A Theology for the Church, 2nd Edition - by Akin & Kenneth D Keathley & Keith S Whitfield (Hardcover)

About the Book

A Theology for the Church seeks to equip the body of Christ with sound theological knowledge and understanding for the purpose of loving the doctrinal truths of Scripture and advancing the gospel to all the nations.

Book Synopsis

Since the first edition in 2007, A Theology for the Church has uniquely served students throughout Baptist seminaries and colleges. The revised edition in 2014 brought welcome updates and new chapters, and the second edition seeks to maintain the same core structure and approach while introducing new authors and adding an additional chapter.

As in the first and subsequent editions, the chapters in A Theology for the Church cover traditional theological categories such as revelation, humanity, Christ, and last things. Additionally, each chapter seeks to answer the same four questions in relation to the doctrinal category covered: What does the Bible say? What has the church believed? How does it all fit together? and How does this doctrine impact the church today?

Undergirded by the primacy of Scripture with a robust appreciation of church history, each contributor seeks to demonstrate the relevance of the Bible for the contemporary audience in its particular historical and cultural context. The task of theology must be recovered in the church if it is to have vitality and health in the years to come, and this new edition helps advance this important task.

Review Quotes

"The Pastoral Epistles teach that sound doctrine leads to spiritual health. Systematic theology, then, is not just an academic exercise but a commitment to what makes us healthy. Our aim in preaching, teaching, and discipleship is not to puff up with knowledge, but to equip believers for godliness, which 'holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come' (1 Tim. 4:8). That's why I wholeheartedly commend the revised and expanded second edition of A Theology for the Church. This volume presents a systematic theology from a Baptist perspective--which I believe most faithfully reflects the teaching of Scripture--informed by church history and applied to ministry today. For indeed in it, you will find that which will make you healthy."
--Nathan Akin, executive director, Pillar Network

"Anytime someone asks me to recommend a systematic theology that is robust, yet readable, I recommend A Theology for the Church. That is why I am excited for this updated and expanded edition. What makes this work unique is that each chapter demonstrates how theology flows from Scripture, how the church has wrestled with these truths over time, and how they apply to our lives today. It is an essential resource not only for pastors, teachers, and students, but for any believer who wants to know why we believe what we believe."
--Jonathan Akin, vice president for Church Relations and Campus Ministries, Carson-Newman University

"The revised and expanded edition of A Theology for the Church offers a distinctly Baptist viewpoint, with contributions from a range of gifted Baptist authors, toward the aim of equipping local churches. This volume serves as an excellent foundational resource for churches and theological institutions seeking to engage systematic theology from a uniquely Baptist, confessional, and ecclesial perspective."
--Paul Akin, provost, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Providing theological resources for the church is as important now as ever, and A Theology for the Church has been an incredibly helpful gift to Baptists for almost two decades. I am thrilled to see this 2nd revised and expanded edition with some of the brightest and best theological minds of Baptist life coming together to offer a systematic treatment of the core doctrines of the faith from a distinctly Baptist perspective. This revised and expanded edition makes a great work even better, and it is a 'must have' for every pastor and theologian."
--Jamie Dew, president, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

"I am excited for this revised and expanded edition of A Theology for the Church. It is a helpful exposition of Christian doctrine that ably represents both the depth and breadth found in a theologically conservative evangelical Baptist perspective. Along with the book's sound content, its accessible structure is a major reason A Theology for the Church has become a popular textbook for students and a trusted reference work for pastors and other ministry leaders. The revisions in this new edition significantly strengthen what was already an excellent resource. I look forward to using this new edition of A Theology for the Church in my own teaching ministry and recommending it to others."
--Nathan A. Finn, professor of faith and culture, North Greenville University

"One can never be too careful today in the theological books you read, for many use the vocabulary of biblical evangelical beliefs but not the dictionary. This newly expanded edition of A Theology for the Church could not come at a better time, when confusion and contradiction seem so prevalent in defining both the mission and the ministry of a true New Testament church. The scholarship is first rate, and the treasure of truth found in these pages will be of immense profit to the pastor/preacher, professor/teacher, and all people everywhere who adhere to the faith once for all delivered to the saints. I cannot commend it too highly!"
--James Merritt, senior pastor, Cross Pointe Church, Duluth, Georgia

"The editors of A Theology for the Church are to be commended for this wise and well-conceived volume. The contributors are skillful, faithful, and ecclesial. The chapters unfold key biblical texts, overview the historic church's treatments, offer Baptist perspectives, and provide responsible syntheses. The result is a valuable resource for pastors, students, and church leaders."
--Christopher W. Morgan, dean and professor of theology, School of Christian Ministries, California Baptist University

"Many systematic theologies are highly specific, technical, and idiosyncratic. These books have their place. However, some of the best volumes take seriously the relationship between the academy and the church by making theology accessible and practical without watering down its intellectual substance. Thankfully, Akin, Keathley, and Whitfield's expanded and revised edition of A Theology for the Church does just that, offering an evangelical systematic theology that serves pastors and students alike."
--Brandon D. Smith, chair of the Hobbs School of Theology & Ministry and associate professor of Theology & Early Christianity, Oklahoma Baptist University

"A Theology of the Church is not just a contribution to church literature; it is a handbook for church discipleship founded in biblical faith. Each well-curated and ordered chapter leads readers into intimate and intellectually challenging conversations with oneself about the Bible, held beliefs, and actual behaviors. This work is more than a must read, it is a must for consumption, requiring one to thoroughly chew and honestly explore concepts crucial for formation as biblical disciples of Christ."
--Robert Smith Jr., distinguished professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School of Samford University

"A Theology for the Church stands as an essential resource for the faithful teaching and proclamation of biblical doctrine. This second edition not only reflects theological depth and clarity, but it also demonstrates a pastoral heart for the church and her mission. As a dean and professor dedicated to equipping the next generation of church leaders, I commend this work for its unwavering commitment to Scripture. Faithful theology equips the church for greater faithfulness. It is a must-have for every serious student of theology and ministry."
--Troy W. Temple, dean, John W. Rawlings School of Divinity and Liberty Theological Seminary, Liberty University

"I've returned to A Theology for the Church often over the years, and I'm delighted to see this revised and expanded edition. It's a marvelous compendium of Christian teaching--offering a rich blend of biblical truth, historical development, contemporary issues, and wise pastoral application. Whether or not you align with every conclusion, you'll find here a table set for a feast of theological reflection."
--Trevin Wax, vice president for resources and marketing, North American Mission Board

About the Author

Daniel L. Akin (PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) is the president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Kenneth D. Keathley (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is senior professor of theology, Jesse Hendley Chair of Theology, and director of the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Keith Whitfield (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of theology and vice president for academic administration at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.