Sunday, August 28, 2005

Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know

Wayne Grudem's 1264-page Systematic Theology was first published in 1994. In 1999, Jeff Purswell edited it down to a 528-page version, titled Bible Doctrine. Now, coming this November, Zondervan will publish a 144-page version, edited by Wayne's son, Elliot, titled Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know.

Here are the topics covered in this new version:

  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 is sin?
  9. Who is Christ?
  10. What is the 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 judgment?
  20. What is heaven?

I think that this would be an ideal book for Sunday School classes, and especially for memberships classes--as well as a wonderful tool for discipleship in the faith. Review and application questions are included.