Practicing christian doctrine sparknotes

She is able to demonstrate how each doctrine has an essential practical nature Putting theology into practice means taking critical doctrinal issues and placing responsibility upon the Christian to work them into their spiritual and communal lives Jesus meant for us to believe rightly and practice the truth of His gospel so that a sick and dying world can hear the good news of His love and grace 0801049334 This introductory theology text explains key concepts in Christian doctrine and shows that doctrine is integrally linked to the practical realities of Christian life In order to grow into faithful practitioners of Christianity.

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This book is low key genius Why Jones goes over the foundational doctrinal areas within the Christian faith explains the heart of it how it changes how we live practically in the world AND THEN she talks about early Christian heresies and what makes them heresy in transgressing against the specific doctrines not just as theological hair splitting but she presents why that matters as it relates to the way we follow Jesus in the world So good Bonus points This book pairs really well with Kallistos Ware s The Orthodox way The chapters map nearly exactly onto each other and reading together gives a feel for the differences in approaching theology between East and West 0801049334 This is the first book I ve ever won from Goodreads First Reads and in the past week or so I ve won three other books I m one lucky dog I wasn t sure how much I was going to enjoy this book I couldn t imagine some book I won could be that good but when I read the first few chapters I was quite surprised by how informative enjoyable and lucid this book is I found Jones s work to be a pleasing introduction to the world of theology As someone who has been a student of apologetics my knowledge of theology was good but not well rounded This book cleared up a lot of questions I had about different viewpoints and definitions of several theological terms Jones successfully makes sure that the reader doesn t get too bogged down in studying God by including the occasional poem or hymn of praise that reminds one of His greatness She presents many of the arguments for a wide variety of theological issues that are important to understand Although this is a well done portion of the book it is not without its flaws While some would see the absence of a obvious author opinion as a quality it makes it difficult to see the author as a person when she does not make any comments based from opinion I am aware that this book is meant to be a scholarly work but for the average reader the feeling of a connection or understanding with the author is essential Jones covers many heretical teachings of the church throughout the centuries that while informative and enlightening in a way that helps us avoid these theological missteps creates a problem where the reader might get bored and drug down through seemingly needless detail on controversies that have been long solved I don t think the exploration of these heresies was unnecessary or bad so to say but I will admit that the detail put into them became tiring after a period of time The author includes theological perspectives from world theologians in places like Africa or South America Why the author is interested in presenting these views or what it has do with her and or the material goes unexplained I would say its most likely due to her fascination with the ecumenical church but this interest alone cannot explain why these views would be explored when the purpose of the book is supposed to be learning to think and live theologically Not to study worldviews on God It s somewhat difficult to tell who the audience for this book is supposed to be Even as a longtime laymen student of apologetics and some theology I learned plenty of new things but there was a lot of material that I couldn t imagine someone reading this kind of book wouldn t already know It is an introduction so I understand trying to flesh out some of the basics but the book sometimes dives into basics that anyone who has attended church for a half year would understand A minor complaint of mine would be Jones s reliance on the quotes of John Wesley whom she uses incessantly I would assume from this that she is a follower of Wesleyanism but even so I would have liked of a variety of sources quoted She sticks to her favorites and doesn t branch too far out from there The biggest problem is the theme of the book practicing Christian doctrine While the title of the book makes the premise sound like the book will be approaching theology from a fresh angle by trying to show how theology can affect you and make you live life differently this aspect is relegated to barely a cameo appearance Jones spends most of each chapter summarizing each topic as it is viewed in theology and at the end of the chapter she uses about a page to try to explain how this affects the way you ll live life While I enjoyed the book and gained a lot from it this premise of living and thinking theologically appears to be merely a tacked on gimmick to sell what is otherwise an introductory theology text to a wider audience If Jones had only spent time on each section detailing this topic it might not be a problem As it is it appears that Jones is desperately attempting to figure out a tie in to the theme for each chapter even when there isn t one And lastly the book ends without much of a sense of closure due to the neglect of the main premise The last chapter is a good one that deals with eschatology teaching of the last things like heaven hell the second coming etc but after that is a benediction and the book ends Jones should have ended it by including a final chapter that summarizes the book s main points and argues for the practice of its subject She attempts to do so in the benediction but it is not quite as effective as a last chapter could have been If this book were to enter a second printing I would keep the benediction but add the needed chapter Overall despite my criticisms I m partial towards the book and I was happy to read it I learned a lot and I would recommend it to those who are looking for an introductory theology work that is understandable to the layman It s not perfect but it does an intelligent job 3. Practicing christian doctrinex xbox 360 5 0801049334 A great introduction to Christian doctrine Looking forward to using it with students next year 0801049334 This is a simultaneously deep and practical guide to doing theology loving God and living a life that reflects Christian beliefs I would commend it highly to anyone but it would be perfect for a high school or college theology class It walks through a basic systematic theology that is evangelical global and very informed about the history of the Christian traditions Readers are exposed to great thinkers in the church past and present as well as areas where different Christian traditions differ and cautioned by beliefs that resulted in heresy This book is a gift to the church and I hope it finds as wide an audience as it deserves 0801049334 In her book Practicing Christian Doctrine An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically Wheaton University s Dr Beth Felker Jones presents an argument that theology is not just for academic discussion No theology must go beyond ivory tower philosophical gymnastics and have a deeply practical nature Her other books are Faithful A Theology of Sex God the Spirit Introducing Pneumatology in Wesleyan and Ecumenical Perspective and The Marks of His Wounds Resurrection Doctrine and Gender Politics These works along with her emphasis on systematic theology at Wheaton College and her work for the publication The Christian Century where she writes on media give her a substantial authority in the area of theology and doctrine However as evidenced in Practicing Christian Doctrine An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically theology is a way we live In the book Dr Felker Jones covers the theological doctrines of speaking of God knowing God the Trinity Creation God s Image Christology Soteriology Pneumatology Ecclesiology and Eschatology These overviews are brief but profound The chapters bring the reader into the historical development and complexities of each doctrine However Dr Felker Jones does stop with an explanation of doctrine but emphasizes application As she states in her Introduction The study of doctrine belongs right in the middle of the Christian life It is part of our worship of God and service to God s people Jesus commanded us to love God with our mind as well as our heart soul and strength Luke 10 27 All four are connected the heart s passion the soul s yearning the strength God grants us and the intellectual task of seeking the truth of God This means that the study of doctrine is an act of love for God in studying the things of God we are formed as worshipers and as God s servants in the world To practice doctrine is to yearn for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith to seek the logic and the beauty of that faith and to live out what we have learned in the everyday realities of the Christian life Jesus in Luke 10 27 implored His followers to love God with their whole being That means that theology must have a practical end not just an intellectual one This theology this collection of doctrines is historical The Christian s theological heritage is built upon the practical need to work out beliefs in the face of daunting heresies Dr Felker Jones reviewing David Bebbington s view on theology further states Evangelical Christianity is orthodox because it shares the doctrinal commitments of the early church s creedal tradition such as a belief in a Triune God This orthodoxy is a point of connection between evangelicals and the bigger Christian story beginning with the early church This dedication to the historical connection is evident throughout the book Dr Felker Jones consistently through each chapter connects the current day understanding of doctrines back to the origin and development of thought In this way the reader is led through the necessary and practical nature of the doctrine Learning why a doctrine developed is essential in learning why the doctrine is essential and practical today. What is a practising christian For example consider the chapter on Ecclesiology in my mind the finest chapter in the book Starting with Acts chapter 15 Dr Felker Jones develops this doctrine with an eye towards the realistic notion of what Church is to Protestants Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians Acts 15 is crucial because it marks an intense moment of discernment of her leaders The Church had to decide how to handle the Gentiles whether to force them to adhere to Jewish laws circumcision specifically or not The tension was between remaining faithful to the Jewish nature of the church while at the same time opening the Gospel to all peoples Again Dr Felker Jones speaks to the practical nature of this debate It matters that this decision is made not against what God has done in Israel but in continuity with God s work in Israel as testified to in Scripture The new church agrees with the words of the prophets v 15 and with things God has been making known from long ago v 18 To free gentile converts from the requirement of circumcision is not to ignore the holiness of God s law but it is to recognize the heart of the law Further The church of Jesus Christ is this joyous community the community that rejoices in God s gracious salvation The church is the community that opens up through that grace to proclaim Christ s peace to those who were far off and to those who were near Eph 2 17 This is the community that makes room for the Gentiles to be grafted in not by sacrificing its identity but by clarifying that identity the church is the people of God called out to bear visible witness in the body and as a body to the free and transformative gift of grace we have received in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ As we practice ecclesiology the doctrine of the church we learn what it means to be the people who were once called the uncircumcision Eph 2 11 because we were estranged from God a people of aliens made citizens strangers made children those who once were far off and have been brought near by the blood of Christ Eph 2 13 Emphasis mine This theme increases in importance later in the chapter when she discusses unity Unity in the face of a broken and separated Body is an essential and practical piece to understand Ecclesiology How Christians of all flavors understand and commune with each other reflects on who we are as Christ followers Dr Felker Jones moves to John 17 1718 reviewing how this can be realized The church is to be in the world like Jesus If this extraordinary comparison were not enough Jesus then makes one that is even daunting praying that church unity would be like the unity he shares with the Father Trinitarian unity is the truest and realest unity and Jesus wants the church to be a reflection of that Next Jesus names the basis on which the church may hope to be one the glory of the Father given to us by Jesus v 22 Unity no less than any other aspect of sanctification is not a work we can perform under our own power Unity is something that must come by the grace of Christ Later in the chapter she further reflects on this unity and how it affects the missional nature of the Church This kind of visible unified practice strengthens and nurtures the body for a second kind of practice one identified by many contemporary ecclesiologists who see that church happens when we are faithful in mission Christian faith is a missionary faith and the Christian church is a missionary church As with all the chapters in the book Dr Felker Jones finished the chapter on Ecclesiology with a reflection on the practice of the doctrine The Church fractured as she is must be seen as a community devoted to the foundation of the Apostles and Jesus Practicing Ecclesiology involves praying for grace to love other believers and be open to how God will use the Church s brokenness as a witness to his grace This witness shines the light on how the church was how the Church is how the Church will be Throughout the book Dr Felker Jones displays great respect for all Christian traditions Although she does dip into the Wesleyan well quite a bit with 27 citations Jean Calvin being second with 9 citations she takes excellent care do correctly state differing theologies without completely tipping her hand on her individual stand This is an essential skill for this kind of book In order to convince Christians that what they believe matters in practice as well as in belief an author must respect different tradition in approaching these at times controversial doctrinal differences For example the chapter on soteriology starts with an acknowledgment of differences Jesus s work as savior is inexhaustible in both breadth and depth and it is appropriate that soteriology should reflect some of that abundance The doctrine of salvation is one of the areas of Christian thought where we see wide diversity including disagreement among different theological traditions but this does not mean that there is no recognizable Christian consensus about soteriology She continues in her development of soteriology by examining the commonalities of the doctrine Starting with a review of Brenda Colijn s work on salvation theses in scripture Dr Felker Jones explores the critical beginning concepts of salvation conscience contrition election and repentance She then moves to the doctrine of Justification The section begins with a review of the beginning conflicts of this doctrine in the sixteenth century Being sensitive that this time period does draw up strong emotions on both the Catholic and Protestant side she briefly reviews Martin Luther and his impact on the subject Without pulling punches but yet being respectful of Roman Catholic theology as it is properly understood as opposed to how it is improperly abused she can bring the concepts of sola fide sola gratia sola Christus into a proper perspective The doctrines of Sanctification and final redemption are treated with equal care What this leads to is her section in the chapter on the dynamics of grace and human freedom Because Dr Felker Jones has taken great care to respect all sides in the doctrines up until this point it is refreshing that she can review this subject which has divided many Christians Although it appears albeit no overtly that she is writing form a Wesleyan Arminian perspective her treatment of Calvinism is accurate and thorough While reviewing both sides of the issue Christians from both branches Calvinist and Arminian will appreciate each other s theology Summing up her review Calvinists find comfort in a doctrine of God who elects without imposing conditions Arminians in a doctrine of God who offers salvation to all and both Calvinists and Arminians in the God whose magnificent and free grace reaches out to us in our helplessness In conclusion Dr Felker Jones achieves her goal in Practicing Christian Doctrine An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically Each doctrine is reviewed with care and respect to the historical development and the significant differences among Christian traditions With that respect we need to engage in the practice of learning doctrine and understanding how it shapes faithful lives Beth Felker Jones helps students articulate basic Christian doctrines think theologically so they can act Christianly in a diverse world and connect Christian thought to their everyday life of faith. Practicing christian doctrinem meaning in hindi This book written from a solidly evangelical yet ecumenically aware perspective models a way of doing theology that is generous and charitable It attends to history and contemporary debates and features voices from the global church Sidebars made up of illustrative quotations key Scripture passages classic hymn texts and devotional poetry punctuate the chapters Practicing Christian Doctrine An Introduction to Thinking and Living TheologicallyChristopher A Hall said it best A wise well written introduction to the wonder and joy of Christian doctrine 0801049334 Great introduction to theology I really appreciated the catholicity of the book focusing on the things that all believers agree on and using the work of thinkers from many different branches of the church 0801049334 Simple in the complexity of Christian doctrine this is a great book to gain one s theological footing whilst recognizing a call to both understand what Christians believe and live accordingly 0801049334 A typical text is written from the I m right and everyone who disagrees with me is wrong perspective The perspective of this book is refreshingly different Here is an overview of what Evangelical Christians agree on plus both sides of many issues they disagree on plus an acknowledgement of many of the places those outside Evangelicalism would disagree That last part is accomplished mostly like this instead of breezily asserting all the Evangelical truths as though preaching to the choir Jones asserts some of the truths through clenched teeth making it obvious to readers which ones are problematic I would like to see every Evangelical Christian read this book 0801049334 This is a great introductory theology text and is readable than other introductory texts I ve looked at in the past I appreciate that it pushes towards the integration of faith and practice 0801049334

Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically By Beth Felker Jones

0801049334

9780801049330

English

256

Paperback

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Beth Felker Jones teaches theology at Northern Seminary near Chicago and loves to write for the church..