Abstract
Brian A. Gerrish continues to teach, now through this volume. After teaching at the University of Chicago Divinity School and at Union Presbyterian Seminary for decades, writing numerous books and essays, and influencing leading voices in the field, Gerrish is neither tired nor retired. This magnum opus attests to Gerrish’s continued commitment to the church and to academia. Engaging John Calvin and Friedrich Schleiermacher in a conversation with contemporary thought, Gerrish in this book interprets and summarizes the fundamental tenets of Reformed faith.
In a style reminiscent of classical systematic theologies, Gerrish begins each chapter with a theological proposition and explicates it in the chapter. In the Introduction, he defines Christian theology as the theoretical, critical, and systematic inquiry that examines the coherence of Christian beliefs. Dogmatics seeks to reinterpret historical doctrines in the light of Scripture, contemporary thought, and experience.
In Part I, Gerrish studies the Christian affirmations about creation. He interprets the world not as a mere machine but as a moral order created by God who breathed life into and demands justice and goodness from human beings. God endowed every human with the capacity to respond freely to God with gratitude, trust, and obedience. This section has a rich and extensive discussion on the themes of human nature and freewill.
Gerrish divides Part II into two divisions, one focusing on the person and work of Christ and on the continued ministry of the Spirit in and through the church. Echoing Scheiermacher, Gerrish interprets sin as defiance against God arising out of inborn egocentrism and social structures. While seeking to make sense of the reality of evil, Christian teachings affirm the healing work of God in Christ. This section includes a scintillating elucidation of the offices—kingly, prophetic, and priestly—and two natures—human and divine—of Christ. The second division analyzes the themes of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. Gerrish concludes this division about the church with an interpretation of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, considered as the two sacraments by the Reformed. The twenty-one propositions listed at the end of the book succinctly summarize the entire book.
In an era when writing comprehensive expositions of Christian dogmatics is rare, Gerrish proves that the genre is not extinct. He demonstrates its relevance by constructively interpreting the historical confessions to the contemporary church. Although the book is written from a Reformed perspective and remains faithful to it, Gerrish’s interpretation of the “proper doctrine” shows sensitivity to and openness towards various confessional and faith traditions. By inviting colleagues from Catholic, Lutheran, and Presbyterian traditions to read the manuscript, Gerrish ensured the book’s ecumenical openness. Gerrish’s expansive definition of God’s people opens the door for ecumenical and interfaith engagements. Drawn from lecture notes of one of the finest teachers in the subject, this delightful volume would provide a helpful introduction of Christian theology for both novices and experts in the field.