Book release celebration!

The new edition of *Practicing Christian Doctrine* is out tomorrow

Gentle reader,

Please join me in celebrating tomorrow’s release of the 2nd edition of Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically!

It’s always exciting to publish a book, but it’s a special honor to have this one released in updated form, since the material is so close to the center of my heart and vocation.

At the very bottom of the post, you’ll find some shareable images with quotes from the book.

“In this second edition, Jones renders what was already an excellent introductory text into an even more expansive and well-rounded articulation of Christian theology. Skillfully weaving together a thorough overview of Christian doctrine with some of the most pressing social and political issues currently facing American evangelicalism and Western modernity, Jones demonstrates courage and wisdom as she invites us not only into a deeper understanding of theology but also into a more faithful embodiment of the Gospel.”
—Jessica Wai-Fong Wong, Azusa Pacific University

Me, with Dwight—my #theologycat—and the new edition of Practicing Christian Doctrine.

“I have been using Practicing Christian Doctrine in my theology classes for years. It succeeds in its aim to be both evangelical and ecumenical. Readers don't have to follow Jones on every point in order to appreciate the way she evenhandedly treats the evangelical options on each doctrine. The second edition updates an already excellent book and provides even more direction on how doctrine informs discipleship. This book is, in my estimation, simply the best and most accessible introduction to theology for students new to the discipline. My students love it.”
—R. Lucas Stamps, Oklahoma Baptist University

I shared some details about what’s new in the 2nd edition in a previous post, linked below (I’ve also removed a paywall in front of an excerpt, so, if you’re interested, click and read):

“Like two rivers converging, here biblical foundations and historic Christianity flow into a vision for a practical life of faith. Already one of the most sound and readable theology texts available, it now enlarges spiritual disciplines and social issues to be even more engaging, relevant, and inspirational. Jones writes with humility and conviction to evidence that doctrine is indispensable for evangelical Christianity and essential for knowing the living God.”
—W. Brian Shelton, Asbury University

I love the cover. John August Swanson has been a favorite, for me, for a long time, and I feel incredibly lucky to have his work on the covers of both editions.

“My work is my most social act. My art is the way I can talk to you.”

— John August Swanson

Paula Gibson, at Baker Publishing Group, provided art direction for the cover. Paula shared this:

“One of the cover design requests from the Baker Academic team was for the cover to have a similar feel to the first edition of Practicing Christian Doctrine. A possibility of accomplishing this was to again use artwork from John August Swanson. The first edition featured Celebration, a joyous painting of dancers and musicians. We wanted to continue that joyful message. The designer selected A Visit to use on one of the proposed cover designs. Some of the cover comps we reviewed had the title and subtle as the main features. With this layout, the art is the hero, and we see the details that showcase the idea of community with vibrant colors, patterns, and textures. We loved the way the stories in the painting aligned with the content of Beth’s book. Once permission to use the painting was obtained from the gallery that represents the artist, and Beth approved the cover, we knew we had another beautiful book cover for Practicing Christian Doctrine.”

You can see the full image of the gorgeous A Visit, here.

I’m so grateful to Paula and the team at Baker for their work on the book. My editor for the 2nd edition, Alexander DeMarco, made the book far better and encouraged me to be thoughtful about the needed updates. I’m also grateful to the endorsers for the new edition, whose kind words I’ve quoted throughout this post.

“With Practicing Christian Doctrine, Jones has offered teachers and learners everywhere a lovely gift. Here is an accessible introduction to Christian theology with application for the Christian life. This book has clear prose, classic quotes, and a worshipful purpose.”
—Phil Tallon, Houston Christian University

This book was written for my students. I’m grateful it’s been useful in classrooms, church study groups, and for many individuals. I pray that the new edition continues to encourage believers to seek the truth, goodness, and beauty of God.

If the 1st edition has been important to you, I’d be grateful if you’d share the second edition with others, and if you haven’t read the book, I hope you’ll take a look at the new edition and that God might use it for the good in your life.

If you’re a teacher or church leader who has used Practicing Christian Doctrine, I’d love to hear about how it went!

Grace & peace,
BFJ

This piece contains associate links. As always, I’m grateful if you forward or share.

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