Book review – Christian Beliefs (20 basics every Christian should know) by Wayne Grudem

First there was the weighty tome Systematic Theology, an in-depth study of all things bible theology from a reformed ‘charismaticish’ evangelical basis with references to other ways of looking at things. This proved to be excellent (if you followed that line of theology) but required a forklift truck to move and the sheer density of it put some people off.

So Mr Grudem released Bible Doctrine a slimmed down version of the might Systematic Theology using easier words, and missing out some parts of original completely. Again this was a weighty tome, slightly smaller than the first. However it was easier to read and understand and was not as complex. Many read it and then went on to buy systematic theology to fill in the gaps. However many people who were not bible scholars were put off by the size and weight of the thing and did not read it.

Finally Mr Grudem edited by his son Elliot released “Christian Beliefs 20 Basics every Christian should know” for those who like things fast and easy to digest. It is the equivalent of a MacDonald’s hamburger compared to a full on beef wellington when compared to either Systematic Theology or even Biblical Doctrine.

It is short having only 20 chapters and weighing in at only 157 pages. Each of these chapters covers a question about Christian belief –

1. What is the bible
2. What is God like
3. What is the trinity
4. What is creation
5. What is prayer
6. What are angels and demons
7. What is man
8. What s sin
9. Who is Christ
10. What is atonement
11. What is the resurrection
12. What is election (Or Predestination)
13. What does it mean to become a Christian
14. What are justification and adoption
15. What are sanctification and perseverance
16. What is death
17. What is the church
18. What will happen when Christ returns
19. What is the final judgement
20. What is heaven

Each of these topics is covered in a simple and concise way. Here however unlike in the Systematic Theology or Biblical Doctrine, Grudem only gives his ‘take’ on what the bible says. So you only get the viewpoint of the reformed evangelical way of looking at things.

Having said that, it is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting a quick and simple over view of some major biblical questions.

At the end of each chapter there are a number of questions to ask yourself to get you thinking about the topic covered and how it impacts your life. These are excellent and help understanding.

I have been using this as a focal point of a small bible discussion group I have been running and it has proved excellent at provoking debate within the group. As people have shared what they have found interesting, disagreed with, upset by, astonished by, how it has impacted them and so forth.

So if you want a first book on doctrine or want an appetiser then go out and get this book. It is excellent for the new Christian and should lead people into wanting to know more about each topic which will in turn leading to the getting closer to Christ who is the focus of all scripture and doctrine.

Personally though I have always preferred beef wellington!

Book Review – Wild at Heart – John Eldredge

This is one of the most important christian books I have ever read. John Eldredge looks at what it is to be a true man of God, with the emphasis on MAN. By exploring what it is to be a man, what motivates a man, how a man is wounded and whether or not he is initiated into masculinity Eldredge takes you on a journey through your own manhood.

This book has brought up some serious issues in my life and it has opened up some deep painful wounds which I had buried for most of my adult life. However it has also shown me how to work through these wounds with Father and Jesus and come out the other end. It’s not a finished work yet but i am making steady progress. I look fowardd to

1.    Fighting the Battle

2.    Living the Adventure

3.    Rescuing Beauty

A full review can be found in the book reviews section of the blog.