An ECPA 2003 Gold Medallion Finalist!The story of Christian theology has often been divisive and disjointed. Providing this companion volume to his earlier work The Story of Christian Theology, Roger E. Olson thematically traces the contours of Christian belief down through the ages, revealing a pattern of both unity and diversity. He finds a consensus of teaching that is both unitive and able to incorporate a faithful diversity when not forced into the molds of false either-or alternatives. The mosaic that emerges from Olson's work displays a mediating evangelical theology that is nonspeculative and irenic in spirit and tone. Specifically written with the nonspecialist in mind, Olson has masterfully sketched out the contours of Christian faith with simplicity while avoiding oversimplification.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
A Solid Foundation for Unity in the Body:
Deep but accessible to the layman "Mosaic" clearly reflects a message that God is speaking to His church today. In John 17 Jesus prayed that the whole church would be one, not just the early church but all of us who have been transformed by the apostolic message. Just as the Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in the Father we have been united with God by faith in Jesus Christ. We do possess the glory that the Father gave to Jesus but only as we join with one another in complete unity can the world know that... more info
Mosaic of Christian Beliefs:
The text is well written. The context is difficult to absorb unless taken in smaller quantities. Overall a good resource for anyones tool kit.
Good Intro to Theology Text:
This is a useful textbook. Olson does a good job of explaining core Christian beliefs clearly and demonstrating an irenic approach to theology, without assuming that the reader needs to agree with him about anything outside of traditional orthodoxy. He does come across as rather defensive about Arminianism, though. It's a little dry, but not overly difficult. This would be a fine choice for a general theology course, though I wouldn't choose it for either a systematic or a historical theology course... more info
Surprisingly Good!:
Having heard and read about the unbiblical views of Roger Olson, I was hesitant to pick this book up and read it. However, after finishing it I don't regret reading this fine systematic theology book at all (though I disagree seriously with Olson on some issues). The book is nicely organized and very easy to read. Also, it is not a mammoth of a book (just over 350 pages) so readers will not have to devote many months to finish it. I especially liked Olson's balanced style and exhaustiveness. Though he... more info
