Roger Olson's Classical and Contemporary Introduction to Christian Doctrine

For the first time, celebrated historical theologian Roger Olson offers his own constructive theology, distilling decades of scholarly expertise into a concise systematic theology that is both approachable and substantial. Building on his acclaimed work in historical theology, Christian Theology examines the major doctrines of the Christian faith.

This introduction is accessible enough for seminary students while offering the robust foundation necessary for mature Christian faith and further theological study.

Christian Theology features:



- An exposition of classical and contemporary Christian thought from an evangelical, Protestant, and Arminian point of view

- Chapters on faith and reason, revelation, God's nature, providence, humanity, Jesus Christ, atonement, the Holy Spirit, salvation, Christian ethics, church, and eschatology

- A Christ-centered approach to theology that explains complex concepts clearly without sacrificing depth.

Theology, Olson shows, is not merely an academic exercise but a vital, ongoing process that glorifies God through careful thinking about him. This volume invites students and lifelong learners alike to think well about the Christian faith, guided by a trusted voice in the field.



Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) is Emeritus Professor of Christian Theology at Baylor University's George W. Truett Theological Seminary where he taught for twenty-two years. He previously taught theology at Bethel University. He is a graduate of North American Baptist Seminary and Rice University and is a Baptist and Mennonite evangelical Christian theologian. He and his wife Becky have been married over fifty years and have two daughters and four grandchildren. Roger lives in Denver, Colorado.



1. Faith and Reason

2. Revelation

3. God

4. Providence

5. Humans

6. Jesus Christ

7. Atonement

8. The Holy Spirit

9. Salvation

10. Christian Ethics

11. Church

12. The Future

Conclusion

Index

Scripture Index



"Roger Olson draws on his vast knowledge of historical theology to present the Great Tradition of Christian orthodoxy. Olson focuses mostly on the beliefs that he considers biblically faithful and relatively conservative, ranging from the doctrine of God to that of providence, church, ethics, and eschatology. Regarding salvation, Olson emphasizes evangelical synergism, stating that God initiates salvation and enables sinners to respond to God's call to repentance and faith by means of prevenient grace. I recommend this book because of Olson's astute insights into Christian orthodoxy."



"Roger Olson has an unparalleled gift for making Christian doctrine comprehensible to students just beginning to think seriously about their faith. This book showcases that gift at full strength. He delivers on his stated goal of a dogmatics aimed above the simplistic but below the technical. His voice is direct, self-disclosing, and forthright in a way that makes theology feel like a provocative, living conversation. Whatever one's commitments, Olson's clarity and honest acknowledgment of genuine diversity make this an ideal starting point for those ready to go deeper."