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Theology

The Basics
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Brief Description
Provides a reader-friendly introduction to Christian theology for students, churches, and independent learners. Theology: The Basics, Fifth Edition offers a concise introduction to the fundamental ideas of Christian theology. Explaining essential theological vocabulary and concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, this widely used textbook provides... Read More
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Provides a reader-friendly introduction to Christian theology for students, churches, and independent learners.

Theology: The Basics, Fifth Edition offers a concise introduction to the fundamental ideas of Christian theology. Explaining essential theological vocabulary and concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, this widely used textbook provides a structured overview of key theological themes, including faith, God, creation, salvation, and the Trinity.

The fifth edition continues the book's tradition of clarity and fairness, presenting theological concepts from across the Christian spectrumβ€”including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and evangelical perspectives. Without endorsing any particular viewpoint, acclaimed theologian Alister E. McGrath describes core theological ideas and the historical debates that have shaped Christian thought for over two millennia. Carefully refined through feedback from students worldwide, this new edition maintains the strengths of its predecessors while incorporating recent developments in the field.

An excellent foundation for anyone seeking to understand Christian theology and engage with its rich and diverse tradition, Theology: The Basics:

  • Presents an insightful exploration of Christianity's intellectual depth for those new to the subject
  • Covers fundamental theological themes such as creation, Christology, sacraments, and heaven
  • Provides historical context for key theological debates, concepts, themes, and figures
  • Offers flexibility of use for instructors, suitable as a standalone introduction or as a companion to Theology: The Basic Readings

Theology: The Basics, Fifth Edition, is ideal for undergraduate courses in Christian theology, religious studies, and divinity programs, as well as for church-based theology courses. It remains a foundational textbook for students in seminaries, theological colleges, and universities.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781394279814

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 August 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Wiley-Blackwell

Edition: 5th edition

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 213.0mm

Weight: 431g

Pages: 304

About the Author

ALISTER E. McGRATH is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at Oxford University. A renowned scholar in Christian theology, McGrath’s expertise spans historical theology, science and religion, and Christian apologetics. He has held senior academic positions and published numerous acclaimed theological works, including Christian Theology: An Introduction and The Christian Theology Reader.

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