Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 169:675 (Jul 2012)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Matthew S. DeMoss

BSac 169:675 (July-September 2012) p. 368

Book Reviews

By The Faculty of Dallas Theological Seminary

Matthew S. DeMoss

Editor

The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way. By Michael Horton. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2011. 1052 pp. $31.49.

Acclaimed author, syndicated radio host, distinguished theologian, and fellow pilgrim, Michael Horton offers the Christian community a systematic theology in one volume. Specifically targeting the layman or armchair theologian, Horton discusses the major doctrines of the Christian faith from exegetical, historical, philosophical, and practical viewpoints. He attempts to reinstate the relevance of systematic theology in “the modern dichotomy between doctrine and life, theology and discipleship, knowing and doing, theory and practice” (p. 14). Inviting the reader to become an active participant in the greatest story ever told, his goal is “doctrine that can be not only understood, clarified, and articulated but also preached, experienced and lived as ‘community theater’ in the world today” (p. 32).

In order for the pilgrim to join in this “community theater,” Horton structures his work according to the six essential parts of the metanarrative. First, he devotes five chapters to “Knowing God” as he addresses presuppositions of theology, explores the differing opinions on the origin of theology, and assesses revelation in the canon of Scripture and its role in the metanarrative. Second, examining the “God Who Lives,” Horton defines the attributes of God, both communicable and incommunicable, and discusses the role of the Trinity. Horton’s third section explores the “God Who Creates,” studying predestination, creation, providence, humanity, and the fall. Moving from creation to redemption, part 4 explains the “God Who Rescues” in Horton’s apologetic for the person and work of Christ. Part 5, “God Who Reigns in Grace,” looks specifically at the church, its characteristics, role, and responsibility in the metanarrative. Horton concludes part 6 with a focus on “God Who Reigns in Glory” and the eschatological hope found in the return of Christ.

In the beginning of his treatise Horton lays the foundation and framework for and shows the necessity of a Christian worldview. He presents good summaries of other world religions and provides an apologetic for the gospel. Nevertheless several inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies detract from this presentation. At the forefront is Horton’s erroneous presentation of verbal, plenary inspiration. Horton claims, “The common teaching of the East and West, Roman Catholics and classical Protestants, is that Scripture is not only in its content but also in its form the Wor...