Doctrine is the word Christians use to define the truth-claims revealed in Holy Scripture. Of course there is a multitude of churches, church networks, and denominations, each with their own doctrinal statement with many points of disagreement. But while Christians disagree on a number of doctrines, there are key elements that cannot be denied by anyone claiming to be a follower of Jesus.In Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe, Driscoll and Breshears teach thirteen of these key elements. This meaty yet readable overview of basic doctrine will help Christians clarify and articulate their beliefs in accordance with the Bible.
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"I downloaded this book for my IPad while traveling. It is very readable. Overall, I have enjoyed the book immensely while not completely agreeing with all of Driscolls theology. Still, it has been interesting to ponder some theological areas I have failed to draw some connections in. "
— Nate (4 out of 5 stars)
“This valuable resource will help Christians clearly understand and articulate their beliefs while igniting a deeper love and passion for Christ.”
— Craig Groeschel, author of The Christian Atheist“[Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe] is organized around the actions of God: God is, speaks, makes, loves, judges, pursues, comes, dies, saves, sends, transforms, gives, reigns. The book could be used in universities, churches, or seminaries for systematic teaching of this particular strain of Christianity; it makes the most plainspoken and comprehensive case for the new Reformed Protestant Christianity today.”
— Publishers Weekly“Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears have written a remarkably insightful treatment of central biblical teachings, with a few surprising but welcomes choices. Doctrine is meaty, well-researched, clearly written, interesting, and refreshing—a rare combination. Those who know that truth matters will relish this book. If you don’t know that truth matters, you should read it anyway and enjoy watching your mind and heart change.”
— Randy Alcorn, author of If God Is Good and Heaven“In this helpful and accessible book, Driscoll and Breshears lay out the key doctrines of the Christian faith. Doctrine defines the core beliefs that make up biblical Christianity in a readable, understandable, and authentic way.”
— Ed Stetzer, president, LifeWay Research" Excellent book and recommeded reading for all Christians. "
— Janthomas, 2/14/2014" I downloaded this book for my IPad while traveling. It is very readable. Overall, I have enjoyed the book immensely while not completely agreeing with all of Driscolls theology. Still, it has been interesting to ponder some theological areas I have failed to draw some connections in. "
— Nate, 2/12/2014" A great overview of Christian theology. Quite a bit packed in to a lot fewer pages than other books on doctrine out there (ex: Systematic Theology by Grudem). For anyone looking to discover more about the Christian faith, this is a great read. "
— Kayla, 2/6/2014" Every good overview of Biblical christianity. Does a good job of adressing the topics and the issues that suround them without getting lost in the details. I think this would be a very usful tool for a Sunday school class or even as a resource for those that teach others. "
— Andy, 2/3/2014" In a nutshell, a detailed yet readable book on the important doctrines of real Christianity as set forth in Scripture. The writing is academic but understandable and complete without being redundant. This book could easily function as either an introductory primer or an intermediate study. "
— Jonathan, 1/26/2014" Potential readers should know off the bat that this book is not really designed to be casually leafed through from the first page to the last. It is a dense black brick with indie rocker artwork and a million footnotes. Which is great in a lot of ways, but it's a disappointment if you're not expecting it. I bought this book because I listened to the original podcasts and really enjoyed them. They were engaging and amusing and thoroughly Biblical. This book retains the last characteristic but basically abandons the humor that typically characterizes a Driscoll communication. As written, this work is more useful as a reference text, with overwhelmingly thorough citations to Scripture and well-reasoned argumentation. Chapters are clearly delineated, so it will be easy for a reader to find a few handy verses to answer, say, an argument that Jesus is not God or that Mary was not a virgin when Jesus was incarnated. I am happy to have this book on my shelf, and I am happy to have read it all the way through so I will know what is available when I need it, but I don't recommend this book for someone who is just looking to borrow a book to answer a few questions about who God is. "
— Kurt, 1/15/2014" A well detailed study within the Reformed doctrine. "
— Billy, 1/15/2014" I read this with a close friend/mentor over the course of 16 months. While we agreed that the majority of the book was theologically sound, at least once every chapter we discovered an error, ambiguity, or some claim that (to our knowledge) appeared biblically unfounded. There seemed to be very little effort to attribute scriptural basis to many declarative statements, and the organization of topics received inadequate editorial attention. I give it three stars because there were plenty of sections which I enjoyed quite a bit- but I wouldn't recommend it as a go-to guide of Christian doctrine. "
— Katie, 1/9/2014" Every professing Christian would benefit from reading this book critically "
— Mary, 1/8/2014" Exactly what it says it is: the doctrine that Christians should believe. Much easier read than systematic theology, less detail, yet still seemingly complete. A must read for believers. Also not lacking in references. The bibliography is a great source for further reading. "
— Kevin, 1/5/2014" Great basis for a Christian to explore the core beliefs of the faith. Written in a straight-forward manner. Goes a long way to take theology out of the realm of the dusty-old-books and puts it into the hands of the average Joe-Christian. "
— Dan, 12/23/2013" It's dry reading, but it _is_ a doctrine book. And, to be honest, I only made it halfway through. I was interested in it because Dr. Breshears was my advisor at Western, and I was curious about a doctrine book written by him and Driscoll. "
— Sarah, 12/6/2013" Excellent introduction to basic orthodox Christian doctrine. Engaging and clearly understandable. The small group questions in the back are a valuable resource. Highly recommended for personal reading or a group study. "
— Kara, 12/3/2013" Driscoll is a preacher not an academic theologian. If you are brand new to theology this may be a good place to start, but read quickly to keep interest. "
— Tyler, 9/9/2013" Very basic and easy introduction to doctrine. I genuinely love this book. "
— Steven, 1/1/2013" A helpful resource. To be used along with others. "
— To.jfoster, 11/23/2012" I have really appreciated this book over the last two weeks. The last two weeks have been very trying with problems with our neighbors and at work. This book's reminders of the simpleness of the Gospel and God's unending love for us have been of great comfort. "
— Douglas, 5/16/2012" An introduction to Reformed theology. The beginning was pretty dry and the end became more interesting and easier to read. "
— Kassel, 8/25/2011" Very accessible doctrine book for any believer! "
— Scott, 7/22/2011" This is a great book and provides a lot of insight.. "
— Bill, 7/20/2011" Definitely a must have reference companion. Not to replace the Bible, adds historical footnoting to many questions people have. "
— Steve, 6/11/2011" Hello! Calling all believers! Time for the church to wake up and smell the coffee of truth. This one will rock most Christians world with a very concise word for the not so wise and what we think is the truth?? But may not be? Read it and learn... "
— Lindon, 3/27/2011" Mark has a great way to explain deep or difficult truths. Every Christian would benefit from this book "
— Bruce, 3/5/2011" great accesible easy reading systematic theology<br/>plenty of cross reference and footnote<br/>cross centered<br/>metanarrative<br/>well connected<br/>application heavy "
— Jon, 1/5/2011" I agree with Danny Aiken. Perhaps one of the best Systematic Theology books out. "
— Chris, 12/21/2010" Excellent book and recommeded reading for all Christians. "
— Janthomas, 10/22/2010" One of the best books I have read on Christian doctrine. Not preachy or full of illustrations (as most Driscoll books are, though not necessarily a bad thing)just straight forward christian theology. Great read for new christians or those mature in their faith who need a reminder. "
— Drew, 7/27/2010" Excellent introduction to basic orthodox Christian doctrine. Engaging and clearly understandable. The small group questions in the back are a valuable resource. Highly recommended for personal reading or a group study. "
— Kara, 5/23/2010Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle and is one of the world’s most downloaded and quoted pastors. He was also named one of the 25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years by Preaching magazine, and his sermons are consistently #1 on iTunes each week for Religion and Spirituality, with over 10 million downloads each year. He received a BA in speech communication from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University, and he holds a master’s degree in Exegetical Theology from Western Seminary in Portland. He is the author of more than a dozen books.
Gerry Breshears, PhD, is professor of theology and chairman of the division of biblical and theological studies at Western Seminary. He also serves as an elder and on the preaching team at Grace Community Church in Gresham, Oregon.
Sean Runnette, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has also directed and produced more than two hundred audiobooks, including several Audie Award winners. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured the United States and internationally with ART and Mabou Mines. His television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Cop Land, Sex and the City, Law & Order, the award-winning film Easter, and numerous commercials.