Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs

Packer's writes with an erudition, inpiration, and and force rare amongn evangelical scholars. His analyses are always anchored within the Scriptures themsleves. This is a book to cherish for insight, education, as well inpoiration. A rare achievement!

Many people like to pick up a book, read a couple of pages, and think about it. While upholding all of the wonderful things said in previous reviews, I would also like to add that this book is perfect for those who enjoy short readings. All of the major doctrines of the Christian faith are summarized and excellently presented in small chapters or sections of just a few pages. I went through this book in about a year and fully enjoyed it. In my opinion this book treats much of the same material found in "Knowing God" but in a more didactic, outlined manner. It is also a great quick reference of cardinal doctrinal points. It is condensed truth.

J.I. Packer, who wrote such essential works as "Knowing God" and "Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God", is wonderfully qualified to bring us this special little (267 pages) book, which in the words of Westminster Seminary professor Sinclair B. Ferguson "will serve equally well as an introduction to doctrine, a manual of theological terms, or a devotional study" (to which one might only add that it serves as a wonderful text for a group study as well).The book is divided into 4 main sections, specifically "God Revealed as Creator," "God Revealed as Redeemer," "God Revealed as Lord of Grace," and "God Revealed as Lord of Destiny." These broad divisions are then subdivided into almost 100 short (2-4 pages) chapters, with topics ranging from "The Fall" to "The State". Not exactly a catechism, it is excellent medicine for a catechism-starved world, where vast numbers of Christians would have enormous difficultly even defining many of the most basic terms -- not to mention the most essential doctrines -- of our faith.Finally, for those unfamiliar with Packer, he is Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, and a senior editor of Christianity Today. He holds the D.Phil. from Oxford University, and is one of the world's most prominent Reformed theologians.

This is a great book. Packer handles a wide variety of subjects an easy to read style that doesn't water down the doctrine. I don't have as much time to read as I like, and particularly appreciated his brevity (it is titled CONCISE Theology, after all).

This book is well suited for individual or small group study (I have done both). It has about 90 short chapters (2-4 pages each) of essential Christian doctrines, and is written from a Reformed perspective. Packer's writing style is straightforward, concise, and intended to be read by anyone. He includes numerous scripture references to support each of the doctrines, and I have found it useful to read a chapter and then spend up to an hour reading all of the related scripture references.Sample topics include: Revelation (Scripture is the Word of God), Predestination (God has a purpose), Trinity (God is one and three), Holiness (God is Light), Conscience (God teaches and cleanses the heart), Incarnation, Virgin Birth, Repentance, Elders, Lord's Supper, Marriage, the Family, Second Coming, Heaven, Hell and many others.Again, each chapter emphasizes why the doctrine is important for us to know - e.g., what difference it should make in our life. This book is wonde! rful for strengthening your faith and beliefs - helping you know why you believe what you believe, always based on the Bible.May God bless you through this work as much as He has blessed me.....