I had a recent conversation with a friend regarding whether I could, in good conscience, include the books I read for my seminary classes in my Goodreads collection. He said absolutely, and that was all the affirmation I needed. I will stipulate that I will only include the ones I actually read in their entirety. For example, you won't see me adding "Introduction to Hebrew". It's a strange adjustment as, previously, Goodreads was always a place to record what I read for pleasure or my own enjoyment. However, anyone who looks at my reviews regularly can see I didn't take pleasure in everything I read in my free time. So, whether I liked a book or would recommend it to others need not be part of the criteria for including it in my Goodreads collection.

That being said, I will make it clear when I'm reviewing a book that was required reading for a grad-school class, like this one. The good things about this book are that it's short, easy to read and understand, and makes some salient, basic points about theological reflection. The not-so-great things are that it feels geared toward a more elementary theology student than I am, it didn't go as deep as I would have liked, and I didn't feel I personally got much from it.

I am a first-year seminary student, and my professor assigned this book solely for the purpose of asking us to write a review. He isn't technically "teaching" the book to the class, we haven't had any discussion of it or its concepts in the classroom, and we only had a week to read it and write the assigned review. Now that I've made it clear I'm not criticizing my theology professor in my assessment of the book, my main critique is that it's too shallow to be used anywhere but perhaps a first-year theology or religion class in undergraduate education.

It's too advanced for a new or young Christian, but it would be a great book to teach in a low-level undergrad class full of students who envision themselves continuing to study theology or go into the ministry. Another useful place for this book would be in a small group of intellectually minded lay Christians who want to talk about theological concepts but haven't been formally trained. This is an introductory book to theological reflection and conversation, and anyone with any formal theological training will find it too elementary.

All in all, there is some good in this book, and I don't consider it a wasted read, especially since my goal was to review it. But it's important to be clear about the audience for whom this book would be truly worthwhile as that audience is much narrower than the authors might believe.

This is an excellent book that effectively articulates the significance of not only residing in a community but also thinking within a community context.

The human condition is incredibly multi-faceted and complex, such that no solitary concept can comprehensively describe it. A plethora of terms must be employed to capture its full essence.

Christian perspectives on sin appear to be grouped into four clusters. In the first, sin is predominantly regarded as ignorance. The second cluster views it as corruptible morality. The third cluster sees sin as broken relationships or alienation, and the fourth as bondage or oppression. Correspondingly, there are four clusters of theological themes regarding salvation. These include bringing true knowledge, attaining incorruptible immortality, achieving reconciliation (justification), and experiencing freedom. Additionally, there are four parallel clusters concerning the means of salvation, where Jesus is perceived as the teacher of wisdom, the victor over death, the crucified and risen one who restores a right relationship with God, and the Liberator.

We are all incessant interpreters, constantly seeking and bestowing meanings.

We are called to know God and ourselves more profoundly and to synthesize the implications of that knowledge for our own lives and the world at large.

It is tempting to engage in research and sift through data (observe and analyze) indefinitely. However, there is a reason why judgment, by any name, is an integral part of every critical method in every discipline. Critical thinking that remains stagnant at the stage of observation and analysis is self-indulgent. We must make decisions... We formulate views, take a stance, commit ourselves, and choose a course of action.

Theology is the pursuit of faith seeking understanding through reflection, learning, and conversation.

This remarkable book is truly informative, being densely packed with a wealth of information and equipping.

The writers eloquently share their insights on how everyone, regardless of their aptitude, can develop their theological understanding. They emphasize that it is a multi-disciplinary process that requires the convergence of many factors.

However, I do wish they would have referenced more of scripture as concrete examples of the points they were endeavoring to make. This would have effectively shown that scripture itself employs these very tools.

The most significant challenge that often looms large in all of this is time. There is a pressing need for the time to do the thorough work necessary to equip ourselves and one another.

Time is the crucial element that can make or break our journey towards a deeper and more profound theological understanding.

A Worthwhile Introduction to Theology

This book provides a worthwhile introduction to the craft of theology and offers valuable insights into how to think theologically.

The authors make a valid point in demonstrating that, in a sense, all Christians are theologians. They start by attempting to define theology, borrowing from Anselm and Augustine and settling on the definition of “faith seeking understanding.”

Next, they helpfully distinguish between embedded theology and deliberative theology, which is an important distinction. For the rest of the book, they explore how Christians can responsibly deliberate on theological matters, providing important tools, resources, templates, and methodologies to use along the way.

They correctly note that theology should always be done in community, through a process of critical inquiry, analysis, interpretation, judgment, and response. Their conclusion offers crucial advice: while deliberative theology, academic research, and critical thinking are important, they should never replace the relational and experiential elements of our faith. Spiritual formation and communion with God through worship, liturgy, prayer, Bible reading, meditation, etc. are of vital importance to the Christian theologian. We must never lose sight of “the aim of our charge.”

Although I found the book to be rather dry at times and had difficulty remaining engaged, it is still a useful and more than adequate primer on theological studies for those who are interested. It provides a solid foundation for further exploration and study in the field of theology.

Intro-level book on what theology is and what it tries to accomplish.

It is truly valuable as it emphasizes that theology doesn't merely stem from pure abstract thinking. Instead, it emerges from concrete situations that compel deliberate thinking.

A significant portion of the content is extremely broad. This is because it doesn't attempt to advocate for any specific theological method. Rather, it endeavors to outline what, in general, a theological method appears to be.

However, some of the terminology it employs is, in my experience, somewhat idiosyncratic. It's not what I would regard as standard, which led to my confusion at certain points.

Despite this, the book serves as a useful introduction for those new to the field of theology, providing a foundation for further exploration and understanding.

It helps readers to grasp the basic concepts and the diverse ways in which theology approaches the study of religious and spiritual matters.

Overall, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in delving into the world of theology.

A practical guide to honing one's skill at theological reflection can be an invaluable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of their faith.

To begin with, it is essential to engage in regular study of religious texts. This not only helps to familiarize oneself with the teachings and doctrines but also provides a foundation for further reflection.

Another important aspect is to participate in discussions and dialogues with others who share the same or different beliefs. This allows for the exchange of ideas and perspectives, which can broaden one's understanding and challenge one's assumptions.

In addition, taking time for personal meditation and prayer can also enhance one's ability to reflect theologically. By quieting the mind and focusing on one's spiritual connection, one can gain insights and inspiration that may not have been possible otherwise.

Finally, it is important to apply one's theological reflections to everyday life. This means living out one's faith in practical ways and using it as a guide for making decisions and interacting with others.

By following these practical steps, one can gradually develop and refine their skill at theological reflection, leading to a more profound and meaningful spiritual journey.

This book serves as an excellent introduction and valuable resource for those engaged in theological reflection and formation.

The edition that I had the opportunity to read was the Third Edition.

It offers a comprehensive exploration of various theological concepts and ideas, presenting them in a clear and accessible manner.

The author(s) have done a remarkable job of weaving together different perspectives and traditions, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and diverse nature of theology.

Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply someone with an interest in theology, this book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

It encourages critical thinking and reflection, challenging readers to engage with the material and form their own theological perspectives.

Overall, it is a highly recommended read for anyone looking to explore the rich and fascinating world of theological reflection and formation.

How have you arrived at the beliefs you hold about God?

Do you ever test and refine those beliefs?

And what are your thoughts on other theological viewpoints?

These are important questions that all Christians should be pondering.

This book aims to assist you in untangling some of these complex issues.

It's a great read overall, although I did find its writing style a bit challenging to follow at times.

Perhaps you'll have a similar experience or maybe you'll find it easier to engage with.

Either way, it's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of their faith and explore different theological perspectives.

Give it a try and see what insights you can gain.

Who knows, it might just change the way you think about God and your relationship with Him.

Great food for thought

This remarkable book offers a profound exploration into the very essence of theology in all its diverse manifestations. It presents complex theological concepts in a manner that is both accessible and engaging, making it easy for readers to understand and follow along. The author's clear and concise writing style allows for a seamless journey through the various aspects of theology, providing valuable insights and perspectives. I found myself deeply immersed in the text, and as a result, I gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding from it. This book truly serves as great food for thought, challenging readers to expand their intellectual horizons and explore the depths of theological inquiry. It is a must-read for anyone with an interest in theology or a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

On February 14th, 2014, the book received 3 stars.

However, the study guide by Rev Ben Hubert is truly outstanding and gets a perfect 5 stars!

When we calculate the average score, it comes out to be 4 stars.

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The study guide is really fantastic and offers a wealth of valuable information and insights.

It is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the subject matter or wants to enhance their understanding of the book.

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The argument initially began with great strength and promise.

However, it soon devolved into a form of warmed-over Tillichian correlationalism.

This approach, while perhaps having some initial appeal, quickly showed its limitations.

Once the discussion turned to treating Scripture and tradition as mere "resources" for theological thought, it became evident that this was nothing more than plain old re-hashed Protestant liberalism.

Protestant liberalism has been around for a long time and has its own set of problems and critiques.

By reducing Scripture and tradition to resources, it fails to fully appreciate their authority and significance in shaping theological understanding.

This lack of respect for the traditional sources of theology undermines the integrity and depth of the overall argument.

It is important to approach theological discussions with a more nuanced and respectful understanding of the role of Scripture and tradition.

Otherwise, we risk falling into the same old traps of re-hashed ideas that do not offer anything new or truly meaningful.

Helped me.

It wasn't a book that delved deeply into the topic of God per se, but rather one that focused on how the process of theological thought can be most effectively approached.

This was a refreshing perspective as it shifted the emphasis from simply understanding the nature of God to exploring the intellectual and spiritual journey involved in grappling with theological concepts.

The author presented various methods and considerations that can guide one in this process, such as critical thinking, historical research, and personal reflection.

By examining different theological traditions and their approaches to thinking about God, readers are able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the diverse ways in which people have engaged with these profound questions throughout history.

Overall, this book provided valuable insights and tools for anyone interested in exploring the rich and complex world of theological thought.