Online Essays

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Running Head: BASIC THEOLOGY: THE MOODY HANDBOOK OF THEOLOGY

The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns
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Basic Theology

The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns
This book leads the beginner into the appreciation and understanding of this essential field of study. It introduces the reader to the five dimensions that provide a comprehensive view of theology: biblical, systematic, historical, dogmatic and contemporary. A reference to fundamentalist Christian theology from an evangelical point of view, divided into biblical, systematic, historical, dogmatic, and contemporary studies.
The following are selected quotes taken from The Moody Handbook of Theology

Election Based on (fore) knowledge- God elected those whom He knew would of their own free will believe in Christ and persevere in the faith

Unlimited Atonement- In His atonement, Christ provided redemption for all mankind, making all mankind savable. Christ's atonement becomes effective only in those who believe

Natural Ability- Man cannot save himself; the Holy Spirit must affect the new birth

Prevenient Grace- Preparatory work of the Holy Spirit enables the believer to respond to the gospel and cooperate with God in salvation

Conditional Perseverance- Believers have been empowered to live a victorious life, but they are capable of turning from grace and losing their salvation
(Spreading light)

Enns does an excellent job in taking a very complex subject (namely, theology) and breaking it down into a very readable format. While he certainly has his personal theological bent, it is not very apparent throughout much of the book, as he seems to honestly tackle the different styles and beliefs of doctrines. He is very effective in objectively (as far as it can be done) describing the various systems of belief. Numerous charts found throughout the book accentuate the discussion of the different chapters.
"This (Arianism) doctrine had it roots in Tertullian, who made the Son subordinate to the Father. Origen took this further by teaching that the Son was subordinate to the Father ''in respect to essence.'' The result was ultimately Arianism that denied the deity of Christ. Arius taught that only God was the uncreated One; because Christ was begotten of the Father it meant the Father created Christ. Arius believed there was a time when Christ did not exist. Arius and his teaching was condemned at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325.36" (Enns P 199)
On the other hand, however, the author states that "polygamy was unknown among Greeks and Romans" (Enns, page 355) in the discussion of the divorced and remarried in the qualification for church office. Critics say that although it was not common polygamy was practiced, especially among the Jews. Thousands of Jews lived in many of the Greek and Roman cities at that time in their dispersion. Moody is known for their discrimination of people that have had the misfortune to be divorced and have committed the "sin" of re-marriage.
There is also a problem with his interpretation of what constitutes the Israel of God. "The term 'new Israel' is identification for the church is not accurate; Israel always means Jewish people" (Enns, page 352). But we read in Galatians 6:16 "Peace and mercy to all ... even to the Israel of God". Scripture also refers to Christians as the sons of Abraham by faith identifying such as of Israel.
Enns suggests, "The teaching that since the Scriptures are given by God, they are free from error in all their contents, including doctrinal, historical, scientific, geographical, and other branches of knowledge." (Enns P 636)
Dr. Enns has created a volume that is excellently divided into logical categories (Old Testament theology, New Testament Theology, with several sub- and sub- sub- categories of each). He has thoroughly documented his conclusions with citations in endnote form. This volume not only gives an overview of the content of the Bible, but also gives fascinating historical details, both of the events in the Bible and of theological movements and schools of thought over the centuries.

References
Enns, P What God is like, Bibliog., citing Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, Moody Press, Chicago, IL, 1989, p. 199 April 12, 2002

Enns, Paul; 1989, "THE MOODY HANDBOOK OF THEOLOGY"; Moody Bible Institute of Chicago; Moody Press April 12, 2002

Spreading light to darkened world Selected quotes taken from The Moody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns April 12, 2002 http://www.spreadinglight.com/theology/arminian.html