Christian Doctrine
by Shirley Gutherie Jr.

Below is a comprehensive summary of Christian Doctrine by Shirley C. Guthrie Jr., a classic introduction to Reformed theology widely used in Presbyterian churches and theological education.

Book Title: Christian Doctrine

Author: Shirley C. Guthrie Jr.

First Published: 1968 (Revised Edition: 1994)

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Purpose and Approach

Shirley Guthrie’s Christian Doctrine is a systematic and accessible exploration of core Christian beliefs, written primarily for laypeople, students, and church members. Rooted in the Reformed tradition, especially the theology of John Calvin and Karl Barth, the book serves as a guide to help Christians understand their faith in light of:

  • Scripture
  • Church tradition
  • Contemporary questions and issues

Guthrie maintains a pastoral tone and makes complex doctrines practical, ethical, and applicable to modern life, tackling not only theological ideas but their implications for justice, ethics, and community.

Structure and Key Themes

The book is organized into thirteen chapters, each focusing on a central doctrine. Guthrie uses a three-part structure in most chapters:

  1. Biblical foundation
  2. Historical and theological interpretation (especially Reformed)
  3. Contemporary application and critique

Chapter-by-Chapter Summary

1. Introduction: Why Do We Need Theology?

  • Theology is not optional—it is how we speak and think about God.
  • Everyone has a theology, whether they know it or not.
  • Christian doctrine is not abstract but affects how we live, worship, and relate to others.

2. The Doctrine of God

  • God is sovereign, loving, and personal.
  • Reformed theology emphasizes God’s freedom and grace.
  • A Trinitarian God is not a philosophical idea but a living, relational reality.
  • Misunderstandings of God can lead to idolatry, oppression, or fear.

3. The Doctrine of Humanity

  • Human beings are created in God’s image with dignity and purpose.
  • Sin distorts that image, resulting in alienation from God, others, and self.
  • Guthrie addresses systemic sin, not just personal morality.
  • He emphasizes human responsibility, freedom, and community.

4. The Doctrine of Sin

  • Sin is more than bad behavior—it’s a broken relationship with God.
  • It affects individuals and society (e.g., racism, greed, oppression).
  • Sin includes both pride (exalting ourselves) and sloth (denying our value).

5. The Doctrine of Jesus Christ

  • Jesus is fully God and fully human—the decisive self-revelation of God.
  • Guthrie presents Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King (classical Reformed categories).
  • The cross is not just a legal transaction but God’s loving identification with suffering humanity.
  • Resurrection is central—it confirms God’s victory over sin and death.

6. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

  • The Spirit is not a vague force but God’s present activity in the world.
  • The Spirit gives life, faith, freedom, unity, and courage.
  • Guthrie stresses corporate and social dimensions of the Spirit—not just personal experience.

7. The Doctrine of the Trinity

  • God is one in three: Father, Son, and Spirit.
  • Trinity is not a logical puzzle but a model of divine relationship and love.
  • The Trinity shapes Christian community, mission, and ethics.

8. The Doctrine of the Bible

  • Scripture is God’s Word, but not a magic book or flat rulebook.
  • The Bible is authoritative as it bears witness to Jesus Christ.
  • It must be read with humility, community, and the Spirit’s guidance.
  • Guthrie addresses issues of biblical interpretation, inspiration, and relevance.

9. The Doctrine of the Church

  • The church is the people of God, called to worship, witness, and serve.
  • Guthrie emphasizes the unity, holiness, catholicity, and apostolicity of the church.
  • The church is not perfect but is still God’s instrument of reconciliation.
  • He critiques institutionalism and exclusion.

10. The Doctrine of Ministry

  • All Christians are called to ministry (“the priesthood of all believers”).
  • Ordained ministers serve specific roles but are not above others.
  • Ministry includes preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and social action.
  • Guthrie highlights the need for justice-oriented service in the world.

11. The Doctrine of the Sacraments

  • Guthrie affirms two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
  • They are signs of God’s grace, not human achievement.
  • Baptism signifies belonging to Christ and the community.
  • The Lord’s Supper celebrates Christ’s presence, past and future.

12. The Doctrine of the Christian Life

  • Christian life is a grateful response to God’s grace.
  • Ethics must be rooted in love, justice, and service - not legalism.
  • Guthrie addresses key social issues (e.g., racism, poverty, war).
  • He stresses freedom in Christ over moralism.

13. The Doctrine of Hope

  • Christian hope includes resurrection, judgment, and the renewal of all things.
  • Guthrie rejects escapist or otherworldly eschatology.
  • Hope motivates action, not passivity, in the world.
  • God’s final word is not destruction but reconciliation and justice.

Distinctive Features

  • Reformed Perspective: Faithful to the Presbyterian and Calvinist tradition but open to ecumenical voices.
  • Theologically Robust, Practically Oriented: Bridges academic theology with pastoral relevance.
  • Social Justice Emphasis: Challenges racism, nationalism, classism, and sexism as theological concerns.
  • Engages Modern Challenges: Science, secularism, pluralism, and ethics are brought into the conversation.

Intended Audience

  • Church study groups
  • Theological students
  • Laypeople seeking a deeper understanding of faith
  • Pastors and Christian educators in Reformed traditions

Final Summary

Shirley Guthrie’s Christian Doctrine is a thoughtful, accessible, and theologically grounded guide to understanding Christian beliefs from a Reformed perspective. Rather than a dry academic treatment, it invites readers into an active, informed faith that is both personal and socially responsible. It remains a trusted resource for anyone seeking to understand how classical Christian doctrines shape how we live in the world today.

Christian Doctrine

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