A Practical Primer on Theological Method: Table Manners for Discussing God, His Works, and His Ways

Product Description

Around a table sit men and women with distinct roles: The Interpreter, the Theologian, the Virtuous, the Philosopher, the Scientist, the Artist, the Minister, and the Historian. Each is ready to engage in a passionate discussion centered on God, his works, and his ways. Regardless of which role you play at the same table, you’re invited. You simply need to pull up a chair and join the conversation. But how? What do you say when you take your seat? Where do you start? What are the “rules” of the dialogue?
A Practical Primer on Theological Method will help you answer these questions. This primer is not only a “how-to” manual for doing theology, but a handbook of etiquette for doctrinal discussions with other believers. This popular-level introductory text presents the proper manner, mode, and means of engaging fruitfully in theology.

Review

A Practical Primer on Theological Method is no dull look at how we do theology. It is an entryway into the multi-dimensional conversation at the heart of reflecting on theology with clarity. Bringing a tone of humility and conversation to the task, it will lead you to reflect on how you think about God, Scripture, culture, and the fullness of the creation we live in, and invite you to enjoy the Table of voices it takes to help us grow in our appreciation of God and his world. — Darrell L. Bock, executive director of cultural engagement and senior research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

There are many books on systematic theology, but not many that could be considered genuinely appropriate for a beginning student. This book fills that need by introducing the study of theology in a way that is accessible, interesting, and winsome. It does not come from an eccentric viewpoint but tries to be open to many streams of orthodox Christian theology. This means it will be useful to students who don’t even know yet what tradition they identify with. And there are many such students in today’s Bible colleges and seminaries. If you are looking for a book to give a young, aspiring theological student, this would be a wise choice. — Craig A. Carter, professor of theology, Tyndale University College

A Practical Primer on Theological Method is an accessible and well-informed introduction to the study of theology. Though designed as a text for introductory courses in theology, it could profitably be read by adults in a Sunday education program as well. It will be particularly useful for students in Christian colleges who often wonder how the study of Scripture and their faith relates to all the other subjects they are studying. — William A. Dyrness, senior professor of theology and culture, Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Modern Art and the Life of a Culture: The Religious Impulses of Modernism

This book concerns a critical subject—how to think through the wildly different theologies on offer today. It shows the perils of thinking that sola scriptura could be solo scriptura where we ignore the weight of the church’s consensus on doctrinal and moral issues. To the extent that this book points toward that great tradition, I recommend it. — Gerald McDermott, Anglican chair of divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Kreider and Svigel have achieved that almost impossible via media, a primer that is neither too technical nor too easy, a theological text in which all strands will find a welcome. With visual signposts and digestible prose, they invite readers into the broad and beautiful world of theological method. This text prepares students to enter the theological conversation with knowledge that cultivates confidence and breadth that encourages humility. I’m eager to put this into the hands of the burgeoning theologians in my classroom. — Amy Peeler, associate professor of New Testament, Wheaton College

Theology matters for every Christian. In recognition of this basic tenet of the faith, A Practical Primer on Theological Method offers an