{"title":"Books by Alister E. McGrath","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780198901440","title":"The Nature of Christian Doctrine","description":"A groundbreaking account of the origins, development, and enduring significance of Christian doctrine, explaining why it remains essential to the life of Christian communities. Noting important parallels between the development of scientific theories and Christian doctrine, Alister E. McGrath examines the growing view of early Christianity as a 'theological laboratory'. We can think of doctrinal formulations as proposals submitted for testing across the Christian world, rather than as static accounts of orthodoxy. This approach fits the available evidence much better than theories of suppressed early orthodoxies and reinforces the importance of debate within the churches as a vital means of testing doctrinal formulations. McGrath offers a robust critique of George Lindbeck's still-influential Nature of Doctrine (1984), raising significant concerns about its reductionist approach. He instead provides a more reliable account of the myriad functions of doctrine, utilising Mary Midgley's concept of 'mapping' as a means of coordinating the multiple aspects of complex phenomena. McGrath's approach also employs Karl Popper's 'Three Worlds', allowing the theoretical, objective, and subjective aspects of doctrine to be seen as essential and interconnected. We see how Christian doctrine offers ontological disclosure about the nature of reality, while at the same time providing a coordinating framework which ensures that its various aspects are seen as parts of a greater whole. Doctrine provides a framework, or standpoint, that allows theological reality to be seen and experienced in a new manner; it safeguards and articulates the core vision of reality that is essential for the proper functioning and future flourishing of Christian communities.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56227326001525,"sku":"9780198901440","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780198901440_1b4cd9e7-0576-42f2-936a-2afd48454561.jpg?v=1786012898"},{"product_id":"9780470672792","title":"The Intellectual World of C. S. Lewis","description":"Marking the 50th anniversary of Lewis’ death, The Intellectual World of C. S. Lewis sees leading Christian thinker Alister McGrath offering a fresh approach to understanding the key themes at the centre of Lewis’ theological work and intellectual development.    Brings together a collection of original essays exploring important themes within Lewis’ work, offering new connections and insights into his theologyThrows new light on subjects including Lewis’ intellectual development, the uses of images in literature and theology, the place of myth in modern thought, the role of the imagination in making sense of the world, the celebrated 'argument from desire', and Lewis’ place as an Anglican thinker and a Christian theologianWritten by Alister McGrath, one of the world’s leading Christian thinkers and authors; this exceptional pairing of McGrath and Lewis brings together the work of two outstanding theologians in one volume","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56290052931957,"sku":"9780470672792","price":21.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780470672792_9503cd11-d483-40ee-abef-ebd7069de1eb.jpg?v=1786013521"},{"product_id":"9780801075773","title":"Narrative Apologetics","description":"The Bible is a narrative--the story of God's creation, humankind's fall, and God's plan of redemption. And it is filled with countless smaller stories that teach us about people, history, and the nature of God. It's no surprise that God would choose to reveal himself to us in story--after all, he hardwired us for story. Despite this, we so often attempt to share our faith with others not through story but through systems, arguments, and talking points--methods that appeal only to our mind and neglect our imagination and our emotions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn this groundbreaking book, scholar and author Alister McGrath lays a foundation for narrative apologetics. Exploring four major biblical narratives, enduring stories from our culture such as Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, and personal narratives from people such as Augustine of Hippo and Chuck Colson, McGrath shows how we can both understand and share our faith in terms of story.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56294901711221,"sku":"9780801075773","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780801075773_82490f63-aed0-4bc9-8435-99039974583a.jpg?v=1786015792"},{"product_id":"9781118874387","title":"The Christian Theology Reader, 5e","description":"Regarded as the leading text in Christian theology for the last 25 years, Alister E. McGrath’s The Christian Theology Reader is now available in a new 5th edition featuring completely revised and updated content.    Brings together more than 350 readings from over 200 sources that chart 2,000 years of Christian historySituates each reading within the appropriate historical and theological context with its own introduction, commentary, and study questionsIncludes new readings on world Christianity and feminist, liberation, and postcolonial theologies, as well as more selections by female theologians and theologians from the developing worldContains additional pedagogical features, such as new discussion questions and case studies, and a robust website with new videos by the author to aid student learningDesigned to function as a stand-alone volume, or as a companion to Christian Theology: An Introduction, 6th edition, for a complete overview of the subject","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296313028981,"sku":"9781118874387","price":31.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781118874387_d58f4e11-bf63-44b6-8d9c-cbc5fb1a785d.jpg?v=1786018168"},{"product_id":"9781118964781","title":"Dawkins′ God – From The Selfish Gene to The God Delusion 2e","description":"A fully updated new edition of a critically acclaimed examination of the theories and writings of Richard Dawkins by a world-renowned expert on the relation of science and religion  Includes in-depth analysis of Dawkins’ landmark treatise The God Delusion (2006), as well as coverage of his later popular works The Magic of Reality (2011) and The Greatest Show on Earth (2011),and a new chapter on Dawkins as a popularizer of scienceTackles Dawkins’ hostile and controversial views on religion, and examine the religious implications of his scientific ideas including a comprehensive investigation of the ‘selfish gene’Written in an accessible and engaging style that will appeal to anyone interested in better understanding the interplay between science and religion","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296320205173,"sku":"9781118964781","price":17.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781118964781_7e655c2a-8676-4581-a256-414631b469d0.jpg?v=1786018242"},{"product_id":"9781119599876","title":"Science and Religion – A New Introduction, 3rd Edition","description":"The leading introductory textbook on the study of religion and the natural sciences, including new coverage of the latest topics in the field Science and Religion provides students with a thorough introduction to the major themes and landmark debates in the interaction of science and religion. Incorporating history, philosophy, the natural sciences, and theology, this popular textbook examines how science and religion approach central questions and discusses the relationship between the two areas through the centuries. The authoritative and accessible chapters are designed for readers with minimal knowledge of science or theology.  Written by one of the world’s leading authorities on the study of religion and science, this fully revised and updated third edition addresses contemporary topics and reflects the latest conceptual developments in the field. New and expanded chapters and case studies discuss Scientism, evolutionary theodicy, the Theory of Relativity, warranted belief in science and religion, the influence of science and religion on human values, and more. The most up-to-date introduction to this exciting and rapidly growing field, this textbook: Offers an engaging, thematically-based approach to the subjectProvides historical context for major events in science and religionExplores scientific and religious perspectives on Creation and the existence of GodDiscusses models, analogies, and issues at the intersection of science and religion One of the most respected and widely adopted textbooks in the field, Science and Religion: A New Introduction, 3rd Edition is an ideal resource for college, seminary, and university students in courses in science and religion; church or community courses in the relation of science and faith; and general readers looking for an inclusive overview of the field.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296377287029,"sku":"9781119599876","price":31.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781119599876_5408fc98-b7a3-42cc-8422-dab6c14d4e27.jpg?v=1786018298"},{"product_id":"9781119870340","title":"Historical Theology – An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought","description":"The newly updated and expanded edition of the bestselling introduction to Historical Theology  Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought traces the development of Christian theology from its earliest days to the present. Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, this authoritative yet accessible textbook introduces the major theological movements, key ideas, and individual theologians of the Patristic Period, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the Reformation and Post-Reformation, and the Modern Era up to the present day. Throughout the book, students explore central themes through numerous case studies, primary readings, and study questions at the end of each section. Now in its third edition, Historical Theology including substantial new sections on theodicy, modern African Christologies, and postcolonial theology. The book retains the structure of the previous editions, covering the key development and people within all the main historical periods while introducing readers to the core themes of historical theology across the centuries. This fully updated new edition: Provides a general overview of each period covered, including historical background and main theological developmentsFeatures individual case studies and excerpts from primary texts to allow readers to examine specific themes in greater detailDefines the fundamental theological vocabulary necessary for engaging with other worksHighlights the importance of the discipline of historical theology and its place in wider Christian theology Contains references to further readings in each chapter and full glossaries of important words, names, phrases, and theological developmentsIncludes web material developed by the author to help users get the most out of using this textbook, along with sample lectures on some of its themesWritten by one of the most renowned theologians in the field, Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought, Third Edition remains the perfect textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in Christian History, Christian Theology, and the Reformation.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296434925941,"sku":"9781119870340","price":38.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781119870340_626318b7-7e55-4a8e-b4b9-6fa2d27ded1a.jpg?v=1786018403"},{"product_id":"9781119756583","title":"Reformation Thought","description":"Reformation Thought Praise for previous editions:“Theologically informed, lucid, supremely accessible: no wonder McGrath’s introduction to the Reformation has staying power!”—Denis R. Janz, Loyola University“Vigorous, brisk, and highly stimulating. The reader will be thoroughly engaged from the outset, and considerably enlightened at the end.”—Dr. John Platt, Oxford University“[McGrath] is one of the best scholars and teachers of the Reformation...  Teachers will rejoice in this wonderfully useful book.”—Teaching HistoryReformation Thought: An Introduction is a clear, engaging, and accessible introduction to the European Reformation of the sixteenth century. Written for readers with little to no knowledge of Christian theology or history, this indispensable guide surveys the ideas of the prominent thought leaders of the period, as well as its many movements, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism, and the Catholic and English Reformations. The text offers readers a framework to interpret the events of the Reformation in full view of the intellectual landscape and socio-political issues that fueled its development.   Based on Alister McGrath’s acclaimed lecture course at Oxford University, the fully updated fifth edition incorporates the latest academic research in historical theology. Revised and expanded chapters describe the cultural backdrop of the Reformation, discuss the Reformation’s background in late Renaissance humanism and medieval scholasticism, and distill the findings of recent scholarship, including work on the history of the Christian doctrine of justification. A wealth of pedagogical features—including illustrations, updated bibliographies, a glossary, a chronology of political and historical ideas, and several appendices—supplement McGrath’s clear explanations.   Written by a world-renowned theologian, Reformation Thought: An Introduction, Fifth Edition upholds its reputation as the ideal resource for university and seminary courses on Reformation thought and the widespread change it inspired in Christian belief and practice.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296485847413,"sku":"9781119756583","price":43.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781119756583_cd3e0d50-7c10-429e-b896-fd090bd29640.jpg?v=1786018702"},{"product_id":"9781119906933","title":"Christian Apologetics – An Introduction","description":"Provides an accessible overview of the theory and practice of Christian apologetics, written by one of the leading experts in the field Christian Apologetics is a compact yet comprehensive introduction to the theological discipline devoted to the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian religion. Assuming no previous knowledge of Christian apologetics, this student-friendly textbook clearly explains the major theoretical and practical aspects of the tradition while exploring its core themes, historical development, and current debates.    Using a non-denominational approach, world-renowned Christian scholar Alister E. McGrath engages the ideas of a wide range of representative apologists and explores the ways they have been applied throughout history, and can still be used today.    Concise, easy-to-digest chapters gradually build students' knowledge and confidence, moving from basic definitions and concepts to more advanced theory and practical application. Throughout the text, the author engages a variety of cultural concerns about religious belief, illustrates the real-life connection of apologetic studies and ministries in the Church, and offers clear explanations and vigorous defenses of the faith that students can adopt in their own writing and speaking.    Introduces the art and science of explaining and commending the Christian faithPresents approaches to apologetics that emphasize the positive appeal of Christianity to the imagination and emotionsCovers the major approaches to apologetics, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and discusses their key representativesHelps readers in ministry and outreach defend Christianity against misunderstandings and misrepresentationsAddresses the real-world application of apologetics, including role models, good practice, and established wisdomFeatures case studies of Christian apologists such as G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Tim KellerIncludes study questions, activities, further reading lists, full references, and links to video and audio resources developed by the author Designed to meet the needs of teachers looking for a clear and reliable introduction to the field, Christian Apologetics: An Introduction is an excellent textbook for undergraduate and graduate apologetics courses in colleges and seminaries, as well as church courses and study groups across Christian denominations.    \"McGrath judiciously mines the best apologetics from both the past and present while helpfully analyzing the task of apologetics and giving sage advice on how Christians may more effectively engage in the apologetic task. I heartily recommend this book.\"—Robert B. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, New Orleans Baptist Theology Seminary \"Alister McGrath, one of Christianity’s leading scholars, has written an apologetics textbook in the legacy of C. S. Lewis, which integrates multiple disciplines and new developments. The result is a masterful introduction that is destined to serve the church for many years to come.\"—Joshua Chatraw, The Billy Graham Chair for Evangelism and Cultural Engagement, Beeson Divinity School \"From the first time I heard Alister McGrath lecture as an undergraduate student I was gripped. His unique ability to grapple with the most challenging and complex issues and communicate with clarity and wisdom is unsurpassed in our day. In Christian Apologetics: An Introduction he provides a comprehensive picture of Apologetic approaches with his classic combination of winsomeness and brilliance. I believe it will prove to be another classic from McGrath.\"—Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, Honorary Lecturer, School of Divinity, University of Aberdeen \"There has long been a desperate need for a thorough and wide-ranging introduction to Christian Apologetics, not least as this branch of Christian thought and theology has become increasingly active and important in recent years. Alister McGrath's Christian Apologetics: An Introduction fills this gap brilliantly. All in all, this is a much needed and incredibly important book, one that McGrath—given his wide experience of writing and teaching in apologetics—is almost uniquely qualified to write.\"—Dr. Andy Bannister, Adjunct Professor of Apologetics, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56296596177269,"sku":"9781119906933","price":24.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781119906933_4d298151-2124-4456-87d8-ecbdb89fcd71.jpg?v=1786018617"},{"product_id":"9781394279814","title":"Theology – The Basics, 5th Edition","description":"Provides a reader-friendly introduction to Christian theology for students, churches, and independent learners  Theology: The Basics, Fifth Edition offers a concise introduction to the fundamental ideas of Christian theology. Explaining essential theological vocabulary and concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, this widely used textbook provides a structured overview of key theological themes, including faith, God, creation, salvation, and the Trinity. The fifth edition continues the book's tradition of clarity and fairness, presenting theological concepts from across the Christian spectrum—including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and evangelical perspectives. Without endorsing any particular viewpoint, acclaimed theologian Alister E. McGrath describes core theological ideas and the historical debates that have shaped Christian thought for over two millennia. Carefully refined through feedback from students worldwide, this new edition maintains the strengths of its predecessors while incorporating recent developments in the field. An excellent foundation for anyone seeking to understand Christian theology and engage with its rich and diverse tradition, Theology: The Basics: Presents an insightful exploration of Christianity's intellectual depth for those new to the subjectCovers fundamental theological themes such as creation, Christology, sacraments, and heavenProvides historical context for key theological debates, concepts, themes, and figuresOffers flexibility of use for instructors, suitable as a standalone introduction or as a companion to Theology: The Basic Readings Theology: The Basics, Fifth Edition, is ideal for undergraduate courses in Christian theology, religious studies, and divinity programs, as well as for church-based theology courses. It remains a foundational textbook for students in seminaries, theological colleges, and universities.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56298259677557,"sku":"9781394279814","price":21.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781394279814_b034180b-864f-4752-9841-18952b0fa1e5.jpg?v=1786018353"},{"product_id":"9780198982791","title":"Science and Religion in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis","description":"Science and Religion in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis is the first comprehensive examination of C. S. Lewis's views on the relationship between science and religion, authored by an internationally acclaimed writer recognized as an authority on both Lewis and the field of science and religion. It focuses on the literary depictions of this relationship and its significance in cultural discussions regarding the boundaries of human knowledge, as well as Lewis's understanding of the roles of science and religion in humanity's pursuit of meaning and significance. This study provides a rigorous and historically informed analysis of Lewis's perspective on the interplay between science and religion, drawing both on his studies of medieval and Renaissance literature and his literary and philosophical explorations of naturalism and materialism. In particular, it highlights the importance of the constructive role of the imagination (and not merely the analytic role of reason) in constructing an authentic 'model of the universe'.This work breaks new ground by exploring Lewis's appeal to scientific criteria for evaluation in his apologetics. This can be seen as a significant anticipation of the method now referred to as 'inference to the best explanation', which was not formally articulated until after Lewis's death. While some continue to characterize Lewis as an anti-scientific Luddite entrenched in medieval fantasies, this analysis makes it clear that Lewis was well-acquainted with both the cultural perceptions of science and religion during the medieval and Renaissance eras, as well as the major philosophical and cultural debates concerning their relationship during the middle of the twentieth century. It will be an essential introduction to both this important and understudied aspect of Lewis's thought, and to its relevance for the growing field of academic studies in science and religion.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56367825060213,"sku":"9780198982791","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780198982791_89a2385d-8af2-4f03-a2fe-5201da4f8e03.jpg?v=1786012183"},{"product_id":"christian-theology-an-introduction-7e","title":"Christian Theology – An Introduction 7e","description":"Offers a lively, concise, and easily accessible approach to the development of Christianity’s core themes over the centuries As Christianity enters into a new phase of expansion, the study of Christian theology continues to play a key role in modern intellectual culture, as well as to those wanting to understand the central issues and preoccupations of the Middle Ages, the European Reformation, or many other periods in human history.  Since its initial publication more than 30 years ago, Christian Theology: An Introduction has established itself as one of the most respected and widely used theological textbooks. Now in its seventh edition, this classic textbook remains an unparalleled introduction to the primary concepts, themes, and developments of 2,000 years of Christian thought. Designed for students with no prior knowledge of the subject, Christian Theology provides an overview of historical theology, explains central aspects of philosophical theology, describes major debates over Christian theological method, and explores key doctrines of systematic theology. Theologically neutral chapters offer balanced coverage of Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and evangelical traditions, positions, perspectives, and insights. In this new edition, renowned theologian Alister E. McGrath is joined by educationalist Matthew J. Thomas to ensure that Christian Theology connects with a range of contemporary teaching contexts. Reviewed and improved content is supported by an entirely new series of fifteen lectures on Christian theology written and presented by Professor McGrath. Christian Theology: An Introduction, Seventh Edition, remains the ideal textbook for university courses in Christian theology, seminary courses across denominations, church discussion groups, adult Sunday schools, and those looking for a reliable guide to the study of Christian thought.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57483520016757,"sku":"9781394202881","price":35.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781394202881.jpg?v=1786178693"},{"product_id":"rethinking-christianity-1","title":"Rethinking Christianity","description":"With clarity, warmth, and depth, renowned theologian and professor Alister McGrath explores why Christianity continues to captivate thoughtful people in every generation across human history, in a compassionate invitation to rediscover meaning, identity, and hope in a story bigger than ourselves.   As one of our most respected Christian scholars, Dr. Alister McGrath is used to deep conversations about faith. Whether in lively debate with the \"New Atheists,\" in helping people more deeply understand the legacy of C. S. Lewis, or in his many other writing and speaking opportunities, Dr. McGrath is passionate about inviting people to consider or re-appreciate the depth and meaning of the Christian faith. But in recent years it has been in personal conversation with his students at the University of Oxford that Dr. McGrath has found some of the most exciting opportunities to share his faith, as the questions of this generation come to light in hearts curious about this \"ancient religion\" and often learning about it for the first time.   Now Dr. McGrath invites us all to listen in as he warmly presents how Christianity is a way of finding the \"moreness\" that every human heart desires in a time and culture that is constantly draining us of meaning, truth, and beauty. \"Why won't Christianity stay buried?\" he asks, and from that intriguing question helps us better understand our shifting culture, a healthy Christian relationship to science, and how authentic faith offers us a map for the soul that steers us through God's grand narrative into our eternal purpose and \"fullness of life.\"Perfect both for new seekers and mature Christians eager to resharpen their minds and thoughtfully engage the pressing questions of our time, Rethinking Christianity promises to be a new classic of apologetics and a book that will help all of us reconnect with the rich thought and powerful personal promises of faithful Christian belief.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57503652905333,"sku":"9781400261321","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781400261321.jpg?v=1786867362"},{"product_id":"christianity-an-introduction-4th-edition","title":"Christianity: An Introduction, 4th Edition","description":null,"brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57503831523701,"sku":"9781394396931","price":32.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-alister-e-mcgrath.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}