Four Views on Moving Beyond the Bible to Theology
General Editor: Gary T. Meadors
Date Completed: Sept 2010
Comments: A presentation and discussion/debate among four contributors on the four main views on how to consider and evaluate the various ways Christians apply Biblical texts to contemporary questions/issues. A guide for theological students and pastors. This book offers presentations by four scholars on their preferred interpretive models in point-counterpoint style, as well as the reflections of three additional authors on their perspectives on questions of moving from the Bible to theology. Discusses issues like euthanasia, abortion, slavery, role of women in ministry/church etc.
Four Views on Salvation in a Pluralistic World
General Editors: Dennis L. Okholm and Timothy R. Phillips
Date Completed: Sept 2010
Comments: A presentation and debate among 5 contributors on the four main views of salvation in today’s world. In Western culture (as well as ours in Asia, i’m sure), religious pluralism is the greatest challenge facing Christianity. Jesus Christ as being the only way to God is being challenged, even by people who claim to be Christians. Christianity today, is increasingly seen as just one of the many possible ways to God. In this book, the positions represented are: Normative Pluralism (all ethical religions lead to God) by John Hick, Inclusivism (Salvation is universally available, but is established by and leads to Christ) by Clark Pinnock, Salvation in Christ by Alister McGrath and Salvation in CHRIST ALONE by R. Douglas Geivett and W. Gary Phillips. This book allows each contributor to present the case for his view, critique and respond to other contributors’ presentations, and end each of their chapter with a conclusion. It was an eye-opener for me to religious pluralism, and also saddening to know that one who denies the deity and salvific ability of Jesus, as well as doubt the authority of Scripture, can actually consider himself a CHRISTian. A note to be discerning while reading this book that discusses a very important theological issue (:
Four Views on Hell
General Editor: William Crockett
Date Completed: Sept 2010
Comments: A presentation and “interaction” among 4 contributors (including Crockett) on what the Scriptures say about hell. Widely debated topic due to differing Biblical interpretation. Not a bad book to read if you want an overview of the four main views on the nature of hell, for eg. if it’s physically fire and brimstone or just a metaphor. One view that was really different from the other 3 was the one presented by a Roman Catholic who discussed more about purgatory than on the topic of hell itself.
Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond
General Editor: Darrell L. Bock
Date Completed: 15 October 2009
Comments: A presentation and ‘interaction’ among the three contributors holding on to three main views held by evangelicals on eschatology. Probably not a book i’d re-read, haha..thank God i’m done with it! But of course, a good book to read if you want an insight to the different positions, namely, Premillennial, Postmillenial and Amillennial.
John: The Gospel of Belief
Written By: Merril C. Tenney
Comments: Many commentaries offer scholarly discussion on the technical minutiae of the Gospel of John. However, this book was written to provide a straightforward analysis of the Gospel of John in such a way that Christians who are not formally trained in theology can understand and discover in full detail, the aim, theme and developed teaching of John. I appreciate how the writer’s analysis is divided into three sections: (1) examination of the general structure and outline of the Gospel of John, (2) an exposition of the Gospel – ‘dividing’ (or classifying?) the life and ministry of Jesus according to 6 periods that the writer of John seems to be suggesting (which I appreciate even more!), and (3)the topical analysis of the Gospel. This book was really helpful in helping me grasp the major themes of John and coming to realize that the plot of John reveals the perennial struggle between good and evil, evinced in the contest of belief and unbelief toward the Lord Jesus. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of the Gospel of John and its express purpose to create belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, I also discovered a deeper love and appreciation of the Lord Jesus and His work for us :]
