Book Review: 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith by Gregg R Allison

When it comes to theology, most Christians avoid it like the plague. Many say it is too confusing with too many big words. Some Christians are content in studying the Bible, which is ironic because that is where theology begins. Most of the theology books are more than 1,000 pages which can be intimidating for the simplest of readers and some of them are not user friendly.

There are teachers in the church that would love to teach theology, but do not know where to begin. Gregg R Allison has written a book designed not only to aid a teacher in teaching theology, but also be an introductory book for those who are beginning their study of theology. The book is titled, 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith.

Allison begins this book with an introduction to what Christian doctrine is. Doctrine is basically a summary of what Christians believe. Doctrine is applied is four ways, it is believed, practiced, confessed, and taught. Allison believes, and I agree with him, that the church is responsible for transmitting and constructing doctrine (based on the Bible) from one generation to another. That is one of the main points in the teaching of the church. That is why we teach our kids in Sunday School and our homes as well as to maturing believers as they continue to walk with Jesus in this world.

The rest of the book are 50 essential doctrines of the Christian faith which is based on scripture (you can't teach doctrine without the Bible). Each chapter is about 4-5 pages in length where Allison goes over each doctrine and the errors associated with it. These chapters are clustered together into 8 sections with a recurring them that Allison goes over.

The first part deals with the doctrine of the Word of God, which goes over subjects such as the inspiration of scripture, its authority, and the canon. The second parts is on the doctrine of God, which teaches about who God is and one chapter deals with the doctrine of the Trinity. The third part is God's creatures which not only addresses man made in the image of God, but angels and demons. This third part also addresses the doctrine of sin.

The fourth part is on God the Son and who He is as well what offices He holds. The fifth is on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, His Person, His work, and His gifts. The sixth part, which is the longest section of the book, deals with the doctrine of salvation. There are many topics Allison covers regarding salvation and he even takes time to address common grace. The seventh part deals with the church, its nature, purity, offices, and its marks. In this section, church government is addressed along with baptism and the Lord's supper. Finally, Allison writes on the doctrine of future things also known as eschatology.

As you can tell from this brief summary, Allison deals with many of the doctrines that the Christian faith has been teaching on for many generations. Each chapter has scripture references and even references to sources that Allison uses and for the reader to refer back to. I am delighted to recommend this book not only for teachers in the church, but also new believers to understand what Christians believe.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.