This really is a very good concise handbook on this most important of subjects. It is ideal for those beginning to seek for an understanding of the basics of theology in its various departments. The author is committed to an approach that is thoroughly evangelical a belief that the Bible is the trustworthy Word of God. The book is a compendium of the various branches of theology and the author divides these up into the five categories of Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, Dogmatic Theology, and Contemporary Theology. The book is exhaustive but succinct covering a lot of ground and doing so in a manner that is clear and readable. It is well laid out and contains about six hundred pages. It should be purchased by anyone seriously desiring to understand God’s revelation from a Biblical, Systematic and Historical perspective. Each of these approaches is necessary and complements the other. I have not come across another book that attempts to overview theology in such a manner and it is a fine introduction to the subject. An understanding of theology is not ivory tower stuff but helps to provide answers to basic questions of life and of church. There are plenty of basic definitions and general descriptions contained in the book but the author gives good summaries of each subject and thereby adds a primer of the various doctrines. A person having this book has a concise doctrinal reference book, a primer on the various departments of theology linked with a historical overview of the development of Christian Doctrines along with a glossary of many of the common terms used in theological study. This is a book both for the beginner and also for a more seasoned student who is desiring a fresh look at things he has considered in earlier years of study. I would be happy to encourage anyone seeking for basic books on various aspects of biblical studies to get a copy of this work and keep it handy for reading and reference.
