Christian Theology: An Introduction
Alister E. McGrath
3rd edition

Compiled by Darren C. Marks, St Hugh's College, Oxford

How to use this study guide

The intent of this guide is to assist the student (and lecturer) in synthesizing the scope of Professor Alister McGrath's introductory textbook. To meet this goal the following assumptions were made:

1. Answers are given mainly in the form of arguments rather than summaries. This should assist the student in becoming constructive in formulating theological answers by looking to a spectrum of loci in argument. It is hoped that the student will model this positive approach to Christian dogmatics and its interactions and also learn to critique opposing positions rather than just repeat "textbook" answers.

2. The answers cross reference with each other and with the main text. The student should read relevant sections in order to place answers into wider questions and responses within theology.

3. Every effort was made to contextualize contemporary theology and its issues and challenges, especially in the first opening chapters. This assists us in understanding the church in a wider context and makes us all students of the Spirit in every age.

It is my hope as students use this guide in conjunction with the textbook that it remains just that, merely a guide for a lifetime of thinking of God. Finally, I thank Professor McGrath for teaching me as I worked through his able textbook. I dedicate this guide to my own Doktorvaters, both those with whom I have studied under and those I have only known through their writings.

D.C. Marks
Oxford

Part I: Landmarks: Periods, Themes, and Personalities of Christian Theology:
1. The Patristic Period, ca.100-451.
2. The Middle Ages and the Renaissance, ca.1050-ca.1500.
3. The Reformation and Post-Reformation Periods, ca.1500-ca.1750.
4. The Modern Period, ca.1750 to the Present.

Part II: Sources and Methods:
5. Getting Started: Preliminaries.
6. The Sources of Theology.
7. Knowledge of God: Natural and Revealed.
8. Philosophy and Theology: Introducing a Dialogue.

Part III: Christian Theology:
9. The Doctrine of God.
10. The Doctrine of the Trinity.
11. The Doctrine of the Person of Christ.
12. Faith and History: A New Christological Agenda.
13. The Doctrine of Salvation in Christ.
14. The Doctrines of Human Nature, Sin, and Grace.
15. The Doctrine of the Church.
16. The Doctrine of the Sacraments.
17 Christianity and the World Religions.
18. Last Things: The Christian Hope.