Some error occured while loading the Quick View. Please close the Quick View and try reloading the page.
A concise, philosophically grounded introduction to Christian systematic theology that organizes core doctrines—such as creation, Trinity, sin, salvation, and Christology—within a framework open to contemporary social, ethical, and interreligious dialogue.
What does it mean to think theologically in a world shaped by competing religions, modern philosophy, and pressing social questions?
In A Theology Primer, Robert Cummings Neville offers a clear yet intellectually rigorous introduction to Christian theology as a disciplined way of thinking about God, creation, and human existence. Rather than treating doctrine as static belief, Neville presents theology as an ongoing act of conceptual interpretation—one that engages scripture, tradition, reason, and experience in a dynamic conversation.
Spanning topics from the nature of divine creation and the Trinity to sin, salvation, Christology, and the role of the Church, the book builds a systematic framework for understanding Christian thought in relation to contemporary philosophical and interreligious concerns. Particular attention is given to the human condition under covenant, the complexities of grace and freedom, and the social dimensions of sin and sanctification.
Neville also situates classical Christian claims alongside liberation and feminist theological perspectives, as well as broader world religious traditions, making the work especially relevant for readers interested in theology's public and global dimensions.
Readers will find:
· A structured introduction to core Christian doctrines
· Philosophically informed analysis of theological concepts
· Engagement with modern ethical and social issues
· Dialogue with non-Christian religions and contemporary theological movements
Praised for its clarity and accessibility while remaining philosophically sophisticated, A Theology Primer serves as both a classroom text and a serious entry point into systematic theology.
Whether you are approaching theology for the first time or revisiting it with critical questions in mind, this book provides a disciplined framework for thinking through faith, reason, and the meaning of divine life in the world.
Robert Cummings Neville is Professor of Philosophy, Religion, and Theology at Boston University, and Dean of the Boston University School of Theology. He is Past President of the Metaphysical Society of America, and President-Elect of the American Academy of Religion. Neville has also written Behind the Masks of God: An Essay Toward Comparative Theology; New Essays in Metaphysics; The Puritan Smile: A Look Toward Moral Reflection; Reconstruction of Thinking; Recovery of the Measure: Interpretation and Nature; and The Tao and the Daimon, all published by SUNY Press.
Preface
How To Use This Book
Introduction
1. The Nature of Theology
I. Divine Matters
II. Theological Assumptions and Assertions
III. Theological Conceptualization
IV. Truth and the Modes of Theological Assertion
2. Revelation: Sources and Uses of Theology
I. Authority in Theology
II. Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience
III. Uses of Theology
IV. Revelation
3. God the Creator
I. God the Problem
II. The Primacy of Divine Creation
III. Determinateness as the Character of the Created World
IV. God as Creator ex Nihilo
4. God as Trinity
I. The Trinitarian Character of Divine Creation
II. Time and Eternity
III. God as Logos
IV. Sky God, Earth Mother, Ground, Goal
5. The Human Condition: Covenant
I. The Religiously Particular Analysis of the Human Condition
II. Conditions of Covenant: Genesis 2 and 3
III. The Logos Ideals of Covenant
IV. Divine Judgment
6. The Human Condition: Sin
I. Unrighteousness
II. Impiety
III. Faithlessness and Despair
IV. Sin and Divine Love
7. Salvation, Freedom, and Bondage
I. The Problem of Salvation
II. Natural Freedom
III. Divine and Human Agencies
IV. Depravity and Bondage of the Will: Original Sin
8. Justification, Grace, and Love
I. The Quest for Grace
II. Justification: Objective and Subjective
III. Dynamics of Faith and Repentance
IV. Divine Love: Conviction and Commitment
9. Sin and Society
I. A Social Metaphysics of the Covenant
II. Social Sanctification
III. Oppression and Blasphemy
IV. Alienation and Secularism
10. Sanctification
I. Sanctification and Justification
II. Personal Sanctification: Spirit, Mind, and Heart
III. Sanctification as Social Justice
IV. Sanctification in Love
11. Christology: The Cult of Jesus Christ
I. The Cultic Community of Jesus
II. The Teachings of Jesus
III. Jesus Christ the Redeemer: Resurrection and the Kingdom
IV. The Universality and Particularity of Salvation
12. Christology: The Divinity of Christ
I. A Logos Christology
II. Incarnation and the Two Natures of Christ
III. Christ and the Holy Spirit: The Filioque
IV. Christ and History
13. The Holy Spirit in the Church
I. Sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist
II. Mission, Teaching, Preaching, and Action
III. The Church as the Body of Christ
IV. Christianity and Other Religions
Appendix A: A Brief Bibliography of Liberation Theology
Appendix B: A Brief Bibliography of Feminist Theology
Notes
Bibliography
Index