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Book Cover for: The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform, Roger E. Olson

The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition and Reform

Roger E. Olson

Winner:Gold Medallion Book Awards -Theology/Doctrine (2000)
Winner:Christianity Today Book Award -Theology/Ethics (2000)

Christianity Today Book of the Year Award
ECPA Gold Medallion Award

History is made up of stories--narratives that recount the events, movements, ideas and lives that have shaped religions and nations. Theologian Roger Olson believes that the history of Christian theology should be told as such a story, one replete with thick plots, exciting twists, interesting people and fascinating ideas.

In this panoramic work of historical theology Olson vividly recounts the deeds and words of the cultists and apostolic fathers of the second century, the clash between the theological schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the epochal division between East and West, the revolutionary advent of the Reformation and much more, right on up to the dazzling, sometimes dismaying fallout that has continued to shake Christians through the twentieth century. Through it all Olson detects and traces a common thread: a concern for salvation--God's redemptive activity in forgiving and transforming sinful human beings.

Evenhanded, refreshingly readable, impressive in its breadth and depth, The Story of Christian Theology is poised to become a standard historical theology text.

Book Details

  • Publisher: IVP Academic
  • Publish Date: Apr 1st, 1999
  • Pages: 652
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 9.21in - 6.41in - 2.13in - 2.74lb
  • EAN: 9780830815050
  • Categories: TheologyChristian Theology - History

About the Author

Olson, Roger E.: -

Roger E. Olson is professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University, Waco, Texas. He is author of The Story of Christian Theology: and The Journey of Modern Theology.

Praise for this book

"A monumental achievement! The Story of Christian Theology is eminently readable, a welcome and helpful guide to the history of Christian theology."--Donald G. Bloesch, professor of theology emeritus, Dubuque Theological Seminary
"Roger Olson's The Story of Christian Theology is a real page-turner. Here is no bloodless and passionless history of ideas. Olson's Story pulsates with real people living in real time who pray, study, argue, struggle and even occasionally beat each other up over what and how to believe. Olson is convinced that beliefs matter and that the story of Christian theology is not yet finished. Without much effort readers can find themselves in this story too."--Timothy Weber, dean and professor of church history, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Historical theology has never been known for winning popularity contests in Christian classrooms. It is too dated and too abstract. But Roger Olson is out to change that common perception. He has taken this aging beauty, dressed her up in a stylish storytelling outfit and trained her to speak to a contemporary audience. For my students Olson's The Story of Christian Theology has just moved to the top of my you've-got-to-meet-her list."--Bruce L. Shelley, professor of church history, Denver Seminary