This work examines some of the most pressing problems facing contemporary systematic theology.

Crisp provides an overview of the contemporary landscape in the area of theological methodology and assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach surveyed. This positive contribution to the field offers a clear and concise assessment of the methodologies on offer for students and scholars alike.

It lays the groundwork for a vision of a common theological project across varied theological approaches. These include the importance of metaphysics and divine revelation, and the key doctrines of the Christian faith such as the Trinity and Incarnation. Crisp also sets out a constructive proposal for addressing the question of how we understand the relationship between the different levels of theological authority.

This leads to a powerful sketch of a programme in systematic theology that is both respectful to the Christian tradition, as well as constructive in nature.

Oliver Crisp exhibits the virtues that we have come to expect: clarity and lucidity of expression, honest and careful analysis of difficult theological issues, respect for the tradition combined with a refusal simply to repeat older statements, serious and charitable engagement with views that differ from his own, and a remarkably humble willingness to admit how his mind has changed. I learned much from this book, and I expect to learn more from the broader project to follow. * Thomas H. McCall, Asbury Theological Seminary, USA *
In this rich study of the foundational elements of Christian doctrine, Crisp addresses a series of formidable challenges in the doctrine of God. Though rightly recognising the fragility and incompleteness of any system, he commits to the importance of searching for coherent models for thinking about God. With their unashamedly experimental character, Crisp’s essays are fresh, lively, and worthy of wide attention. * David Fergusson, University of Cambridge, UK *

Oliver Crisp is Professor of Analytic Theology and Co-Director of the Logos Institute at the School of Divinity, University of St Andrews, UK.