Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically - Paperback

by Beth Felker Jones (Author)

This introductory theology text helps students articulate basic Christian doctrines, think theologically so they can act Christianly in a diverse world, and connect Christian thought to their everyday lives of faith.

Written from a solidly evangelical yet ecumenically aware perspective, this book models a way of doing theology that is generous and charitable. It attends to history and contemporary debates and features voices from the global church. Sidebars made up of illustrative quotations, key Scripture passages, classic hymn texts, and devotional poetry punctuate the chapters.

The first edition of this book has been well received (over 25,000 copies sold). Updated and revised throughout, this second edition also includes a new section on gender and race as well as new end-of-chapter material connecting each doctrine to a spiritual discipline.

Back Jacket

"An excellent introductory text"

This theology textbook helps readers articulate basic Christian doctrines, think theologically, and connect Christian thought to their everyday lives of faith. Updated and revised throughout, this second edition also includes a new section on gender and race and new end-of-chapter material connecting each doctrine to a spiritual discipline.

"I have been using Practicing Christian Doctrine in my theology classes for years. It succeeds in its aim to be both evangelical and ecumenical. Readers don't have to follow Jones on every point in order to appreciate the way she evenhandedly treats the evangelical options on each doctrine. The second edition updates an already excellent book and provides even more direction on how doctrine informs discipleship. This book is, in my estimation, simply the best and most accessible introduction to theology for students new to the discipline. My students love it."
--R. Lucas Stamps, Oklahoma Baptist University

"In this second edition, Jones renders what was already an excellent introductory text into an even more expansive and well-rounded articulation of Christian theology. Skillfully weaving together a thorough overview of Christian doctrine with some of the most pressing social and political issues currently facing American evangelicalism and Western modernity, Jones demonstrates courage and wisdom as she invites us not only into a deeper understanding of theology but also into a more faithful embodiment of the Gospel."
--Jessica Wai-Fong Wong, Azusa Pacific University

"Like two rivers converging, here biblical foundations and historic Christianity flow into a vision for a practical life of faith. Already one of the most sound and readable theology texts available, it now enlarges spiritual disciplines and social issues to be even more engaging, relevant, and inspirational. Jones writes with humility and conviction to evidence that doctrine is indispensable for evangelical Christianity and essential for knowing the living God."
--W. Brian Shelton, Asbury University

"With Practicing Christian Doctrine, Jones has offered teachers and learners everywhere a lovely gift. Here is an accessible introduction to Christian theology with application for the Christian life. This book has clear prose, classic quotes, and a worshipful purpose."
--Phil Tallon, Houston Christian University

Author Biography

Beth Felker Jones (PhD, Duke University) is professor of theology at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois. She previously taught at Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous books, including Faithful: A Theology of Sex, God the Spirit: Introducing Pneumatology in Wesleyan and Ecumenical Perspective, Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga, and Marks of His Wounds: Gender Politics and Bodily Resurrection.