Justo L. González and Zaida Maldonado Pérez. An Introduction to Christian Theology. Nashville: Abingdon, 2002. Pages 166. Paper, $18.00. ISBN: 0687095735

Reviewed by Alberto L. García

The purpose of this book is to offer a simple, straightforward introductory reading for those taking their first steps in the study of Christian theology. The authors' intention is to stimulate reflection within a wide ecumenical base, probing the strengths and weaknesses of various theological positions. They approach theology in this volume primarily as church historians and their book covers many theological topics in a clear, concise manner. One of the various strengths of this book is that González and Maldonado write with the vision of U.S. Hispanic theologians. They are also sensitive to the study of theology from a global perspective, from which they take their examples for theological discourse.

A summary of the book’s seven chapters will be helpful for readers of this review who might consider this text for course adoption. In chapter one (What is theology?) the authors engage in the study of theology in relationship to philosophy, the physical and natural sciences, the social sciences, and the community of faith. Chapter two (Who is God?) deals with how we know God, the proofs for God’s existence; it also introduces the reader to the doctrine of the Trinity and main Trinitarian controversies. In Chapter three (What is the world? Who are we?), the main theme treated is the doctrine of creation, in particular against the challenge of Gnosticism. This chapter is sensitive to ecological issues, the relationship of creation to science and the relationship of men to women as equals in the creation narrative. It discusses also the human creature as sinner, and our responsibility as God's creatures to one another and to creation. Chapter four (Who is Jesus Christ?) engages the reader in a brief study of the person of Jesus Christ and his work. New Testament themes are explored as well as the development of christological doctrine in the history of the church. Four images are presented concerning the work of Christ as payment for sin, saving example, conqueror, and head of the new humanity. Three dimensions of salvation are also discussed: the juridical or subjective view, integral salvation, and the relationship of justification to sanctification.

In chapter five (What is the church?) the authors emphasize the church as the community of believers. The chapter is divided into two parts. The first part discusses the images of the church in the New Testament as the Body of Christ, the People of God, the Bride of Christ. The emphasis is on the social realities of the church in the New Testament. The second part of the chapter discusses the mark of the church as one, holy, catholic and apostolic. In this reviewer's view it is best of all chapters in its excellent work of tracing the depth in a church of many colors. It also offers a balance and up-to-date discussion of the main issues in ecumenical discourse. Chapter 6 (How does the church live?) offers the Word and the sacraments of Baptism and Communion as the key sustainers of the community of believers. It also offers a sensitive dialogue about the difference of perspective concerning the practice of these sacraments in the Protestant churches and in Roman Catholicism. This approach will help students from various traditions understand one another and also maintain integrity within their theological traditions. In chapter seven (What is our hope?) the authors explain the limitations of eschatology viewed from the popular Dispensationalist movement. They present the main focus of eschatology in light of our hope in Christ for the future. Additionally, the chapter discusses the important topic of the reign of God by defining the scope of the reign, the nature of the reign, and how Christians are citizens of God’s reign. Eternal salvation is discussed also in this chapter by dealing especially with the themes of the immortality of the soul and God's judgment. A very useful list of theologians cited with brief historical notes concludes the book.

There is no doubt that this book will serve as an excellent introduction to theology for students taking their first steps at an undergraduate college level and for churches forming new theological leaders. As director of a program that forms mainly lay theologians, I believe this book will prove invaluable in this needed field for years to come. This is why I hope the authors in the future publish a second edition. I offer, therefore, some constructive comments. The authors discuss mainly the incorrect interpretations concerning the relationship of Genesis 1 to 2. This is to correct the mistaken interpretation that obscures the wonderful reality that women possess equally with men: the image of God. In the theological circles that I travel, there is no denial of Genesis 1 to point out that both men and women are created in the image of God (66-67). Nevertheless, the thorny issue comes in that Genesis 2 is also used to point to the orders of creation to bind many times women to the authority of men in the church. It is important, therefore, to show the continuity between creation and redemption in light of our new creation in Christ. This is the beautiful vision Paul proclaims in Galatians 3:27-28. The authors prefer Irenaeus over Augustine in
discussing the human condition. They want to guard us for seeing sin mainly from the perspective of pride in humanity by wanting to be like God. They see this as an opening
to accentuate and promote the aspiration of the oppressed to demand equality and their
full humanity (69). Both the narrative of Genesis 3 and Romans 1 point to the consequences of pride. It is when we usurp the image of God that we reject and despise
the image of God in our sisters and brothers. There is room for the Augustinian tradition
with the same commitment toward equality and social justice, as was the case with
Reinhold Niebuhr.