by James Orr
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
THE Studies in this Volume are based upon Addresses on Christian Doctrine given at various Conferences and Bible Schools in America. This may explain the semi-popular character of the exposition, and some peculiarities in the style, which it has not been thought necessary to remove. Perhaps the less formal nature of the Studies will adapt them better to the needs of those whom technical works on theology might repel. The treatment makes no pretence at exhaustiveness, but probably it will be found that few points of real importance in theological study are left untouched. The work may therefore serve as an introduction to more elaborate handbooks on the Christian doctrines. It may serve to show what, in substance, theology is, to create an interest in its questions, and to remove some misconceptions as to its nature, necessity, and scope. In some degree, it may even be a contribution to the right apprehension of the Christian truth itself. These are days in which theology is at a discount. The cry is loud for "reconstruction" of Christian doctrines; for re-statement in terms of living thought. This book has little to offer in the way of novelties. It rests on the conviction that, however necessary it may be to state Christian doctrines constantly anew in relation to advancing knowledge, there is an essential content in the Christian system which does not change. One truth is related to another, and cannot be essentially altered without detriment to the whole system. There is a testimony to that truth in the living organism of Scripture—held here to be the self-attesting record of God's revelation of life and salvation to the world—and on that Scriptural basis, not on the changing thoughts and speculations of men, a sound theology must be reared. For fuller exhibition and discussion of the doctrines dealt with, the author may refer to his special works, "The Christian View of God and the World" (10th Edition), "The Progress of Dogma" (the history and development of Christian doctrine), and "God's Image in Man and its Defacement in the Light of Modern Denials," with articles in Hastings' and other Bible Dictionaries.
JAMES ORR.
March, 1909.
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Table of Contents:
PREFACE
I. NATURE AND PLACE OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE: THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
II. NAMES AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
III. THE TRINITY OF GOD: THE DIVINE PURPOSE
IV. CREATION AND PROVIDENCE
V. MAN AND SIN: MAN'S NATURE AND ORIGINAL CONDITION
VI. MAN AND SIN: MAN'S NEED AS A SINNER
VII. CHRIST AND SALVATION: GENERAL VIEW—THE REDEEMER
VIII. CHRIST AND SALVATION: THE ATONEMENT
IX. THE SPIRIT IN SALVATION: UNION WITH CHRIST AND ITS BLESSINGS
X. ETERNITY AND ITS ISSUES: ADVENT AND JUDGMENT