The one thing that is nice about formal theological training is that your coursework requires you to purchase books in a variety of religious topics; many of which you are glad to add to your library. There are some duds that you will never pick up again but every so often you get one that surprises you.
A Faith for all Seasons by Ted Dorman is without a doubt the best book that came from my required coursework while working on my Bachelor’s degree. Seasons is a basic guide to theology that has surprising depth for a 400pg book. Dorman does a superb job at simply explaining doctrines of different traditions without giving a biased opinion on them. Finding a Christian work that does not color all opposing views is a rare find and this one balances quite nicely. The only differentiation he gives is between heretical views from orthodox ones, a distinction that I have no problem with. By doing so an unintentional lesson is given about the unity of the Christian message even though there are various opinions on doctrinal matters.
One of the things I like most about this book is that it not only explains doctrine but it shows the relation that one belief has on others. For instance the Eastern Orthodox view of Creationism of the soul vs the Western Churches view of traducianism; the first says that each soul is created by God alone and the later that it is the result of the parent’s souls just like how physical bodies are born. The author could simply have stated the explanation of both views but he also connects the dots to the doctrine of original sin and total depravity and how each view results in the different stance on the later doctrine.
Seasons is very easy to read, and can explain complex concepts into simple terms. Nothing gets bogged down in vagueness and while there are plenty theological terms it is all explained by the author. Just as the best teachers can convey that there are no dumb questions, Dorman is able to make his audience comfortable that they can grasp the topics presented.
I highly recommended the book for just about anyone, from the layman with little knowledge of theology, to a veteran pastor who wants to revisit old topics. But Just as Levar Burton used to say on Reading Rainbow, “Don’t take my word for it” because I have lent this book to two different people in the last few years and each time I had to buy a new book for myself. Check it out.