A Faith for All Seasons

Dorman has given us a fine piece of work here. The book is organized by theological topic but each topic is discussed historically. In this way, it provides a helpful combination of systematic theology and historical theology. It provides a wonderful way of comparing historical perspectives on various topics. In chapter 12, for example, he discusses the doctrine of salvation, beginning by distinguishing Eastern concepts from Western and then moving on to discussing the doctrine of election from Augustine to Barth. He ends with an extensive look at the order of salvation in the theologies of Roman Catholicism, Luther, Calvin, Arminius, and Wesley, being careful to focus on the distinctives of each. Interspersed throughout each of Dorman's chapters are little snippets of key figures and ideas that have shaped Christian theology. So in his chapter on the church he includes a brief summary of H. Richard Niebuhr's Christ and Culture. In his chapter on providence he provides an overview and brief critique of Rabbi Harold Kushner's bestselling When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Dorman is almost certainly writing from a Reformed perspective and thus he often gives the final word on a given topic to Calvin. Being of like theological persuasion I can't say this without some ignorance, but he seems to present each view fairly and accurately. When speaking of Wesley's view of Justification, for instance, he gives no hint of predisposition against him. In fact, he ends the chapter on salvation with a several points of agreement between the Calvinist Reformed and Wesleyan-Arminian traditions. In all, this is a great book and provides a wonderful introduction to both historical and systematic theology. I first read it when I first began my theological training and I still turn to it some five years later. It's an especially good resource for teaching about the distinctives of various theological traditions.

I received this book in a timely fashion, and I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Dorman provides an excellent overview of theology. Ultimately written from an evangelical perspective, the author includes historical developments that are both Catholic and Protestant, providing an accurate picture of the history of Christian doctrine. The book is great for those looking for the essence of the Christian faith in every major doctrinal area. A few areas are a bit skimpy, but overall he covers the theologies (Soteriology, Angelology, Eschatology, etc.) very well.

We have successfully used Dorman's book in small group discussions among people of different Christian backgrounds - Catholic, Wesleyan, Reformed, Baptist. The presentation of contrasting perspectives has been especially valuable to engage a mix of liberal and conservative Christians in a discussion about the diversity that exists today without igniting a liberal-conservative confrontation. The historical perspective of the book lends itself to this more positive outcome. Not dwelling more on modern theological trends is a good thing in this case. Dorman's use of classroom questions as a guide to select material also means the interests of those seeking to dig deeper are often answered or at least they are stimulated to look further. The book makes some compromises to cover so much in a very readable, concise format. Every author would probably pick some different emphasis or approach at some point. However, this book time and time again engenders excitement in those who turn to it trying for the first time to explore the core doctrines of the faith. For it's purpose Dorman's book is quite successful.