Skip to main content

Faithful Friday: Across the Spectrum

Across the Spectrum book on white doily

Can you tell that I really enjoy reading theology books? 😀 Across the Spectrum is one of the most helpful books I've found in helping me to understand the different viewpoints of Christians on all manner of topics. Now in its third edition, I think this volume is still one of the most concise yet dense books out there that lays out the arguments for opposing sides along with objections for each stance. The authors cover everything from Calvinism and Arminianism to charismatic gifts to women in ministry and beyond, so there is no shortage of opposing views. I would say this book is an introduction to understanding these debated matters, but with enough information to get readers started if there is a topic that is weighing heavily on their heart.

I appreciate that this book not only exposes me to other theological understandings, but it also shows the issues that my own understanding might pose. This was a textbook for one of my theology classes where the professor had students choose the side that they believed, and then have us argue in favour of the opposing side. It was certainly eye-opening to convince others of doctrine I either disagreed with or was unfamiliar with at the time! As a result of this exercise, I haven't held onto non-essential doctrines as tightly as I might have, which has given me the opportunity to learn from Christians of various denominations. If anything, this book reveals all that we don't know about the workings of God, but that we have much to look forward to in eternity when we encounter God and the full body of believers.

In sharing older theology books (this copy is 22 years old!), one of the things I've had to be careful about is that sometimes, the theologian may have changed their stance on particular issues or is now teaching something quite different. I've been saddened to hear of some theologians who are walking away from the faith, so if I ever highlight a book and that has happened to the author, please let me know. I didn't come across anything like that for these authors in my research, but I'm also open to blind spots.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...

Fallen

This is a post that I wish I didn't have to write. Please understand that I recognize that we are all fallen; therefore, everything that we create is marred, imperfect, and tainted due to sin. What I'm exploring is what happens when there are authors or other creators who have acted in a way that harms others and there is little-to-no news of repentance or reparations being made. I'm not writing anything investigative as many skilled and brilliant Christians are already doing so. I'm more writing as a bystander who is grieved at some of the news that has come up and attempting to process it all. The first news that really impacted me was learning about the passing of Jennifer Lyell, former Lifeway Vice President, whom headlines have also called a Southern Baptist Convention abuse survivor . This hit close to home for a multitude of reasons even though prior to yesterday, I hadn't heard of her story. One of the reasons it affected me was because the professor who was...

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...