Dr. Chris Morgan named 2021 CBU Distinguished Scholar

Riverside, Calif. (May 17, 2021) – California Baptist University has named Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries, as Distinguished Scholar for 2021.

Morgan’s project, titled “Christian Theology: The Biblical Story and Our Faith,” earned him the distinction awarded annually by the CBU Board of Trustees.                               

“‘Christian Theology: The Biblical Story and Our Faith’ is a textbook for theology courses. It shows how the major doctrines of the Christian faith flow from the biblical storyline of creation, fall, redemption and new creation,” Morgan said in his proposal.                               

The textbook has a companion dictionary, “A Concise Dictionary of Theological Terms,” that defines the key terms at the end of each chapter in the textbook. Its entries range from “Abrahamic covenant” to “Zwinglian view of Lord’s Supper.”

Morgan, who is also a pastor, has taught courses in theology for 22 years. He has authored or edited 25 books and co-edited the “Systematic Theology Study Bible” and a church history study Bible.                               

The textbook is being recognized as a standard textbook in many universities and seminaries, including many in Africa, Morgan said. The textbooks are used in classrooms, churches and denominational groups. The volumes also assist university faculty and staff in understanding theology to integrate faith and learning.

“They show how the doctrines and their order flow from the biblical storyline of creation, fall, redemption and new creation. They frame the doctrines in light of the biblical story, biblical exegesis and biblical theology,” Morgan said. “They relate the doctrines to our identity, mission and God’s glory. Finally, they incorporate voices from church history and the global church, highlighting that we study theology in community with the whole people of God.”