Oliver Crisp helped found the now-thriving analytic theology movement, and with this book he gives us its first comprehensive systematic theology. In a single volume, he discusses all the major theological topics, including some that are frequently neglected by analytic theologians, and in each chapter he steers the reader towards sensible, ‘moderate Reformed’ conclusions. The book joins analytic clarity with a proper respect for mystery and the ecumenical Church tradition. It is both a valuable work of constructive thought and a useful guide to the best recent work in analytic theology.
~William Wood, Associate Professor of Philosophical Theology, Oriel College
Oliver D. Crisp has emerged as one of the leading voices in English-speaking theology today. Simply put, Analyzing Doctrine is excellent: well-informed, wide-ranging, clear, penetrating, and judicious as well as gracious. It engages sympathetically and straightforwardly with much recent work in more mainstream 'systematic' or 'dogmatic' theology, and it even stretches to include some discussion of biblical scholarship.
~Thomas McCall, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Analyzing Doctrine is eloquent, easy to read, and coherently organized. It begins with methodological considerations regarding analytic theology—in which domain Crisp increasingly has identified himself—and then undertakes ‘analytic theological’ engagements with key debates on God. In each instance, Crisp engages a significant interlocutor, whether a theologian or a biblical scholar, and often seeks to adopt a reasonable or ‘moderate’ position that accepts some part of the critique (or some part of the eccentric insight) while pushing back in the direction of the traditional doctrine.
~Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary
Exhibiting the intellectual rigour of the recent tradition of analytic theology and drawing deeply upon the resources of theological tradition, Oliver Crisp explores the complexities of contemporary debates in theology and sounds forth a compelling witness to the God who comes among us in Christ and draws us into the abundance of his own life.
~Murray Rae, Professor of Theology, University of Otago
"A stimulating and instructive book."
~Choice
…A valuable addition to contemporary theological discourse that sheds ecumenical light on many contentious theological topics through the tools and assets of good analytic theology.
~Forrest H. Buckner, Calvin Theological Journal
Crisp writes (as one would expect) crisply, and he packs a huge amount in to 280 pages—over eleven chapters he provides carefully-argued accounts of divine simplicity, Trinitarian ontology, the creator/creature distinction, original sin, the virgin birth, the incarnation, Christ’s two wills, salvation, and bodily resurrection. Crisp is eminently lucid, thorough, and judicious in all these explorations, and especially helpful in surveying the latest work in particular fields.
~Mark Smith, The Global Anglican
Oliver Crisp’s Analyzing Doctrine is the sort of work that one has come to expect from Crisp: beautifully written prose, philosophically rigorous thinking, historically informed and theologically sensitive positions, and a congenial tone. As its subtitle suggests, it is not a full-blown systematic theology, but it is moving Crisp’s work in that direction. This, to my mind, reflects a virtue underrepresented in academic writing: patience. This book is an exercise in patient reflection, argument, and analysis. It is also an exercise in patient theological construction.
~James T. Turner, Jr., Modern Theology
