RATING: 
“What changes need to happen in your life to enjoy Jesus more throughly, worship him more passionately, follow him more closely, serve him more diligently, trust him more fully, and proclaim him more boldly?” Think about it. Quite a stirring question.
Hopefully I didn’t ruin too much, but this is the final question posed to the reader at the end of Doctrine, a practical and readable systematic theology written by Mark Driscoll, Senior Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, and Dr. Gerry Breshears, professor of theology at Western Seminary.
There are a number of wonderful things to note about Doctrine. To begin, it’s not just another systematic theology (systematic theology is a topical way to examine Christian doctrines). It’s a systematic theology written specifically for our day and age. Driscoll & Breshears address contemporary issues such as “One-ism,” the therapeutic Gospel, masculinity and femininity, the “lost gospels,” and the various creation accounts. Furthermore, Doctrine is readable. The book is clearly written for a large audience, not just the academicians. Lastly, I loved that the goal of Doctrine was that people might be transformed, not merely informed. As Paul Tripp says, “At the center of Christianity is not the world’s best system of theology and rules, but a gloriously compassionate Savior.” Altogether, my favorite chapters included “Trinity: God Is, Image: God Loves, Worship: God Transforms, and Stewardship: God Give.”
The book covered a wealth of information; however, some sections seemed too abrupt. And while I greatly appreciate Pastor Mark’s matter-of-fact-ness, several parts were written in too conversational of a tone. Overall though, whether you’ve walked with the Lord for thirty days or thirty years, you will benefit from the book’s immense accessibility. As Randy Alcorn noted, “Doctrine is meaty, well-researched, clearly written, interesting, and refreshing—a rare combination.”
Download the chapter “Worship: God Transforms” for free here.
RECOMMENDATION:
Most people can’t imagine trudging through 436 pages of a book entitled Doctrine, but the book is conversationally written and yet very insightful. Get it, even if you just use it as a resource.
GET IT NOW:
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway by request in order to review its material. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
