Readings in Christian Thought: Second Edition

We've just started reading excerpts of this book for school BUT in my copy there is a printing flaw. There are pages out of order. The first part we're reading is at pg. 202 but have noticed that from pg 193 on the pages are jumbled and some not numbered. If you order this book check this right away. It is worth having a correct copy though.

Thoroughly enjoyable and extremely informative. An excellent way to get exposed to the teachings of Christian thinkers (both good and bad) throughout the centuries. We in the 21st century did not suddenly invent Christian theology -- there is nothing new that has not already been thought about or discussed in some way by the church fathers and other writers over the past 2000 years. What we believe today is built on the battles they fought and molded by the theology they taught (again, both good and bad).

A great intro to the important figures in Christian thought but also a great review course for those who think they've read it all before. Well-written with substantial pieces from women theologians as well as black and liberation perspectives, plus noted theologians such as Thomas Merton, Karl Rahner, etc. Each selection has a very detailed introduction and commments on the life of each theologian and the historical and spiritual significance of his work. Sure to be used for years to come!

I've found this book extremely valuable on two levels: first, it provides an excellent introduction to nearly all of the important Christian theologians and thinkers of the last two millenia - Kerr does a generally excellent job at providing context and the overall significance of each text and author; second, and more personally, Kerr's book has inspired me to pursue many of these theologians to a greater depth and has led me to a new appreciation of the theology of the early church fathers. Again, highly recommended.

I would not call this an "easy read." It is, however very worth the effort to do so. The book provides a short explanation of the views and circumstances surrounding a variety of important founding church fathers. You can read the arguments of men such as Justin Martyr, Thomas Aquinus, and Duns Scotus. Their defense of Christianity, known as Apologetics is logical and powerful. How do you prove the existence of God? A difficult question but one these men tackled and did a wonderful job. I recommend it for the library of the serious reader.