Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine

This is a great suite of information, and very even-handedly presented. I've been looking for a quick referece guide of this nature for years. Indispensable as a ready reference that presents core theological perspectives represented in volumes of other works.

H. Wayne House has set out to give his readers a simplified picture of major theological positions. His chart book covers topics from (selected of course) theories of inerrancy to the historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity. He includes several theories of Kenosis and many differing views on the issue of "Tongues". House as well presents some of the major divergences on Christian understandings of the sacraments and even tackles with the ever-divisive issues of eschatology. Though I'd have to admit House at times does reveal his particular leanings for or against certain lines of reasoning, he does an excellent overall job of giving a brief synopsis and maintains a high level of respect for each view with which he is in dialogue. House's chart book is a spectacular resource for people looking to see contrasting views in their basic forms and who seek to understand the pillars on which these views are built. Those of you just about to head off to Bible Colleges should defiantly pick this one up and as you progress in your studies make sure to use the best resource House provides - his amazing bibliography!

The side-by-side comparisons chart format is a visual alternative to sifting thru narrative about who believes what within Christendom. Nine key areas of theology are covered--Bibliology, Soteriology (study of salvation), Eschatology (study of endtimes), etc. But before getting into the specific areas, chapter one broad theological systems and views--Roman Catholicism, Reformed, Arminian, Neo-Orthodox, covenenant theology vs. dispensationalism, etc. Differences about specifics follow in chapters devoted to each of the 9 theology categories. The charts are factual, without commentary, advocacy or obvious bias for one view over another. I've found this reference book to be particularly helpful for sharing with nonChristians wanting to know the belief differences between one group or another.

I am looking at some of the other reviews, and 4 of the 5 people who have responded have criticisms of this book because they apparently felt that House did not accurately portray their pet doctrine or church. I'm guessing that in a chart book like this, the author will never be able to please every single reader. What I like about this is that the material is simple to understand, and in just a few pages, House adequately summarizes a doctrine and the views Christians have on it. For instance, if you wanted to better understand the issue of Calvinism vs. Arminianism, House gives views from both camps. He doesn't tell you what to believe. Certainly if you rest on one side, you might feel like he "missed" important points that could have been made. But this chart book was not meant to be an exhaustive resource that would relieve you of further research on your own. The author merely meant this to be a starting place, to better understand the various views. Maybe this will help a person better sort through an issue and to come to a conclusion about which view is the most biblical and therefore accurate. I have used these charts in explaining different doctrines (i.e. the Trinity). It's worthy of the investment.

This is an extremely useful book for anyone who has questions about Christian theological issues. The book is layed out using tables, charts, and diagrams -- that is, outlines. It is not written in normal paragraph format.For example, if you have a question about the Trinity, you will be treated with a brief history of the doctrine showing what doctrines were debated at the Council of Nicea; an ancient diagram of the Trinity that nicely shows the orthodox view of the doctrine, a chart of a Biblical Presentation of the Trinity, and a two-page chart showing five major views of the Trinity including the source of each, adherents, criticisms, and more.I find this book incredibly useful and use it all the time.