Moody Handbook of Theology

This book is for those who are studying theology and Bible study

I am a 60+ year old retired Grandma of average intelligence. I have wanted to take a theology class for decades. A young friend of mine in college recommended this book to me. I wondered if it would be so far over my head that I would not understand it well. Not so. totally readable and easily understood. So, if you have ever wanted to study theology this is a great starting point. I encourage you to get this book. Within the first 4-5 chapters I learned much I had never been taught in all the years I have been listening to sermons and teachings and bible studies. I read those chapters the same day I got the book.

This book is great! I have Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology and although that is great - this book does no side stepping whatso ever. I actually received this book and read it in a week. Reformed, Calvinistic Theology at its best (IMHO). It is very too the point and gives variances along the way to the controversial doctrines; and yet, gives you the opportunity to see it from multiple sides. I highly suggest this book those Spiritual "Young Adults" ( I John ) Who are laying their foundatin to grow up in the Spiritual Fathers ( I John ). This is a very well written book.

Paul Enns writes in a style easily read by most high school "B" students. This book is rather comprehensive in subjects, and covers most subjects rather well. It speaks to opposing (theological) views and explains the differences very well. It will introduce and explain issues related to basic subjects that, unless you've attended in-depth theology classes, you will not even know existed. Subjects include the Bible, God, Salvation, Church, Future Events, etc. It also includes many tables to provide the big picture very quickly. For basic theology books, it is one of two books I recommend for everyone. (The other one is "Practical Christianity" by Floyd Barackman.) Neither of these books would serve well as seminary text books, but rarely are we looking for such material anyway! If you want to get a good understanding of a doctrine in 30 minutes, either of these two books are very good choices. (This is using the book as a reference book, not for general reading. One could certainly simply read the book, but my guess is most owners use it in reference style instead. It has a good index, etc.)

Enns does an excellent job in taking a very complex subject (namely, theology) and breaking it down into a very readable format. While he certainly has his personal theological bent, it is not very apparent throughout much of the book, as he seems to honestly tackle the different styles and beliefs of doctrines. He is very effective in objectively (as far as it can be done) describing the various systems of belief. Numerous charts found throughout the book accentuate the discussion of the different chapters. The glossary in the back includes 1-2-sentence defintions, and while this is perhaps too simple, I could see this being advantageous for a beginner who is easily overwhelmed. For someone who would like an overview of theology, I would think this book should be a most valuable research tool.

I have read many "theology" books, and this one rates among the best. This book goes into depth that will assist someone in full time ministry, but the material is explained in a way that anyone else can easily comprehend it. Paul Enns did an outstanding job at organizing truths and principles found in the Word of God into easily understood topics. The material is rock solid, since it is based entirely on the Bible itself. This book is a necessity for addition to anyone's library.