Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology, 2nd ed.

by Gregory A. Boyd; Paul Rhodes Eddy

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2009

Overview

This new edition of a popular text presents an accessible and comprehensive primer that helps readers understand the breadth of viewpoints on major issues in evangelical theology, with chapters using the popular three- or four-views book format. The authors carefully examine positions taken by evangelical scholars on seventeen seminal issues. They lay out the biblical, theological, and philosophical arguments for each position in point-counterpoint fashion and discuss possible objections.

The second edition retains the helpful features of the first edition and adds an appendix that addresses thirteen peripheral issues in contemporary evangelicalism.

Key Features

• Addresses seventeen key debates, such as baptism and communion
• Accessible and scholarly presentation perfect for students and laity interested in theological issues
• Includes appendix, notes, glossary, and Scripture index

Contents

• The Inerrancy Debate
• The Providence Debate
• The Foreknowledge Debate
• The Genesis Debate
• The Divine Image Debate
• The Christology Debate
• The Atonement Debate
• The Salvation Debate
• The Sanctification Debate
• The Eternal Security Debate
• The Destiny of the Unevangelized Debate
• The Baptism Debate
• The Lord's Supper Debate
• The Charismatic Gifts Debate
• The Women in Ministry Debate
• The Millennium Debate
• The Hell Debate

Top Highlights

“Third, some alleged errors can be explained by considering the standard of accuracy of the culture in which the author was writing.” (Page 23)

“Second, we can account for some alleged errors by noting that the language of Scripture is often phenomenological.” (Page 23)

“If we associate the imago Dei with something humans do rather than with who they are, then individuals who cannot or do not perform these tasks cannot be regarded as truly human.” (Page 101)

“So inerrancy is important because it declares that the Bible is true. But speech act theory enhances inerrancy because it shows how God intends for the truths of the Bible not only to describe the world and inform our minds but also to grow us spiritually, personally, and communally.” (Page 22)

“The Bible clearly teaches that it is without error. For example, throughout the Bible we learn the truth that God cannot lie or deceive (Num. 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29; Titus 1:2). When God promises something, it must come to pass (e.g., Isa. 46:8–10). When he speaks, it must be true. If someone speaks in the name of God and what he said fails to come to pass, this is proof that the person was not a true prophet of God (Deut. 13:1–5; 18:20–22). The assumption, obviously, is that God cannot err, and all who are inspired to speak on his behalf cannot err.” (Page 18)

Praise for the Print Edition

The authors faithfully present divergent views on the crucial issues that divide evangelicals, and they do so in an unbiased, succinct, and lively manner. This book is perfect as a supplemental text in an introductory theology course.

—Dennis Okholm, Azuza Pacific University

Some people think that all evangelicals are alike. Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy have provided students with a brief handbook of current issues in evangelical theology that explodes that stereotype. They have written a helpful and authoritative guide to the wide range of evangelical opinion in theology today. This volume will be a good companion to the typical introductory theology book.

—Alan G. Padgett, Luther Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Across the Spectrum, 2nd Edition: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology
• Authors: Paul Rhodes Eddy and Gregory A. Boyd
• Edition: 2nd
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 352

About the Authors

Paul Rhodes Eddy is professor of biblical and theological studies at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gregory A. Boyd , formerly professor of theology at Bethel University, is senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where average attendance has grown to 5,000 since he helped plant the church in 1992.