"This book is designed to help students learn how to do theology for themselves! It's not your usual textbook which only represents the theology of the author. Drawing on his rich ecumenical, international experience, his years of working with the Black church, and dialoguing with Evangelicals, Mark Ellingsen introduces readers to all the major doctrines which have appeared in the history of Christianity. He offers empathetic description and critical evaluation of each option (strengths and weaknesses) in such a way that unless you have read his other books you'll never figure out where he stands. This is a book to help you determine which option makes the most sense for you and your church, and then helps you decide what you believe. A feature unique to this publication are the charts in the back of the book-handy tools to orient you to all of the major theological options which will help you locate where you stand on each doctrine and what great theologians of the past are your allies. Along with the simplicity and convenience of the charts, reading the chapters will reflect the kind of scholarship and nuance one expects from a textbook, the careful work the academy has come to expect from Ellingsen, and ample Biblical authorization for most of the positions considered"--