Michael J. Svigel

Dive into the classic eschatology of Irenaeus of Lyons with The Fathers on the Future as you unpack key truths, untangle misunderstandings, and get a deeper understanding of this balanced and biblically-sound end times framework.Many today with an interest in the end times face a problem--they have forgotten the past. Knowing the history of eschatology is key to understanding its importance, how we interpret our faith, and our outlook on God and humanity. So why do so many overlook it and what can we do to correct this?The Fathers on the Future uses a thorough exegetical and theological analysis to defend the foundation and structure of the second-century premillennial, futurist eschatology of Irenaeus of Lyons, and other church fathers. It makes a case for a contemporary Irenaean premillennial eschatology, arguing that it is a reliable framework for a biblically defensible, theologically balanced, and historically informed eschatology.The Fathers on the Future includes these key features: Restores historical perspective Recovers the forgotten roots of early Christian eschatology, emphasizing the teachings of Irenaeus of Lyons and other church fathers.Biblically grounded framework Offers a well-supported case for a biblically defensible, premillennial eschatology, balancing theology and history.Clarifies and corrects Clarifies complex aspects of early eschatology, strengthens key theological points, and corrects missteps.Fresh yet ancient approach Presents an eschatological perspective that is new to modern readers but deeply rooted in ancient Christian traditions.The Fathers on the Future begins with the belief that Irenaeus and other early church fathers represented a widespread and well-developed eschatology inherited from those who were close associates of the apostles. It then explores some of features of that early eschatology, clarifying obscure points, strengthening some elements, and correcting a few missteps. By looking back to Irenaeus and the eschatological emphases of his age, this book provides a new approach to eschatology today―new to contemporary readers but ancient in its original perspective.

From its original composition and wide distribution in the early second century, the Shepherd of Hermas has both puzzled and intrigued readers with its strange images, surprising language, and challenging rhetoric. Today, both critical and confessional scholars struggle with placing its message in its original historical-theological context while lay readers find the work to be riddled with countless puzzles. To help dispel some of the mystery and misunderstandings concerning the Shepherd of Hermas, this volume offers a new lucid translation that recreates the original colloquial tone of the work. Accompanying the translation is a commentary that unpacks the meanings of the ancient text. Alongside these, a number of introductions focus on matters of date, authorship, genre, theological and practical content, and the writing's relationship to other ancient literature.

Around a table sit men and women with distinct roles: The Interpreter, the Theologian, the Virtuous, the Philosopher, the Scientist, the Artist, the Minister, and the Historian. Each is ready to engage in a passionate discussion centered on God, his works, and his ways. Regardless of which role you play at the same table, you're invited. You simply need to pull up a chair and join the conversation. But how? What do you say when you take your seat? Where do you start? What are the "rules" of the dialogue?A Practical Primer on Theological Method will help you answer these questions. This primer is not only a "how-to" manual for doing theology, but a handbook of etiquette for doctrinal discussions with other believers. This popular-level introductory text presents the proper manner, mode, and means of engaging fruitfully in theology.

The Foundations of Theology in Everyday LanguageDallas Seminary professors Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel are passionate about the key doctrines of Christianity. They want readers to know why they're important and why they matter. This volume includes two parts:· From Dust to Dust: Creation, Humanity, and the Fall · Wise Unto Salvation: Gospel, Atonement, and Saving GraceThe authors explore these important topics in a concise and highly readable style that makes sense--whether you're a student of the Bible, a pastor, or someone who simply wants to know God better. For each topic you'll find· An introduction, overview, and review of the key points· Several applicable Bible texts, including verses to memorize· A quick-paced history of the doctrine· Distortions to be aware of and avoid· Reading lists for further study· A glossary of theological terms"Exploring Christian Theology is a wonderful doctrinal primer that teaches theology in a way that will engage you and cause you to reflect. . . . A great way to get acquainted with key biblical theological themes."--Darrell Bock, Senior Research Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary

The Foundations of Theology in Everyday LanguageDallas Seminary professors Nathan Holsteen and Michael Svigel are passionate about the key doctrines of Christianity. They want readers to know why they're important and why they matter. This volume includes two parts:· How Firm a Foundation: Revelation, Scripture, and Truth· God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy SpiritThe authors explore these important topics in a concise and highly readable style that makes sense--whether you're a student of the Bible, a pastor, or someone who simply wants to know God better. For each topic you'll find· An introduction, overview, and review of the key points· Several applicable Bible texts, including verses to memorize· A quick-paced history of the doctrine· Distortions to be aware of and avoid· Reading lists for further study· A glossary of theological terms"Exploring Christian Theology is a wonderful doctrinal primer that teaches theology in a way that will engage you and cause you to reflect. . . . A great way to get acquainted with key biblical theological themes."--Darrell Bock, Senior Research Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary

Dallas Seminary Professors Make Basic Theology Accessible for AllTheology doesn't have to be complicated. In this book, trusted Dallas Seminary professors present a concise systematic theology that distills the essential spiritual truths in a way that makes sense to readers--students, lay people, and pastors. Here are introductions, overviews, and reviews of key tenets of orthodox protestant evangelical doctrines. The book also includes an annotated list of key applicable Bible texts, a quick-paced story of doctrine throughout church history, heresies or distortions to be aware of, and more.Exploring Christian Theology is useful for discipleship, catechism, membership training, preview or review of doctrine, or quick personal reference. It can also be used by ministry training programs, Bible colleges, or seminaries as an introductory primer to orient students in preparation for a more in-depth study of theology.

If the church fathers or Reformers showed up at your church, would they worship… or run? The time has come for evangelicals to reclaim the forgotten faith. And this means doing something many are reluctant to do. It means reflecting on the past to rethink the present and inform the future. It means thinking not just biblically and theologically, but also historically. RetroChristianity challenges us to think critically and constructively about those who have come before us and how that informs our current beliefs, values, and practices. This book will adjust our attitudes about evangelicalism, and will lead us along a time-tested path toward a brighter future.