Thomas F. Torrance is considered by many to be the most important English-speaking theologian of the last fifty years. Torrance has written extensively (over six hundred items) on nearly every theme in theology, especially theological method and the nature of theology. Yet little secondary literature about his theology has been published to date.

The significance of this book by Elmer M. Colyer is that it discusses a theme (the nature of doctrine) that takes readers into the heart of Torrance's critical realist epistemology, theological method and understanding of the nature and purpose of theology. Colyer also contributes significantly to the ongoing conversation concerning the nature of doctrine, since Torrance's understanding of doctrine moves considerably beyond the work of George Lindbeck (The Nature of Doctrine) and Alister McGrath (The Genesis of Doctrine) in this area.

Author - Elmer M. Colyer

"I appreciate greatly what Professor Colyer does in this book to clarify the kind of integration of form, content and method which a genuine theological science involves....Colyer discerns and gives cogent expression to the way in which Christian doctrine today takes issue with modern critical philosophy and the challenge of natural science, without depreciation of its evangelical thrust, and without cutting it adrift from the worship, biblical meditation and liturgical life of the Church, within which basic theological concepts are nourished and given intelligible contemporary expression.” Thomas F. Torrance from the Foreword of The Nature of Doctrine in T. F. Torrance's Theology.


In praise of Elmer M. Colyer, How to Read T. F. Torrance: Understanding His Trinitarian and Scientific Theology (InterVarsity Press, 2001):

"Elmer Colyer provides a definitive introduction that not only smoothes the way for beginners but also clarifies questions of interest to much more experienced readers....This masterful introduction to Torrance marks Colyer both as a leading interpreter of Torrance and as a significant thinker in his own right.”
S. Mark Heim, Samuel Abbot Professor of Christian Theology, Andover Newton Theological School (from the back cover of How to Read T. F. Torrance)

How To Read T. F. Torrance by Elmer M. Colyer
Evangelical Theology in Transition