Alister McGrath has had a tremendous impact on the renaissance of evangelical theology over the last twenty years. Regarded as one of the most widely read living theologians his theological work and writings has made an immense contribution to the vitality and dynamics of evangelical theology. This book invites evangelical theologians from various backgrounds to engage with his work and to chart a positive way forward for evangelical theology. Part One follows the theology of McGrath on justification, redemption, theology and science and post-liberal theology, whilst Part Two examines the essence, character, identity, methodology and future of evangelical theology. Contributions include Graham Tomlin, Gerald Bray, Clark Pinnock, Gabriel Fackre, William Abraham, and a response given by McGrath himself. 'This is a very significant volume, with contributions from numerous scholars who have been influenced by Dr McGrath or are his colleagues. They come from both sides of the Atlantic, and embrace many aspects of Alister's encyclopaedic knowledge and phenomenal literary output... And unlike most Festschriften this one has a fascinating characteristic; a final chapter in which Professor McGrath responds with grace and shrewdness to the points raised by the contributors. This is an important book to buy.' Canon Dr Michael Green, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. 'It is a privilege and a pleasure to commend this set of weighty and wise essays that is being published to mark Professor Alister McGrath's fiftieth birthday... God be with you, Alister, as on you go. In a somewhat different sense from that of the old-time gladiators, I and many more of my generation say: nos morituri te salutamus. May your range and your acumen not diminish, your clarity not be clouded, and your vision of evangelicalism as the true wisdom, the true catholicity, and indeed the true Christianity never blur. Hold high the torch that has been passed to you and keep the books coming. We need them.' From the foreword by J.I Packer

Evangelicals are beginning to provide analyses of our postmodern society, but little has been done to suggest an effective apologetic strategy for reaching a culture that is pluralistic, consumer-oriented, and infatuated with managerial and therapeutic approaches to life. This, then, is the first book to address that vital task. In these pages some of evangelicalism's most stimulating thinkers consider three possible apologetic responses to postmodernity. William Lane Craig argues that traditional evidentialist apologetics remains viable and preferable. Roger Lundin, Nicola Creegan and James Sire find the postmodern critique of Christianity and Western culture more challenging, but reject central features of it. Philip Kenneson, Brian Walsh and J. Richard Middleton, on the other hand, argue that key aspects of postmodernity can be appropriated to defend orthodox Christianity. An essential feature are trenchent chapters by Ronald Clifton Potter, Dennis Hollinger and Douglas Webster considering issues facing the local church in light of postmodernity. The volumes editors and John Stackhouse also add important introductory essays that orient the reader to postmodernity and various apologetic strategies. All this makes for a book indispensable for theologians, a wide range of students and reflective pastors.

By definition, a high view of Scripture inheres in evangelicalism. However, there does not seem to be a uniform way to articulate an evangelical doctrine of Scripture. Taking up the challenge, Vincent Bacote, Laura Migu?lez and Dennis Okholm present twelve essays that explore in depth the meaning of an evangelical doctrine of Scripture that takes seriously both the human and divine dimensions of the Bible. Selected from the presentations made at the 2001 Wheaton Theology Conference, the essays approach this vital subject from three directions. Stanley J. Grenz, Thomas Buchan, Bruce L. McCormack and Donald W. Dayton consider the history of evangelical thinking on the nature of Scripture. John J. Brogan, Kent Sparks, J. Daniel Hays and Richard L. Schultz address the nature of biblical authority. Bruce Ellis Benson, John R. Franke, Daniel J. Treier and David Alan Williams explore the challenge of hermeneutics, especially as it relates to interpreting Scripture in a postmodern context. Together these essays provide a window into current evangelical scholarship on the doctrine of Scripture and also advance the dialogue about how best to construe our faith in the Word of God, living and written, that informs not only the belief but also the practice of the church.

To read the New Testament is to meet the Old Testament at every turn. But exactly how do Old Testament texts relate to their New Testament references and allusions? Moreover, what fruitful interpretive methods do New Testament texts demonstrate? Leading biblical scholars Walter Kaiser, Darrel Bock and Peter Enns each present their answers to questions surrounding the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. Contributors address elements such as Divine and human authorial intent, the context of Old Testament references, and theological grounds for an interpretive method. Every author applies his framework to the same three texts so that readers see each method s practical use. Each contributor also receives a thorough critique from the other two authors. A one-stop reference for setting the scene and presenting approaches to the topic that respect the biblical text, Three Views on the New Testament Use of Old Testament gives readers the tools they need to develop their own views on this important subject. The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Counterpoints books address two categories: Church Life and Bible and Theology. Complete your library with other books in the Counterpoints series."

When Dennis Okholm began exploring the roots of contemporary Benedictine monasticism, he quickly found that St. Benedict has as much to offer Protestants as he does Roman Catholics. In "Monk Habits for Everyday People," Okholm--a professor who was raised as a Pentecostal and a Baptist--uses his profound experience with Benedictine spirituality to show how it can enrich the lives and prayer practices of Protestants.

"As a knowledgeable pastor and theologian, Dennis Okholm proves an excellent guide. . . . This memoir, gentle in tone and often humorous, is nonetheless full of challenges to Protestant comfort zones. . . . Okholm reminds us that for all Christians, good spiritual habits are good for our spiritual health; that 'scripture is the original rule'; and that Christ is the point of it all, our true beginning and our end." --Kathleen Norris, author of "The Cloister Walk" (from the foreword)

"Twenty years in the making, Dennis Okholm's "Monk Habits" is the perfect introduction to Benedictine spirituality for the earnest Protestant believer. In taking us on his own journey, he invites to discover Benedict of Nursia and Benedict's myriad faithful followers over fifteen centuries. This represents an important bridge between evangelicalism and Catholicism. Highly recommended." --Tony Jones, national coordinator of Emergent Village, author of "The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier"

"The practices of Benedictine monasticism have several times brought revitalization and spiritual focus back to the worldwide church at large. In this informative and irenic book, Dennis Okholm explains how the 'rule' of Benedict did the same for him personally as an evangelicalprofessor and Presbyterian minister. The book's winsome portrait of the Benedictines--and, through their monastic practices, of Christ--makes for a spiritual feast. The historically minded will also benefit from Okholm's careful discussion of why more Protestants should pay greater heed to the Benedictine life." --Mark A. Noll, coauthor of "Is the Reformation Over? An Evangelical Assessment of Contemporary Catholicism"

Every family's heritage reaches back many centuries and includes various branches. The Christian family is much like this, contend Phillips and Okholm, as they examine the "evangelical branch" of the church. Intended as a college-level introduction to the Christian faith, the book is divided into three sections: part one develops the concept of control beliefs as they relate to worldviews; part two explores the framework of the biblical revelation, that is the Christian worldview; and part three, the largest section, provides an overview of church history, emphasizing the various ways the church has related the Christian worldview to the culture in which it exists. Previously published as Welcome to the Family, this textbook now includes sidebars, charts, a lexicon of key terms, reflection questions, bibliographies, a substantive discussion of postmodernism, and primary source appendices. "A helpful introduction to the evangelical heritage and a forthright challenge to remain true to this heritage"--Donald G. Bloesch, Dubuque Theological Seminary "The authors stake out the essentials of an evangelical Christian worldview and trace its development from the early church through the variety of post-Reformation traditions to today's evangelical diversity--always with an eye to how Christianity relates to culture. A first-rate text."--Arthur Holmes, Wheaton College "Evangelical ecumenicity at its best: an understanding of the worldview we share in common and an appreciation for the distinctives that make us unique."--Dennis Hollinger, Messiah College "The authors present a balance of content with narrative style to produce a unique book: one which offers an overview of systematic theology coupled with a readable history of theology, leading up to present concerns that face the church as the church faces the world."--W. Gary Phillips, Bryan College