Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs

This book truly delivers on its title! Before I bought this book I was familiar with J.I. Packer's Knowing God and was intrigued when I found out that he had written a concise overview of theology. I read in the introduction to Knowing God that Packer is accustomed to writing shorter articles on various topics, the material of which was put together to make Knowing God. So the format of this book allows Packer to do what he does best, writing 95 condensed studies on theological topics, and he does this extremely well! The book is a superb presentation of theology in bite-sized sections with 95 chapters each only a few pages long. The sweep of theology is covered from revelation, theology proper, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, the church, some Christian living topics, and the end times. Each chapter is direct and well explained as Packer has a wonderful way with words and noting relevant verse references leading to sections that are very informative and deep, making this book refreshing as a theological read that encourages theological reflection. Packer masterfully writes in a devotional and practical style that consistently remains on point with whatever topic is being addressed. His background is Covenental and Anglican, but I rarely found this to be a hindrance in this theological study because he is charitable to other positions. The title really explains some of the limitations this book has that should not count against it: 1) it does not reference other theological literature frequently, 2) every theological nuance or possible question is not addressed in the book; but again this book does not set out to be a lengthy systematic. I wonder (and hope) that the author might produce a more lengthy systematic in the future! This is a book that would be great for a group study. It is also works very well as a theological reference as I find myself turning to it again and again. I highly recommend it to all as a refreshing walk through theology and a useful theological tool.

Concise Theology by J.I. Packer could be considered a miniature systematic theology. The four general sections of the book are set forth as follows: (1) God Revealed as Creator (2) God Revealed as Redeemer (3) God Revealed as Lord of Grace (4) God Revealed as Lord of Destiny Each section contains a short, but extremely pointed summary of a particular doctrine. The book is not designed to be a comprehensive systematic theology. Rather it is written with the layman in mind who has a desire to learn doctrinal truth or may not have the time to devote to a larger work. The precision with which this book is written may encourage readers to study further in a given area. J.I. Packer continues to write in a way that many have grown to love and expect. Three basic strengths must be noted. First, the author emphasizes the greatness and majesty of God. Packer emphasizes that "theology is for doxology." He writes, "The truest expression of trust in a great God will always be worship, and it will always be proper worship to praise God for being far greater than we can know." Second, Concise Theology is a superb introduction to Reformed thought. Yet the author does not "wear his theology on his sleeve." This work may appeal to a broad range of people who otherwise may be reluctant to study Reformed theology. Finally, the most controversial points of Reformed theology are dealt with in an honest and forthright manner. The most engaging essays include Packer's discussion on particular redemption, the enslaved will, effectual calling, and the constitution of man. The church owes a tremendous debt to Dr. Packer's faithful ministry over the years. May his tribe increase!

Get this book! This is a great book for those of us looking for a means of getting into the study of Christian theology and truly understanding our faith. Theological terms are described very well with a lot of Bible passages to support the explanation. This is only an introductory level book so, if you are looking for even more information to go along with this book or following this book, Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology is the next step. It is an intimidating looking book but basically takes the idea of Packer's book and greatly expands it. As a Christian, I think it is necessary that we each understand our faith (as opposed to what most Christians do which is just let someone else talk at them on Sunday mornings) so we can defend it from the constant onslaught society is making on our religion and the Bible's positions, that is God's positions, on what is right and what is wrong in His eyes. Remember, we as followers are not making up what we view as sin, it comes from our Almighty Father.

Packer goes thru some basics that believers should know . The entries are not exhaustive but concise and conservative that makes it great for a person who doesn't want to read much.

I have owned this book in paperback for several years, and I just purchased this copy for a friend. I love Packer's book because it gives a clear guide to basic concepts of Christianity. In particular, the article on the image of God has always stuck with me as a helpful explanation of what Genesis 1-2 is talking about. When I received the copy today, I was rather disappointed in the paper quality. It seems that the print quality has gone down even in the last two or three years. The copyright page on the one I just received has "11" as the last number (hence 11th printing), and the paper is rough and cheap. The one I have owned for several years has an "8" as the last number (hence 8th printing), and the paper is whiter and smoother. So I am disappointed in Tyndale. I do not have any expert knowledge in paper; this is just my impression as a consumer, so please take my review with a saltshaker.

One of my favorite books

Love this book! So informative. So devotional. Great for study and family worship. If you want to learn more about God, get this book!

J.I. Packer does an excellent job of explaining complex topics in succinct understandable language. Putting together abstract concepts that can become impossible to grasp without proper explanation.

A terrific resource — deeply Biblical, always faithful, and loaded with riches. This is one of Packer’s gifts and enduring legacies: to teach, to catechize the Church with the aim to be rooted and established in sound doctrine... and so rooted in right relationship, love, and worship of God through Christ.

It's a concise guide to the topics and very clear,

A must have theology book!

The book delivers what the title promises. His writing is clear while comprehensively explaining core Christian concepts and beliefs. I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Christianity. It also pairs well with the New City Catechism!

A huge breadth of subject matter treated in such a way as to make it readily accessible to the ordinary (if there is such a description) reader. The author's writing style flows, is logical, informative, and conclusive.