"Contrary to what certain Christians suggest, there are no ’simple believers’ who remain ‘untainted’ by theology. . . . Each of us is a theologian, just as God intended. Consequently, the question is not ‘will we be theologians?’ but ‘will we be good theologians?’" So writes Stan Grenz in this introductory systematic theology text.

With a passion for communicating to today’s postmodern generation, Grenz uses the resources of the biblical message, the heritage of the church, and the thought forms of our culture as tools to construct a helpful theology that is biblical, historical, and contemporary. With the goal of offering a systematic statement of the faith in a manner that can speak to contemporary culture, he centers his reflections around the concept of community. This focus encapsulates the biblical message, stands at the heart of the church’s theological heritage, and speaks to the needs of people in the world today.

Created for Community retains student interest with helpful visuals, cartoon illustrations, sidebar commentaries, and review statements at the end of each chapter.

As a professor of theology in a Christian university college I am always looking for texts particularly suited to the non-specialist, undergraduate student . . . that communicate in clear, ordinary language but do not compromise on scholarly substance. . . . I am delighted to find in Created for Community a textbook in systematic theology which meets these criteria. . . . I predict it is destined for a long career in colleges and universities.–Douglas Harink (The King’s University College)

I would heartily recommend it Created for Community as easily one of the clearest and best introductions to evangelical thought that has appeared. I intend to recommend it to my students as an excellent and exciting introduction to what Christians believe.–Alan F. Johnson (Wheaton College)