Reddit mentions of Theology: The Basic Readings, 3rd Edition

Good on you for diving into theology!

I think your goal of getting "all the topics straight" for yourself is a good one. Getting a sense for the playing field, so to speak, will give you the context within which to work through the elements.

Alister McGrath is hard to beat for this sort of organization. He isn't my favorite theologian ever (not that he's bad--just not my favorite), but for an introduction to theology, he's the best I know.

Theology: The Basics would be a phenomenal starting point. Here is why I like it so much:

1. The aforementioned organization is super helpful for getting a sense for the field.
   
2. While like everyone he comes from a particular theological perspective, McGrath really is trying to introduce theology generally here, and not argue for his personal systematic theological stances.
   
3. He is ridiculously easy to read. If anything, you may feel he's too accessible.
   
4. He introduces the major figures in the history of theology, which all the more provides context for engagement. This includes people McGrath definitely does not agree with. But it will help you get a sense for where ideas came from, and what other Christians, trying to be faithful to our God, have thought in their own struggles to understand God and the world.
   
5. Perhaps most importantly of all, he is pastoral in guiding his reader through an engagement with theology. For instance, at the end of many of his chapters, he has a selection from an important theological work. The first is from Calvin's Institutes. He includes this, not to prove a point, but to help the reader gain the skill of interpreting important theological texts. McGrath knows that his text is only a beginning, never intended to give all the answers, but instead there to help the reader engage theology beyond.
   
   If you'd like, you could also get his Theology: The Basic Readings, to supplement.
   
   My final recommendation couple of recommendations would be:
   
   
6. First go through the book fast, then go back and read. It is too easy to get bogged down when reading. Skim through the book to get a feel for it--maybe a couple minutes each chapter--then read, regularly referring back to the table of contents to keep a sense of the bigger picture.
   
7. Engage with other people. Come back here and post; DM me or another person if you'd like; talk to friends; audit a class at a local seminary, if you're near one. Find people who are knowledgeable, but much more importantly, find people who are encouraging and who make you want to read and learn more.
   
   Good luck, and God bless!