Justo L. González

Justo Gonzalez wrote the text books for my history class ( The Story of Christianity, volumes 1 and 2) and my History of Doctrine class (A History of Christian Thought, volumes 1-3) I used when I was in seminary. Despite having my share of theological resources, I got this for Kindle, just because I appreciate him a lot.

This dictionary is an accessible intro to theological concepts, and doctrine. It is not exhaustive (a few terms I hoped would be there but weren't), it sometimes simplifies show more theological positions too much (as any dictionary entry might for clarity). But it is remarkably comprehensive for what it is. Plus because it is Gonzalez he does make sure to include good entries on Latin American theology, Liberation theology, Black theology, Womanist theology, postcolonial theology, etc. He knows the Western tradition well but doen't just give theology from the center. A good resource to have on hand, if theological and philosophical terms confuse you, or you just forget what words and phrases meant that you only ever used in the classroom anyway but are still important for you to know. show less

An excellent little book covering the major “heretics” of the first five centuries. The authors do not try to present these men as evil or anti-Christian at all. On the contrary, they were sincere people trying to understand the Christian faith in their own context, asking important questions and seeking to lead others to what they took to be a fuller understanding of the Gospel. The authors eventually describe a “heretic” as a person who carries one truth about God too far, such show more that it distorts other doctrine. For example, who can comprehend the Trinity? The divine mystery gets out of balance by focusing too heavily on any one aspect.

You’ll see how Marcion’s early ideas shaped Christianity; heretical views did serve a role in sharpening Christian theology. You’ll learn how Augustine battled Pelagius. You’ll learn about the Ebionites, Docetists, Gnostics, and Montanists. You’ll learn how Christology developed and the Trinitarian battles, which the authors explain with a cute baseball analogy.

All of this is extremely well-written, informative yet friendly. The book goes into just enough theology as necessary to paint a descriptive picture of each Christian offshoot. Very highly recommended and fun to read.

Westminster John Knox Press, © 2008

ISBN: 978-0-664-23205-4

Reviewed on Logos Bible Software show less

This book is written by the venerable Justo Gonzalez, author of the influential and classic church history volumes. If only this small volume was as good as those two....

I find that Gonzalez at points misses the entire depth and meaning of certain sections of the Creed. At other times, he barely veils his moderate (liberal?) viewpoints. For example, he prefers to avoid the issue of the virgin birth (8), he affirms the motherhood of God (12, 16), argues for evolution (24), and mythologizes show more Genesis 1-2 (25). Despite these (fatal) flaws, there are redeeming qualities. He argues clearly for a biblical understanding of Lordship, deals effectively with catholicity, and avoids the pitfalls of a christian hope that denies the material world.

But there are better books if you are looking to understand the Apostles' Creed. Consider Albert Mohler's book. show less

An exploration into the development of Christian thought and doctrine from the inception of Christianity through Chalcedon, focusing primarily on the development of Nicene theology and Chalcedonian Christology.

The author has written a fairly accessible work; the number of people and ideas involved will make it challenging for the novice, but the author approaches the matter in a way which attempts to provide basic explanation of what is going on. The author must make generalizations at show more times, and I am sure that specialists would cringe at some of them. Nevertheless, he makes his case well.

The author is sensitive to the claims of Hellenization and does well to chart exactly how Hellenic philosophy took on greater influence and how many of the arguments made, especially in and after the third century, were shaped by those philosophical presuppositions and principles. He also does well at identifying the greater role of internal church politics, especially as they relate to the post-Nicaea situation and the entire Christological controversy.

The work is a valuable and engaging analysis of how Christianity took the form it did, especially in terms of its view of the Trinitarian nature of God and the way it looked at Jesus' humanity and divinity. Worthwhile for the beginner or as a general introduction. show less