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Here are some notes on two books I have read recently:

The Great Theologians: A Brief Guide
Gerald R. McDermott
InterVarsity Press, 2010
My Rating: ****

Want a quick glimpse of Christianity’s foremost theologians? Gerald McDermott provides brief biographical sketches, theological summaries, and primary source material from eleven important theologians.

From Origen to Von Balthasar, McDermott takes us on a journey through time, showing us the passion that drives each theologian, as well as the particular insights they are remembered for. There’s just enough biography here to get a good glimpse of the man, and just enough summary to give you a good overview of the theology. You might quibble with a couple of his choices (Newman over Irenaeus? No Cappadocians?), but you’ll still gain a good overview of the theologians he profiles. Highly recommended!

Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott
Roger Steer
InterVarsity Press, 2010
My Rating: ***

John Stott has long been one of the primary voices of worldwide evangelicalism. This new biography of Stott fills in the details of his lengthy ministry. Stott admirers may be surprised to discover that he once espoused pacifistic views, that his father disapproved of his service to the church, and that he and Martin Lloyd Jones had a major disagreement over Stott’s unwillingness to leave the Church of England.

This biography does a good job of laying out the major moments in Stott’s life. But after finishing the book, I didn’t feel like I knew Stott more than I did before. I was hoping to find out what makes Stott tick and what has driven his ministry all these years. Steer did an admirable job recounting the major events (and interspersing these events with friendly recollections). But I was hoping for more. Maybe Steer wasn’t able to get into Stott’s mind either…

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