This book is aimed at the general reader and enquirer and is written in simple but serious style. It starts by considering some of the authors of New Testament writings and then focuses on 16 thinkers of the western tradition of theological speculation. Nearly half the work concentrates on 20th century thinkers and problems. It tries to place all thinkers in their historical, social and cultural settings, emphasizing that theology is as much a reflection on the world we live in as it is on God. Technical terms are explained in simple language throughout the text. The work also provides short summaries of the main theological issues and projects in subsections accompanying each chapter