Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe (RE: Lit)

Young pastors: These concepts aren't new to you BUT your doctrine will be sharpened from reading this book. You'll also have more concise/cool/clear ways to say things that you already know but can't articulate well (example: "Genesis is far more concerned with the questions of who made creation and why he made creation than exactly when did" -- I've always thought this but now I have language for it, so cool!).Also, Doctrine is a good book to recommend to people who want to sharpen their theology OR someone who needs a framework for the bigger picture of what citizens in the Kingdom of God believe.New Christians: Hello. Welcome to the family of God. Doctrine is a quality book for you to read because it explains foundational truths of Christianity in a straightforward, clear, biblical way. But if all this stuff is new to you, it's information overload like crazy. So, take it slow and read it with some friends.Everyone: Doctrine is 436 (464 if you include the indexes) pages of solid, well-researched information. You'll be sharpened in your knowledge of the Trinity, how God speaks, the creation, people being made in God's image, the fall, the covenants, the incarnation, the cross, the resurrection, the church, worship, stewardship, and the kingdom.With that said, information is not the same thing as transformation. The questions to be asking yourself as you're reading this book is "Are these truths real in me?" and "How am I living this out in my daily life?" We've met plenty of people who know all the right stuff but lack humility, gentleness, and action. Biblical thinking put into biblical living results in a life that's great before God. So, read this book with a heart of asking the Holy Spirit to make these truths real in you.In summary, Doctrine is totally worth your time, totally worth your attention, and is a valuable resource you'll refer back to again and again.

Will you disagree with this book? Probably. Get over yourself and read it anyways! Don't think that you will ever pick up any book and whole-heartedly agree with all of it, that is not the attempt this book is making, nor is any other book going to do so, shy of the bible. What this book does offer is a clear presentation of necessary topics, opinions and the author's explanation of why they choose a particular direction. The author's are quite humble in their approach where I have seen other Christian leaders shame the opposing opinions. You will find firm truth claims in this book without the stifling reason often found in other works.Is this book thorough? Very much so, all without the dry repetitious nature that is often found in works that aim for the same type of goal: empowering readers with solid truth in necessary fashion. I put down Wayne Grudem's work on doctrine simply because I found it so boring and the language didn't flow as well. I found myself reading this book with the speed of a fun novel. Personal preference I know!Can you use it? Absolutely! I took more than a hundred notes and highlights out of this book that I intend on using in classes, conversations and teachings. The reason being that the author's present truth in a manner that is both tangible and empowering to the reader, both in the ability to relate to their explanation and the reality it invokes.Will you change? I hope so! I was incredibly challenged by this book, especially reading the chapter on judgement where the author's explain the way Christians avoid authentic repentance and hide themselves from a forgiving God and an understanding community of believers. It struck me deeply and really changed my biblical worldview from a weak immature one to a wide-eyes humble one!

Every Christian, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, needs to have a solid foundation for their beliefs. Mark Driscoll has done a fine job here making plain what specific foundations and beliefs Christians should have as a result of worshipping Jesus and following God's infallible Scriptures.One looking for more of an inspirational read will find a more informative and academic style of writing, but that should not put a damper on reading this book. Everyone has something to learn here. There are thirteen chapters in total, so I would imagine it hard for someone to not even find one chapter to glean knowledge from. Even those with a comprehensive knowledge of the topics here will find a refreshing reminder of some key doctrines of the Bible.Also, all you reading addicts will be pleased to know that this book is full of a ton, and I seriously mean a ton of footnotes featuring many other books (there are over 1,000 total footnotes). Grab your highlighter if you dare...This book is great for personal reference after finishing. It is also ideal for discussion in a Bible study. Usually people read many books about many facets of the Bible to learn as much about God as possible, but it's very nice to have so many facets all packed into one book that is relatively easy to read. I definitely recommend picking this one up. You'll come back to it frequently over the years.

Who cares what is going on with Mr. Driscoll lately, that is totally outside of what this book is about and how amazing it is. If you haven't already seen what is online for it, then you should watch those sermons and buy this book! Every christian should have this book! I seriously go back to it to check doctrine, or look something up more than any other catechism book I own.

This is a weighty book with alot of scholarly phrases and approaches, but if you're up for the challenge and are willing to interogate the chapters to reach a conclusion of what you believe is biblical and right, I would highly recommend it!This audiobook (I bought the 16 CD version but using audible to download the book would work just as well and might be easier for others) brings together alot of information about the theology, history, cultural practices, differences/agreements of beliefs or opinions and shares how this all relates to the Doctrine of contemporary Christianity.Alot of time is spent within the book to initially explain the context of the topic, eg God's saving grace or the trinity of God, then to unpack what this means practically, moving onto a range of applications/interpretations of this aspect particularly referencing non-biblical perspectives to forewarn Christians what pitfalls to avoid. The authors also make it clear what their perspective is and the reasoning behind it.

I absolutely love this writer .. this book is so well written ...

I was loaned this book by a friend and knew that I had to a copy for myself. I have been greatly blessed by Mark Driscoll's ministry at Mars Hill church Seattle and this wonderful book manages to compress his teaching and theology into one invaluable volume. A must have for anyone.Ken Kirkwood

thanks, it is in good condition