God, Creation, and Salvation - by Oliver D Crisp (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This collection of studies in theology is written from the perspective of one from within the Christian faith, and seeking greater understanding of the doctrinal deposit of that faith. As a leading scholar in Christian and analytic theology, Oliver D. Crisp summarizes and analyses Christian doctrine, written in the form of traditional dogmatics.

Beginning with issues concerning the task of theology, Crisp explores the challenges to systematic theology as a discipline, the uses of Scripture in theological discourse, and the reception of the theology of John Calvin. He then moves issues at the centre of serious theological debate in recent theology, the relationship between God and abstract objects in the thought of Jonathan Edwards, and theological anthropology. This volume culminates with studies that focus on central and defining issues in contemporary systematic and philosophical theology, taking forward a constructive theological program in dialogue with important figures in the Christian tradition, and engaged with some of the best contemporary theological scholarship.

Review Quotes

"There are many things to appreciate in this volume. First, it is a well-written academic word. Second, Crisp elucidates the depth and breadth of Reformed thinking. Thrid, he provides primary sources in footnotes when dealing with theologians of the past (Calvin, Zwingli, Edwards, and others). Fourth, the trajectory of his thought is mapped out in the preface, which serves as a foretaste of what he has baked in his theological oven. He also clarifies that some chapters were presented in different settings. That does not make the various topics disconnected though since Crisp weaves them together in a traditional dogmatics structure." --Southeastern Theological Review

"God, Creation, and Salvation offers readers a master class in theological thinking. With exemplary rigor and clarity, Oliver Crisp analyzes the central doctrines of the Christian faith, in creative dialogue with major theologians of the past, and in doing so he makes a bold case for theological inquiry today." --Christine Helmer, Northwestern University, USA

"Oliver Crisp draws treasures old and new from the storehouse of Reformed theology with skill and precision, extending our understanding of the breadth of this rich theological tradition while at the same time affirming its most fundamental charisms. Crisp offers both affirmation to Reformed theologians and surprising points of ecumenical contact." --Junius Johnson, Baylor University, USA

"These essays continue Oliver Crisp's singular project of probing the notion of what counts as Reformed theology by expanding the cast of usual suspects, while simultaneously advancing the cause of analytic theology in a series of clarifying and constructive dialogues with these Reformed resources over a range of core Christian doctrines." --Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, USA

"With clarity, precision, and grace, Oliver Crisp offers a series of essays that explore the breadth and diversity of Reformed thought across a range of issues, demonstrating that Reformed theology has the resources to think creatively about some of modern theology's most difficult problems." --Marc Cortez, Wheaton College, USA

"Oliver Crisp's retrieval approach to Reformed Theology bears fruit as he engages broadly, constructively, and faithfully with an array of Reformed theologians, while also attending to the ways in which Reformed thought intersects with the great tradition of Christian thought. This book is not to be missed for those interested in accessing past theological wisdom for the present." --Jennifer McNutt, Wheaton College, USA

"A leading exponent of analytic theology, Oliver Crisp displays his characteristic clarity and insight in a succession of essays on central doctrinal themes. Allied to his historical learning, his approach generates material that will repay study and stimulate further reflection, particularly within the Reformed tradition." --David Fergusson, University of Edinburgh, UK

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