Introduction to Christian Theology

Rating:
Summary: Good source for the basics, but....
Review: Hanson's Introduction to Christian Theology, is an excellent source for beginner theologians. As a person who has studied theology previously, I find most of Dr. Hanson's comments helpful, but sometimes the text only serves to confuse me even more. Hanson's seeming dislike for orthodox, fundamental Christianity is blatantly obvious, when most conservative views are merely mentioned in the footnotes. Dr. Hanson's love of qouting radical-fringe theologians, such as Sallie McFague, Arthur Peacocke, and John Polkinghorne, disturbs me in that his representation of traditional Christianity seems to lack such hefty support.
This book is really good at presenting alternative views of Christianity other than orthodox or fundamental, and explaining them in a way that makes sense. However, I think Hanson has sacrificed some integrity by not presenting in a clear fashion ALL views regarding Christianity.
Overall, an excellent reader on doctrine, belief, and practice, but students should be careful in realising there are alternate, more consevative views than what are presented in this book. For a conservative reader I reccomend andything on theology by D. James Kennedy, J.M. Boice, and Raymond Brown.