The Mosaic of Christian Belief

Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity

By: Roger E. Olson

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

In The Mosaic of Christian Belief Roger E. Olson thematically traces the contours of Christian belief down through the ages, revealing a pattern of both unity and diversity. He finds a consensus of teaching that is both unitive and able to incorporate a faithful diversity when not forced into the molds of false either-or alternatives.

The mosaic that emerges from Olson's work, now updated throughout and with a new chapter on the Holy Spirit, displays a mediating evangelical theology that is irenic in spirit and tone. Olson, writing with nonspecialists in mind, has masterfully sketched out the contours of the Great Tradition of the Christian faith with simplicity while avoiding oversimplification.

©2002, 2016 Roger E. Olson (P)2022 Tantor

Delightful, insightful, and easy to follow.

This book was required reading for both my Systematic Theology 1 and 2 classes. I found it very interesting and informative. It is not bogged down with philosophical mumbojumbo, yet it is not dumbed down. Dr. Olson has found a brilliant middle ground to make sure that this book is both informative and easy to understand.

So thankful

I am so thankful for this book. A lot of times books like these are written in an echo chamber and they are only for scholars and not for the lay person trying to understand theology. This book was very accessible and even when the author uses the big fancy words he will always give a definition immediately following the term. I wish more theology books were written like this one. Written for the body at large not just their peers in their fancy wingback chairs.

Surprisingly fun read!

A very accessible book that presents a good faith overview of different Christian perspectives and doctrines. Even as someone who already had a decent understanding of theology, this addressed gaps in my knowledge of Christian thought that differ from my denomination.

Balanced approach

The author succinctly leads through the major issues and controversies in Christian history. His approach is respectful and distinguishes between a range of acceptable options in each category, while also introducing the reader to ideas that are not considered Christian, and why.

The Left and Right Limits of Orthodoxy!

A brilliant and accessible intro to the unity and diversity within Christian history. Olson does a great job or showing the limits of orthodoxy while being charitable and ecumenical. Highly reccomend if you want an intro to Christian theological categories and the landscape of Christian thought about said categories. Does well in promoting a mere Christianity that isn't thin or underdefined. This book goes a long way to promote understanding and appreciation for Christian groups that may be otherwise foreign to our own traditions. If more Christians read this book, we would be more unified, though still diverse, around what is most central to the historic faith.