Modern Christian Thought, Vol. I: The Enlightenment and the Nineteenth Century

Livingston's book provides a solid foundation for understanding the many twists and turns Christian thought underwent during the 18th and 19th century. I don't wish to repeat any of the commentary the aforementioned reviews provided, but instead will offer two criticisms of the book. First, make no mistake about it, this is first and foremost a text-book. On almost every page their are long quotations, sometimes with minimal explications of what the quoted passages are suggesting (when he deals with Kant for example). Second, besides his section on the Princeton Theologians he spends little time on American theology. In other words, this is primarily a book dealing with European theology. For a book dealing with American Theology during this period I recommend, "Theology in America: Christian Thought from the Age of the Puritans to the Civil War," by E. Brooks Holifield. For an alternative to Livingston's I suggest Barth's "Protestant Theology in the Nineteenth Century: Its Background and History".

This text describes the history and progression of modern christian thought since the eighteenth-century Enlightenment. Highly readable without sacrificing an intelligent coverage of how christianity has evolved with other major historical movements. Highly recommended for those with particular interests in the history of christianity or historical interests in general.

If you are a student of theology, or just happen to be interested in theology, YOU MUST HAVE THIS BOOK! I own a number of books that offer introductions to modern theologians, but none of them are as good as this one.First of all, it's readable. The articles, while thorough, help put very difficult and complex ideas in very simple forms.Second, it's complete. The book covers every important modern theologian. It gives a brief biographical sketch, places the theologian in the context of particular movement/periods, lists their key works, summarizes their most important contributions to theology, and covers important critiques.I consult this book constantly for a quick intro to a thinker I am not familiar with. For theology students, the book is a must have.