Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology

I came on-line today, looking to purchase 50 copies of this book. We use it as a supplement in the second year of the discipleship program we run at our church (based on a 21-month curriculum I co-wrote). I couldn't believe that the reviews are only averaging 1.5 stars-- and had to write a review (my first). A low rating for this book is patently absurd. This book is AWESOME for looking at the two or more "sides" of various topics within the pale of Christian orthodoxy. If you're looking for an objective account of how "good people have disagreed"-- now and in the past, then you've come across an unmatched resource. If you insist on dogmatically holding to a single view on these complex topics, this book will frustrate you. Unfortunately, that is a reflection of your legalism/dogmatism, not an underlying flaw in the book.

Most of the reviews of this book are missing the point of this book. The varying views given in this book have come out of thought and interpretation of what is written in the Bible and who they believe God to be. The point is for the reader to not only read the different views given in this book and "pick and choose", but to thoughtfully read along with the Bible and try to come up with their own coherent worldview. Not to mention this is only an introduction to the different evangelical viewpoints that are around. It's not that they are supposed to choose one or another (more than likely their views are already solidified), perhaps it could be viewed as a tool to understand and communicate with christians who have different views on God, Creation, etc... Maybe even a way to debate with someone who you might think has the wrong view.

This is an excellent book. Its excellence is not so much in the contents discussed but by the fact that the differences within Evangelicalism are finally laid open for all to examine. In the spirit of Zondervan's "views" books "Across the Spectrum" will only serve to improve academic, intellectual, theological, and philosophical reflection. Differences in theological issues are many. However, they need not divide but make up the richness of what Roger Olsen calls the Mosaic of Christian belief. Those who attribute to Boyd malicious ulterior motives are misguided. "Across the Spectrum" to anyone who reads it is not meant as a defense of any particular view. Opposing views are each fairly represented and easy to understand. Rather than labeling our brethren as heretics for holding diverse viewpoints (within the pale of orthodoxy) and accusing some of attacking God I wish others would look beyond their own insecurities, biases and presuppositions and enter into humble dialog with opposing views.

To paraphrase a saying, "In essentials unity; in other things liberty; in all things charity." With "Across the Spectrum", Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy have put this into practice, surveying a wide variety of what I call "next-tier" Christian doctrinal questions. In this unique book, each chapter deals with a different issue in Christian doctrine, each issue the subject of considerable past and/or present interest and debate among evangelical Christians, and each one outside the common ecumenical core of Christian doctrine. Or rather, not outside that core, but at a more-detailed level of extrapolation and understanding of that core, while remaining within it.For example, Body and Eddy explain in their first chapter, all traditional and evangelical Christians affirm the divine, infallible, and unique inspiration of the Bible. This is a core (ecumenical) doctrine. But what does it mean to say the Bible is inspired of God in this way, particularly with respect to mundane and spiritually-ancillary Biblical details such as geneologies, chronologies, observations of nature and creation, and so on? Is it to say that the Bible is without face-value error in all its statements, even these? Or is it to say that the Bible faithfully communicates what God intends it to, without pollution that would interfere with his redemptive message - a position allowing for imprecision or inaccuracy in Biblical details extraneous to faith and practice?In other words, is it verbal, plenary, inerrant inspiration? Or infallible concepts transported by human literature? This is the "next tier" to the inspiration doctrine, and most other Christian doctrines likewise have "next tiers" of their own. In these "next tier" issues, Christians have long had liberty to explore and debate, even while both affirming the general doctrines within which they nest, and charitably acknowledging one another's faith."Across the Spectrum" affirms this charity, presenting chapters on such issues as:- What does it mean to say God is in control? Predestination? Or mere foreknowledge?- What does it mean to affirm humans are free and morally responsible? Is this compatible with predestination and election? Or not?- Was Christ's atonement limited or not? Does God save (and condemn) by election? Or by human response to his grace?- What happens to the unevangelized, those who die without the knowledge of the core Christian doctrines?- What is a permissible way of interpreting the "days" creation account in Genesis? Is Genesis 1 scientific and historical fact (perhaps phrased phenomenologically)? Or is it storied theology?Each chapter begins by summarizing the issue and presenting the core, general doctrinal stance taken by all traditional Christians at all times, in contrast to modernist or non-Christian views on the issue. Each chapter then, in sections, puts forward a well-argued case for each position. Arguments are based primarily on Biblical exegesis, but include some theology and

Boyd and Eddy have written something close to a masterpiece when it comes to discussing issues in practical theology. In this book, arguments for each side are clearly presented, argued, and argued against. In the end, the reader is left to decide what they think is true, and is given resources to help them figure out what is true. Howeverm, one may object (as Mr. Scott does) that the Bible is the sole source of truth, and we must follow its word. Granted, but what exactly does the bible say about these issues? That is the issue at hand, and to simply reject one side of the discussion without careful thought is outrageous. Indeed, if the Bible were as clear as many people would like to believe, then there would be no need for this book. However, to sustain this position, one needs to simply denounce the works of many evangelicals, without regard to the work God has done in their lives, dismissing it as the work of Satan. I apologize for that excursion, but such character attacks are silly and unfounded, and the authors deserve to be defended against such attacks. The book they've written, though not perfect, is a model for how evangelicals should deal with differing viewpoints; in love, and with an open heart and mind.