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Customer Reviews

A keeper- a necessary addition for a library
Elwell's Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (EDOT) was a required text for one of my seminary master's courses. I had not used the book before and am very glad to have been directed to use it.

Elwell collects writings from many noted, contemporary theologians for this work. He covers pretty much every topic that I cared to look up. He covers theological terms that most are not familiar with, controversial issues, different groups throughout history through today and prominent theologians throughout history with a baseline description of their major ideas. If you are unsure of what "sensus plenior" is, or unsure of what Aquinas said about angels, or who the pelagians were- this is the book to find the answers. It also discusses well known issues such as predestination, salvation, attributes of God etc. This book will help the layperson through the budding theologian.

The only critique that I have is that some of the authors forget to explain the basic idea of some of the items. For instance, when discussing the "biblical theology" movement, they miss describing exactly how biblical theology differs from systematic theology and do not define it.

Other than this one minor flaw, I think this book is a great addition to a Christian's library. EDOT is a superb work worthy of any studious Christian's library.

You Will Keep A Copy on Your Desk!
I bought this book along with Elwell's other reference book "Topical Anaylsis of the Bible" and keep both of them handy on my desk for quick and easy to find biblical references for various doctrines or topics.

The best part about this book is the ability to locate important doctrines, key texts, and subjects quickly and easily. This book will save you hours of serching in systematic theology books to find the balanced teachings on the doctrine. Elwell is sound in his theology and evangelical in his covering of various teachings.

Buy this book, you will use it often!

The best theology dictionary I've seen
This book was a gift from my pastor when I left for seminary. I must say that it has been great. I have compared it to others and there really is no comparison. This book is detailed, yet easy to read. It also encompasses various points of view and theological positions.