First published in 1955, this book was intended to offer a new interpretation of early Protestantism and, against this background, a searching treatment of modern religious issues. The Protestant tradition stems mainly from Luther, Calvin, and the Sectarians. Luther was the revolutionary genius; because of his acute sense of paradox his teaching is difficult to understand, but Dr Whale's summing-up makes it a good deal easier. After him Calvin, with his remorseless logic, may seem an unsympathetic figure; but here he is shown in his proper light as the great statesman and doctrinarian of the young church. The Sectarian movement was steadily gaining strength in England in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; Dr Whale examines its teachings and tells of its later development. He speaks with conviction and vigour about issues including religious tolerance and intolerance and the conflict between Church and State; he closes with a plea for unity the Church.
Christian Doctrine offers a clear re-statement of the fundamental beliefs of Christians. Dr Whale describes - and meets - the difficulties which the great Christian doctrines raise for us today, and makes clear how the Christian faith understands human history and the abiding issues of good and evil, life and death.
Originally published in 1960, this book was written to provide an accessible account regarding the essentials of Christian theology, avoiding an overly technical approach whilst also steering clear of superficiality. Comprehensive in scope, the text illuminates concepts such as the revelation of the Eternal in historic time; the problem of evil; the divine victory over Satan; the 'once for all' uniqueness of Christ's passion and victory; the sacraments as the body of Christ; death and destiny; the resurrection of the body; the 'end' of history. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in perspectives on Christianity and theology.
