Moving from Theology to Doxology

Today’s guest post is from Johnny Cisneros, of our Design & Editorial department.

When I was in graduate school, I had the privilege of taking systematic theology of J.I. Packer. He started every class lecture by saying, “Arise, friends, let us sing the Doxology!” After singing and a word of prayer, he would remind us, “The goal of theology, friends, is doxology.” That is, our view of God should inspire us to worship God.

Dr. Packer’s devotional approach to theology was evident even in his choice of textbook for the course – Millard J. Erickson’s Christian Theology. Here’s just an excerpt:

“Because God is a person (indeed, he is pictured as our Father), our relationship with him has a dimension of warmth and understanding. God is not a bureau or a department, a machine or a computer that automatically supplies the needs of people. He is a knowing, loving, good Father. He can be approached. He can be spoken to, and he in turn speaks” (Christian Theology, pg. 296).

Now that’s the kind of doctrine that moves us from, “You’re right, God” to “You’re good, Father.”

Are you interested in moving from theology to doxology?

Then check out The Moody Theological Studies Collection (10 Vols.) on Pre-Pub.

Other great titles by J.I. Packer:

• Growing in Christ and Concise Theology are both included in base package collections – from Bible Study Library up through Portfolio.
• A Passion for Faithfulness
• A Quest for Godliness

Also by Millard J. Erickson:

• The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology
• Introducing Christian Doctrine
• Christian Theology is also available with the Theological Reference Bundle (19 Vols.)

In a future blog post, I’ll introduce you to a theologian who had a profound influence on Millard J. Erickson.