John Feinberg: No One Like Him

 

John S. Feinberg, No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2001), 879 pages, ISBN 9781581348118.

In the 1970s, Paul E. Little wrote an excellent book entitled, Know What and Why You Believe. In clear simple language, he presented various doctrines of the Bible in a way that could be easily understood by young Christians. It was in many ways a practical guide in apologetics. Now there is a book that takes the doctrines of the Bible to a new level.

No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God by John S. Feinberg presents an in-depth look at the teachings of God while providing readers with an indispensable tool for defending their faith. On one level, it challenges Christians to think critically and even philosophically; on another level, it inspires them see God as He is revealed in Scripture.

Feinberg is the general editor of Crossway’s Foundations of Evangelical Theology series. He is the author of a number of books, including The Many Faces of Evil, and Ethics for a Brave New World (with Paul D. Feinberg). John S. Feinberg is Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology and chairman of that department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Feinberg’s book is part of a series in systematic theology from an evangelical perspective. The series attempts to rework theology in a way that addresses current issues that affect humanity. While admitting that only Scripture is divine revelation, the writers in the series aim to underscore the importance of theology and explain how it can be relevant and practical for today’s Christians.

Concerned about the changes in today’s society and the rise of postmodern thought, Feinberg felt the need for a book that would answer current questions about God. Process theology and openness theology are just two of the many issues he tackles. He writes:

The advent and growing entrenchment of the postmodern mindset, not only in our universities but also in culture more broadly, have had dramatic implications for our very understanding of who and what God is. Theologians and non-theologians alike are clamoring for a God who is engaged in our lives and responsive to our needs (p. xxv).

Feinberg argues that the discussion of God is a topic that must be framed in light of the issues of today. He writes that the pressing question for evangelical theologians today is “what to do about the classical conception of God that has been handed down through centuries of church history” (p. xxv). While some schools of thought suggest abandoning the classical conception, Feinberg believes the need is to reconstruct the traditional concepts while keeping them grounded in Scripture.

 

Tags: feinberg, john

Category: In Depth, Summer 2008