A two-volume work by Douglas Ottati, Theology for Liberal Protestants presents a comprehensive theology for Christians who are willing to rethink and revise traditional doctrines in face of contemporary challenges. It is Augustinian, claiming that we belong to the God of grace who creates, judges, and renews. It is Protestant, affirming the priority of the Bible and the fallibility of church teaching. It is liberal, recognizing the importance of critical arguments and scientific inquiries, a deeply historical consciousness, and a commitment to social criticism and engagement. This first volume contains sections on method and creation. Ottati's method envisions the world and ourselves in relation to God as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. The bulk of the book offers an in-depth discussion of God as Creator, the world as creation, and humans as good, capable, and limited creatures.

In this witty, accessible, and concise book, theologian Doug Ottati argues that liberal Presbyterians and other liberal Protestants still have much to contribute to the contemporary world. Offering an alternative to evangelical and conservative thought that he believes now pervades the larger culture, Ottati presents what he sees as the foundations of liberal, theological thought. Writing out of the Reformed tradition and a theology of grace, he addresses current issues such as evangelism, the ordination of homosexuals, and the war on terrorism. Most important, this book is a call to liberal Presbyterians and other liberal Protestants to restate, rethink, and revise traditional theologies and beliefs in the face of contemporary knowledge and realities. This book is ideal for individual or group study.

Douglas Ottati presents a "christology of the heart" that is at once informed by classical Christian heritage but relevant to contemporary believers. He argues that discerning the practical significance for what Jesus says, does, and endures will help shape a distinctive and proper way for Christians to be in the world. According to Ottati, christological reflection is a way by which Christians interpret their present realities in relation to God. Christology is therefore a dynamic endeavor that must actively consider its heritage as it deals honestly and thoughtfully with present realities such as pluralism.

Reforming Protestantism has undergone drastic changes throughout its history in America. Although it has become less prominent in American society, this particular Christian movement with its distinctive characteristics, Douglas Ottati reminds us, is still a dynamic and important witness to our world. This book is an important contribution to promoting, deepening, and extending the distinctive spirit and witness of reforming Protestantism.