The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity

By Roger Olson. InterVarsity Press. 2002. 367 pages. $30.

Review by Don Gordon

Roger Olson, professor of theology at Truett Seminary in Waco, Texas, is emerging as one of the leading evangelical writers and thinkers of our time, especially in Baptist circles. His latest book, "The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity and Diversity," reviews the major themes of the Christian faith from a historical perspective.

Writing as a self-described "irenic evangelical," Olson offers a fair portrayal of how the major divisions in the church (Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant) understand a particular doctrine. He then highlights what he calls "The Great Tradition" of the Christian faith based primarily on two things: the Bible and the first four major ecumenical councils of the universal church. He points out the unacceptable alternatives to the Great Tradition (heresies) as well as the unifying essentials that could potentially bring diverse groups together in Christ. It is an ambitious move and quite appealing, I must say.

Olson has found a credible pathway for Baptists and, to a lesser extent, other Christian groups to travel in these days of polarization, extremism and theological ghettoism. He is incredibly fair and does not waste his time creating theological straw men to burn at the stake. He avoids the empty and confusing rhetoric from the left which says, "No Creeds!" and the only thing that matters is the confession, "Jesus is Lord." And he certainly wants to avoid the narrow fundamentalism begun in the 20th century which seeks to impose a new orthodoxy on the masses.

The selection of 15 major doctrines, the fairness of the treatment, and the consistent means of showing unity, diversity, heresy, and consensus make this an invaluable book for those interested in cooperating in Jesus' plea for unity in the church. Preachers would find in this book an excellent source for a sermon series on the great doctrines of the Christian faith. By simplifying the chapters and providing some fresh illustrations, the preacher could help the listening congregation overcome the theological malnourishment they suffer from too many sermons on "How to Get Along with my ________." I recommend this book to informed lay readers, Sunday School teachers, and clergy who are interested in substantive conversations about Christian doctrine and unity in the midst of diversity.