Jonathan Hill (theologian)

[2][3] Hill's work has been noted for his in-depth knowledge of theology and philosophy and his ability to make complex subjects accessible to all.

[citation needed] Apart from his published research he has written a number of books intended to introduce the history of theology and philosophy of religion to a wider audience.

Hill notes in his introduction that there does “not seem to be anything like ‘the’ Christian view on anything at all, even fairly fundamental things such as the nature of God.” Hill's approach was criticised by one reviewer, Bill Muehlenberg, who says that, although the line between orthodoxy and heresy is "wobbly", theologians have the task of defining the parameters of theological orthodoxy.

Muehlenberg adds that Hill's book is intended to help the reader explore the depth and nuance of the "big questions" but gives too many options to the believer, and does not provide guidance as to which path to take.

It examines the ideas/writings of those people who had a great influence on the development of Christian thought and gives an introduction to the various theological movements from the Church Fathers through the Byzantine Empire, the Middle Ages, and the Reformation, to modern history and up to the present day.

There are 44 in-depth entries written by other experts and co-authors who wrote one or two pages on topics such as monasticism, the Inquisition, Darwinism, the arts, education, society, spirituality and ethics and other subjects that have been important in the development of the Christian Church.

It was described by John G. Bales of the Westminster Seminary in California as "remarkably comprehensive" and "unique in its scope and scholarship".