SCM Studyguide: Christian Doctrine
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The SCM Studyguide Christian Doctrine engages readers by developing theological conversations between his or her own 'ordinary theology', on the one hand, and the theological resources of ecclesiastical and academic theology, on the other. Students get a clear view of the wide canvas of Christian doctrine, including a range of different theological positions.
This study of doctrine helps those who are seeking a form of Christian thinking and spirituality - and possibly ministry - that is true to their own lives, and takes their own hesitations and doubts seriously.
Chapters are broken up into sections and interspersed with boxes which introduce pertinent extracts from classical and contemporary theologians, together with short exercises or aids to reading these texts, or provide explanations of technical theological terms. Each chapter has questions for reflection and/or discussion, together with suggestions for further reading.
Preface v
1. Theology as Conversation: Thinking, Studying and Living Christian Doctrine 1
2. Discipleship Doctrine: Its Roots, Influences and Forms 21
3. Attempting God-Talk: Exploring Divine Discourse 44
4. Christian Activity: Worship, Ministry and Mission 63
5. Christian Belonging: The Church’s Self-Understanding 86
6. Christian Healing: Experiences and Images of Salvation 108
7. Reading Christ: Unpacking Faith in Jesus 135
8. Believing in the World: Finding God in the Mud 155
9. Embracing Mystery: The Deep Nature of God? 179
10. Christian Hopes: The Last Word for Christian Believers? 203
Further Reading 221
References 223
Index of Subjects 235
Index of Names 247
"Astley's introductory text to theology is a masterpiece of clarity and an excellent contribution to the SCM ‘Studyguide’ series. This book will make an excellent beginners' text – the purpose for which it was designed – but also a useful basis for more advanced discussion groups of what Astley is pleased to call ‘ordinary theologians’, being the non-specialist Christian thinker whether lay or ordained. And, for many ordained, this book provides a helpful refresher and a useful reference. Well done SCM." --Douglas Pratt, University of Bern, Switzerland & University of Waikato, New Zealand