Book Review: 50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith, by Gregg Allison

The problem with most theology books is accessibility. Whether it’s the jargon, the heady material, or the large page count, for the average Christian reader who just wants to understand God better the theology book shelf gets pretty bare.

The option is usually theology lite. Picking up books that are weighted more towards theological platitudes than deep truths is the modus operandi of most of us. But the thirst to know more is still there.

Gregg R. Allison attempts to slake that thirst. His book on 50 core truths is literally a theological text book but written in a very accessible manner. The sections are presented in the traditional systematic theology of the protestant tradition. And each section is then broken down into easy to read chapters with simple scripture references and ready-made teaching outlines. Obviously, this work is tailored for Sunday School teachers and small group leaders. Yet because of its simple and systematic layout it can find a place on anyone’s bookshelf.

Allison writes in the conservative tradition, and as such he doesn’t provide much space for the debates about each doctrine. That’s both good and bad. This works best as a theological primer with an eye towards knowing that there are diverse voices out there. After all, you have to learn to walk before you can dance.

Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.