The Asbury Journal 76/1: 123-144 © 2021 Asbury Theological Seminary DOI: 10.7252/Journal.01.2021S.08
Book Reviews An Exploration of Christian Theology, 2nd Edition Don Thorsen Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic 2020, 448 pp., paper, $39.99 ISBN: 978-1-5409-6174-7 Reviewed by Benjamin P. Snoek Among the ever-widening sea of introductory systematic theology texts is Don Thorsen’s An Exploration of Christian Theology, which has become one of the more prominent books in evangelical circles. Now in its second edition, Thorsen has updated his text and included two new chapters on apologetics (ch. 5) and the fate of the unevangelized (ch. 29). The Exploration follows a typical systematic structure, roughly patterned after the logic of the Apostles’ Creed. It treats prolegomena, God, creation, humanity, sin, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and the future. Each chapter follows an overall predictable arrangement: an opening illustration from scripture, a historical survey of the doctrine’s development, and a sweep of contemporary perspectives on the doctrine (with special attention given to evangelical views). This reviewer finds it notable that Thorsen opens each chapter with a scripture reference—a strategic move that grounds his doctrinal exposition in the biblical text. In his writing, Thorsen expresses a warmly evangelical yet decidedly Wesleyan perspective. While he teaches at a Wesleyan-Holiness institution, Thorsen also engages in ecumenical work, a labor that is clearly reflected in his generous treatment of Catholic, Orthodox, Reformed, Holiness, and Charismatic perspectives. He dedicates more attention to Wesleyan and Pentecostal views, to be sure, especially in his discussion of sanctification and charismatic gifts. Thorsen openly and unapologetically advocates for an egalitarian inclusion of women in ministry (329), for instance. Furthermore, he is obviously writing with John Wesley in the 123
