Mere Theology: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind [Paperback]

 

 

Create your own review

This book is one of the best books to date by acclaimed author Alister McGrath. Having read numerous books by McGrath, this is perhaps the one I'd recommend the most.

The first section of the book basically starts by assessing what theology is, what its tradition is, what it is meant to do and what it means for the discipleship of mind - i.e. self transformation. To illustrate this McGrath uses the analogy of George Herbert's Elixir.

Next he looks at Martin Luther and C.S Lewis, and explains that whilst theology is highly intellectual and does have explanatory power it also requires practical application through ethics, actions etc. or it becomes purely speculative. To show how this works he first looks at tragic loss and then at how we view the world. The final chapter of Part 1 looks at how reasonable theology is and how it's meant to affect the disciple's mind.

The second section looks at the presuppositions we use when looking at the empirical world, including the natural sciences. He starts this section off by explaining why the sciences are NOT at war with religion and illustrates how this could not be so. He also, once again, discredits Dawkins highly dubious claim about 'memes'. He then shows how science and religion are NOT at war by considering both Darwinism and Evolution. To illustrate his claims he considers both the works of Charles Darwin and St Augustine, and then contrasts their respective works.

The next chapter is on the failed presupposition, often prompted by the likes of Christopher Hitchens, that 'religion poisons everything'. He looks at why certain things are accredited to religion when they are in fact not religious! He then concludes his book by looking at the Atheist manifesto and suggests that actually it impoverishes the individual's social view rather than enriches it. Whilst he believes this (which he would), he is nevertheless highly respectful (unlike some others) and agrees that he cannot 'prove' that his view is right, it just makes the most sense to him.

Perhaps one of the best reasons I would recommend this book over his others is that many online reviews of his works always say that whilst highly intellectual he never explains why he believes in all this stuff. Well, for all of you who have at some point felt like this, this is the book for you. McGrath includes a lot information about himself in this book and about how he came to faith, what rang truth to him and what he actually believes. He also covers his education just to illustrate that Dawkins is wrong when he suggests only uneducated individuals would believe in God.

I must admit that I have got more out of this book than from any of his others. I'd like at this point to mention that this book is written in very plain English, was very easy to read and highly enjoyable. It resists complicating its language which means that the book should be accessible to everyone. If you're confused by some of Dawkin's scientific claims I would also recommend McGrath's other book - 'Dawkin's God', which shows how dubious some of his claims actually are.

Along with this book I'd also highly recommend Peter Hitchens' book - Rage Against God, which considers whether an Atheist society really would be a better society for us. Hitchens' book and this book are perhaps the two best 'mainstream' books I have read yet this year - and I have read a few!

Overall, I highly recommend this book. Well done McGrath, perhaps your best book yet.

This is a very accessible book, by one of the countries finest apologists and theologians. It takes the reader through why theology is important and how you can apply it. It then walks through some arguments that have been aimed at religion by the 'new atheists' and explores the flaws in their logic and evidence base. In doing so, he also explains how one should incorporate Science into one's Christian Woldview.

I really enjoyed this book, even though i've been a Committed Christian for nearly 30 years, and have studied Theology at Uni, i learnt a lot from this book. I thought they way he approached believing in God and the Bible and Science was the best explanation i have heard on this perennial problem.

Definitely one of Prof McGrath's better books, if not his best yet.

Firstly this book in an introduction to Theology. It answers questions like 'should I study Theology?', 'Why is Theology important?'. It doesn't answer questions like 'how can I study Theology?'. That said it's an excellent book. The writing style is relaxed and accessible and you can tell that Alister McGrath is passionate about the subject, and its application in real life (as opposed to the classroom).

I loved reading it and would happily buy this for anyone interested in Theology (my copy is covered in notes and highlighted sections).

This quote sums the book up perfectly:

"Theology is at its best and its most authentic when it is put into practice in ministry, mission and worship"

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 4 customer reviews...

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Book
Delivered on day of publication. A good read especially if you have read CS Lewis's Mere Christianity first.

Published 21 months ago by Carol

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 4 customer reviews...

Search Listmania!