Having grown up in the evangelical/free church movement I have a rich heritage of vibrant, exciting worship and inspiring experiences of the Holy Spirit which have helped to shape my view of the faith over the years. However, although I have heard many gifted preachers and spent a lot of time in Bible Study (particular thanks to Johnny & Debs!), my understanding of the historical and theoretical background to the church has always been woefully inadequate.

Earlier this year I picked up The Lion History Of Christianity, a concise and colourful book that outlines the last 2000 years of Christian activity. Although I’ve not yet finished reading it – it’s good to dip in and out – it challenged me to look deeper at why Christians believe what they do and how they got to that point of view.

Hence I bought Theology: The Basics by Alister McGrath. In a few short chapters, McGrath covers the major themes of Christian thinking such as God, Jesus, Salvation, Church and Heaven by presenting a step-by-step analysis of the questions they raise for believers, the historical perspectives, and any significant alternative viewpoints. Although many of the topics within the book are complex, McGrath succeeds in outlining the main issues concisely in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

For me, I can simply say that this has been the most useful and influential book I have read for a few years. Its power is not in telling me what I should or shouldn’t believe as a Christian (as much religious literature does), but in simply helping me understand what has come before and where I stand in my Christian heritage today.

Since completing this book on holiday 2 weeks ago, I have had many conversations and heard much preaching that has been enlightened by my newfound understanding of the faith. Ideas and events such as the Reformation, Calvinism and Eschatology have a meaning beyond vague impression, while my thinking on theological subjects and my own opinions have deepened.

In all my gushing praise for this book, I do not believe that it will be as beneficial to everyone. My circumstances and interests made this purchase a timely and fascinating insight, yet the concepts may be too in depth or confusing for those with no questions about the history of church development.

I have two different outcomes from reading this book. The first is that I now intend to do more personal study around theology and widen my own understanding. The second is that I believe it would be beneficial to pass on some of this basic knowledge to young people so that they too can make sense of their faith. I’m not yet sure how ‘Theology 101’ will fit into my youth programme for 11-14’s, but it’s got me thinking…