When I first got interested in studying theology, I was intimidated by some of the complex terms abundant in theological books. Hypostatic Union? Federal Headship? Penal Substitutionary Atonement? Words like these nearly convinced me that theology was only for Christians with letters after their names. But thankfully, that is not the case. Theology is for everyone, and as R.C Sproul rightly said, “Everyone’s a theologian.
And to make theology more accessible for lay Christians, Brian Tucker and David Finkbeiner wrote 50 Most Important Theological Terms. In this book, Tucker and Finkbeiner list 50 crucial terms from biblical theology and provide their meaning.
These 50 terms are categorized into ten chapters, and each chapter focuses on one area of biblical doctrine. They are Theological Practice and Identity, The Doctrine of Revelation, The Doctrine of God, The Doctrine of Christ, The Doctrine of Angels, Satan and Demons, The Doctrine of Humanity and Sin, The Doctrine of Salvation, The Doctrine of the Church, and The Doctrine of the Last Things.
The authors wrote this book because they believe studying theology help Christians know God and the Christian life. They say, “Studying theology helps us learn more about God, ourselves, and what is required of those who follow Him. Reading this book will assist you in this knowledge-based obedience by giving you clear definitions and suggested practices to help you embody your Christian identity as set forth in Scripture.”
50 Most Important Theological Terms pleasantly surprised me. When I first read its description, I expected a dictionary-like book with dry, formal definitions. But the authors write in a friendly style and even use some illustrations and stories. The book feels a lot like an accessible introduction to systematic theology. And one can easily read it cover to cover—though you can still use it as a reference book.
I particularly liked that Tucker and Finkbeiner provide the background history relating to the terms they explain. For instance, when describing the Person of the Holy Spirit, the authors also mention the filioque controversy and its role in the Nicene Creed’s writing.
The book doesn’t shy from addressing controversial topics like complementarianism, spiritual gifts, end times timeline, etc. However, it does not take a definitive stance on these issues; Tucker and Finkbeiner only present the various theological camps and their reasoning. It would have been helpful if the authors had provided additional resources to explore different perspectives further.
In sum, 50 Most Important Theological Terms is a helpful, non-intimidating theology book that should benefit all theology students. But since it doesn’t delve too deeply into biblical doctrine, I recommend it primarily to new Christians or Christians new to theology.
Moody publishers graciously gave me a complimentary copy, and this is my honest review.
