Essential Theological Terms.

Essential Theological Terms by Justo L. Gonzalez (Westminster John Knox, $24.95) is an excellent resource for students of Christian theology and all others interested in this field. The goal of Gonzalez is to provide an accessible reference tool to introduce readers in the twenty-first century to the classical and evolving new meanings of theological terms. Having experienced during his own theological studies the frustration of failing to recognize the various and complex theological expressions that had developed through the centuries in a language that continues to evolve, Gonzalez offers a valuable and useful theological dictionary with the essential vocabulary necessary to be in dialogue with a theological discourse of both present and past centuries. Its entries are historically rich, contextually broad, and conceptually precise, making learning the vocabulary of theology an engaging experience. The strong academic background of Gonzalez, his extensive and successful teaching experience, his prolific publications, and his exceptional gifts in communication make this theological dictionary an indispensable resource for those interested in Christian theology. This dictionary complements his earlier work Diccionario Ilustrado de Interpreters de la Fe (Illustrated Dictionary of Interpreters of the Faith, 2004), soon to be translated into English. Jose D. Rodriguez, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago