tertullian of Carthage. I would recommend this book to any Christian who doesn't know the true origin and background to their beliefs and practice. We have not been born (or re-born) in a bubble and there is a whole lot of story between the resurrection and the reformation that needs to be told. If Christians would simply learn their history, I am convinced there would be less squabbling and more synergy, less Koran burning and more communication building. Read this book and learn to appreciate the beliefs of others with a perspective of acceptance. Your view of the atonement is not the only one, you might be more neo-platonist than Christian and there's more than one way to interpret scripture.