This book is not the kind of book you sit down and read from cover to cover, at least not for me. This is a great reference tool to have for your personal study and as you teach others. It’s also handy when someone comes to you with a doctrinal question for quick reference. This book is used as a mainstay in many Christian universities’ Theology classes.
Dr. Jack Cottrell was a professor of Theology at Cincinnati Christian University for 49 years. He received a BA from Cincinnati Christian University in 1959 and also a BS from the University of Cincinnati. He then earned an M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ. From his bio: Dr. Cottrell taught over 40 separate courses to thousands of students. He has authored 45 books on Christian theology and doctrine – 24 books in just the last 5 years of his life. Frequent topics include grace, faith, baptism, Biblical accuracy, Biblical consistency, and the nature of God. He has also tackled other issues including leadership and gender roles in Christianity. Many of his books have been translated from English into 15 languages.
His book The Faith Once For All begins with an Introduction to Theology, explaining the Concept of Theology, the Possibility of Theology, the Sources of Theology, the Method of Theology, and the Importance of Theology, He follows up with chapters that break down what the Bible says about everything from the Existence of God to Hell. From the back cover, Dr. Cottrell says, “At its most basic, the word theology is “God talk,” the Greek theos originally meaning “God” and logos meaning “Word, statement, speech, discourse.” God is then the ultimate subject and source of theology. Included in theology is the study of the nature of God Himself, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. But theology also includes the scope of the Bible itself: the study of the Word of God subject-by-subject, like the doctrine of sin, the doctrine of grace, demons, angels and many others.”
I so appreciate having this reference tool because of my respect for Dr. Cottrell, as well as his use and understanding of the Scripture on each page. “This book is a valuable asset that will serve as the cornerstone of your biblical reference library.” Dr. Cottrell was never my professor (he was my husband’s though), yet he took time to write to me when I asked him deep, theological questions in private messages. His careful use of Scripture and desire to teach others the Gospel of Jesus Christ motivates me to learn more and share more about our Savior Jesus Christ.
You may not agree with every one of Dr Cottrell’s opinions about these theological issues, but you will appreciate his thorough study of the scripture to come to his conclusions.
