Contemporary Theology: An Introduction, Revised Edition - by Kirk R MacGregor (Hardcover)

About the Book

Contemporary Theology: An Introduction by Kirk MacGregor introduces major thinkers and schools of thought from the beginning of the 19th century to the present, including non-Western voices, evangelical perspectives, and philosophical developments alongside the widely acknowledged main streams of modern theology.

Book Synopsis

Accessible and comprehensive, Contemporary Theology: An Introduction by professor and author Kirk R. MacGregor provides a chronological survey of the major thinkers and schools of thought in modern theology in a manner that is both approachable and intriguing.

Unique among introductions to contemporary theology, MacGregor includes:

• Evangelical perspectives alongside mainline and liberal developments
• The influence of philosophy and the recent Christian philosophical renaissance on theology
• Global contributions
• Recent developments in exegetical theology
• The implications of theological shifts on ethics and church life

Contemporary Theology: An Introduction is noteworthy for making complex thought understandable and for tracing the landscape of modern theology in a well-organized and easy-to-follow manner.

Review Quotes

'Contemporary Theology: An Introduction will assuredly--and quickly--become an indispensable addition to the required reading list for undergraduate and graduate courses on Christian theology and Christian ethics. As in all of his publications, Professor MacGregor combines comprehensive and context-driven historical analysis with superlative writing skills. Difficult concepts are presented in a clearly written, crisp, and engaging style. For the general reader interested in the positive impact of Christian ethics on our fragmented and contentious world, your understanding of the ongoing cultural struggle for ethical assurances, drawn from the long history of Christian theology, will be exponentially enhanced. Highly recommended!'-- JOHN K. SIMMONS, professor emeritus of religious studies, Western Illinois University

'In Contemporary Theology Kirk MacGregor skillfully acquaints readers with the principal thinkers and schools of thought in Christian theology over the past two hundred years, both inside and outside evangelicalism. MacGregor beautifully discloses how the renaissance in philosophy of religion over the past half century has shaped many of the most creative and constructive strides in theology today. I heartily recommend this book.'-- WILLIAM LANE CRAIG, research professor of philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, and professor of philosophy, Houston Baptist University

'Kirk MacGregor has given to us an accessible, wide-ranging overview of the contemporary theological scene. It is not only a valuable resource, but it rightly recognizes the important contributions of philosophy of religion and analytic theology in helping to shape and guide much of today's theological discourse.'-- PAUL COPAN, the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and author of A Little Book for New Philosophers

'When traveling through new and unfamiliar terrain, having a knowledgeable guide is essential. But if that guide is also an excellent communicator, then so much the better. MacGregor demonstrates that he is both. In Contemporary Theology: An Introduction, MacGregor gives the reader a clear and balanced tour through the modern theological landscape.'-- KENNETH D. KEATHLEY, senior professor of theology, Jesse Hendley Endowed Chair of Biblical Theology, and director of the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

'With Contemporary Theology: An Introduction Professor MacGregor presents the theological community a highly readable, cogent, and insightful inventory of two centuries of modern theological thought. Scholars will appreciate the comprehensive overview, students will love the easy access of thirty-eight nearly standalone chapters, and the generally educated layperson will value the contextualization of their own experiences which this volume offers. Additionally, the extensive critical apparatus helpfully lays out both pivotal primary texts and useful secondary sources, thus ensuring that Contemporary Theology shall soon become a sought after college and seminary textbook as well as a frequently consulted theological handbook.'-- ROMWALD MACZKA, professor emeritus of religion, Carthage College