The Story of Christian Theology by Roger E. Olson
Published by IVP Academic on May 1, 1999
Pages: 652
Format: Hardcover

From the Back Cover: Theologian Roger Olson believes that the history of Christian theology should be told as such a story, one replete with thick plots, exciting twists, interesting people and fascinating ideas. In this panoramic work of historical theology Olson vividly recounts the deeds and words of the cultists and apostolic fathers of the second century, the clash between the theological schools of Alexandria and Antioch, the epochal division between East and West, the revolutionary advent of the Reformation and much more, right on up to the dazzling, sometimes dismaying fallout that has continued to shake Christians through the twentieth century. Through it all Olson detects and traces a common thread: a concern for salvation—God’s redemptive activity in forgiving and transforming sinful human beings.

This is one of the most readable and enjoyable books on church history and the history of theology that I’ve ever come across. I was introduced to this work as a textbook in Bible College, and I’ve returned to it again and again. Olson’s title is true to the content of the book. It really feels like you’re reading a good story! While Olson necessarily is selective with what he includes, this really is a great book on church history through the lens of how Christian theology has developed and refined through the centuries. That’s not really a critique…a book can’t cover everything about church history, after all (A more traditional text on church history that is really well done is Tim Dowley’s book, Introduction to the History of Christianity). Olson’s The Story of Christian Theology is pretty thick (652 pages), but it’s a really good read. I recommend it to anyone wanting to broaden their understanding of church history and theology.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars