As stated in the Introduction, this work is intended to introduce several of the topics of debate within the Evangelical Christian movement along with a very basic position and support adopted by each side in the debate. Although the focus is on the Protestant tradition, there were a few references to Catholicism where that tradition was useful as a contrast (and I found all of the positions informative and useful). Each chapter takes up a specific debate introduced in a section entitled “Posing the Question” that tries to frame the question in common everyday language within a hypothetical discussion/encounter between two christians. The next section identifies “The Center and Its Contrasts” which briefly describes each Evangelical position before presented supporting arguments for each position (organized into an summary, biblical arguments, supporting arguments (extending the biblical support), and responses to [typical] objections. Perhaps it was a factor of the lack of nuance, or that fact that I already have my own researched position for some of these debates … but the responses frequently felt like straw-man arguments. The chapter then ends with a section recommending [extensive] Further Reading. Finally … the appendix gives a much abbreviated introduction to 15 topics that seem to be definitive for most Evangelicals without as much debate.

Although not intended as a balanced treatment of opposing beliefs, it was nonetheless highly instructive for me and I would recommend it for any who wish to understand the various sects within Christianity (although it would be a bit of a struggle for any not raised and learned in at least one christian tradition). It can also be explored in any order, or as a reference if studying the concepts independently, given the simply language used to present each argument … so I am giving it an additional star for usability.

1. The Inerrancy Debate
2. The Providence Debate
3. The Foreknowledge Debate
4. The Genesis Debate
5. The Divine Image Debate
6. The Christology Debate
7. The Atonement Debate
8. The Salvation Debate
9. The Sanctification Debate
10. The Eternal Security Debate
11. The Destiny of the Unevangelized Debate
12. The Baptism Debate
13. The Lord’s Supper Debate
14. The Charismatic Gifts Debate
15. The Women in Ministry Debate
16. The Millennium Debate
17. The Hell Debate

Appendix:
1. How Should Evangelicals Do Theology
2. What is the Best Analogy for the Trinity
3. Was Noah’s Flood Global or Local
4. Were Adam and Eve Historical Persons
5. Are Humans Made Up of One, Two or Three Parts
6. What is the Meaning of Justification
7. Must Wives Submit to Their Husbands
8. How Should Christians Approach Earthly Politics
9. What Happens to Babies Who Die
10. What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
11. In Speaking in Tongues the Initial Evidence of Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
12. Can a Christian Be Demonized
13. How Should We Interpret the Book of Revelations
14. Has Jesus Already Returned (Preterist)
15. When Will Jesus Return (Rapture)

I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AcrossTheSpectrum #NetGalley.

What do Christians believe? What are the beliefs held by evangelicals? Why are there so many different views? If only there is a handbook to list down the different views fairly for broad understanding, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. That said, the main purpose is to enable readers, especially students to learn about the different views across the spectrum of issues so that they could better understand the similarities and differences within the evangelical world. Not only does it help promote a deeper understanding of one's own standpoint, but it also enables one not to misrepresent others. The authors use a common framework to discuss each issue. There are many issues the authors have covered. They include debates about:

The Inerrancy of the Bible
Providence
Foreknowledge
Genesis
Divine Image
Christology
Atonement
Salvation
Sanctification
Eternal Security
Destiny of the Unevangelized
Baptism
The Lord's Supper
Charismatic Gifts
Women in Ministry
Millenium
Hell

Now in its third edition, this book has a significantly revised chapter on "The Sanctification Debate," "The Hell Debate," and additional questions in the Appendix. Using a "liberal arts approach," the goal is to broaden students' understanding of the different views on each issue and to encourage them to find their own conclusions. Within Christendom, there are branches of Christianity such as Eastern Orthodoxy, Mainstream Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Evangelicalism, and so on. Even within evangelical circles, there are different views, which is the focus of this book. There are several ways one can use this book. The first is to use it as a primer. Here, the table of contents alone should give students a birdseye view of the different perspectives per issue. Knowing the key stances can help students to do further research that they need to. The authors provide lots of arguments, counter-arguments, and further resources to enable students to springboard their research. This is especially helpful for those who are new to the broad study of evangelical theology. Primers are helpful to give students an overview from a non-judgmental position. The second way to use this book is to deepen the understanding of alternative views. Sometimes, we tend to become too fixated on our own convictions that we fail to understand or represent alternative views accurately and fairly. Just like the famous prayer of St Francis of Assisi, we become a channel of God's peace as we seek to understand others more than wanting to be understood. I believe many readers will find it helpful to have an objective description of different views without pre-judging them. On this note, I must say that the authors have done a great job in presenting the material as fairly as possible. This is a mark of a good professor. The third way is to use this book as an introductory text for teaching. There are many laypeople increasingly confused by the split in evangelical circles. Some even question why they cannot get along. This presents an opportunity for church leaders and teachers to educate their congregations on what they believe and why they believe. Not only that, mature students or those who had already studied these theologies during their seminary years can use this book to refresh their learning.

This book is a solid investment for learning the multiple perspectives on each theological issue mentioned. Clearly written and fairly described, this is a wonderful resource not just for students, but also for teachers, pastors, professors, and anyone seeking to revise or recall what they had learned in the past.

Gregory A. Boyd (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary), formerly professor of theology at Bethel University, is senior pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where average attendance has grown to 5,000 since he helped plant the church in 1992. He is the author of many books, including the critically acclaimed Seeing Is Believing and the best-selling Gold Medallion Award-winner Letters from a Skeptic. He is also coauthor of The Jesus Legend.

Paul Rhodes Eddy (PhD, Marquette University) is professor of biblical and theological studies at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author, coauthor, or editor of a number of books, including Across the Spectrum. Eddy is the coeditor (with James K. Beilby) of six successful multiview volumes, including Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and Netgalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.