How to Think Theologically, 2nd Edition

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 142 pages
• Published by: Fortress Press
• Edition: 2nd Edition February 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0800638182
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0800638184
• Book Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Weighs: 7.2 ounces

Product Description
An outstanding introduction for college, seminary, and lay readers, this second edition of the 1996 volume has been fully updated and expanded with new resources, examples, vignettes, diagnostic exercisess, and case studies. Addressing the how and why of theological sources, moves, and methods, Stone and Duke guide readers into their own theological roots and then into major theological topics — gospel, sin and salvation, vocation, ethical discernment — through real-life case studies.

Publisher Description
"This book is not intended only for people beginning formal theological studies. Rather, Stone and Duke argue that all believers are theologians because they all have to interpret their own lives in the light of biblical other norms. The authors always take great pains to explain everything, Simplicity is their goal, and they reach it." — The Christian Century

"Stone and Duke have produced a readable and useful primer on theological reflection. Their clear, comprehensive method is illustrated by plenty of vignettes, examples, case studies, and diagnostic exercises. A successful introduction to the practice of theology!" — Don R. Browning, University of Chicago, Divinity School

Reader Reviews
This review is from: How to Think Theologically (Paperback) 'How to Think Theologically' by Howard Stone and James Duke is a wonderfully accessible text, not about any particular school of theology, but rather, how to think theologically within almost any framework. While there are certainly some theological settings that prefer to go unquestioned and resist critical reflection, many are open to the kinds of reflection and critical analysis Stone and Duke describe here. Perhaps the most important concept in the entire text come early in the text, and that is the concept of embedded versus deliberative theology. Embedded theology is that kind of theological content that is in us without our necessarily being aware of it. Embedded theology can come from early childhood ideas of God, Jesus, etc. Embedded theology can come from hymn texts, prayers, and sermons that reinforce ideas. Embedded theology can come from family, friends and neighbours. These are influences, subtle and explicit, that form a theological mindset in a person about just who and what God is, what God wants, what the church and community expects, etc. Those churches and theological communities that resist critical analysis and reflection stand on shaky ground. They discourage questioning, often appealing to the ultimate source ('Who are you to question God?') when such arise. What is sometimes missed is that it is not God who is being questioned (not that there is necessarily anything wrong with that, given the number of times in the Bible examples of God being questioned and bargained with are presented), but rather an individual's or community's preconceptions of God that are being questioned. This gets into deliberative theology. Deliberative theology is a second-order process, of asking important questions about who, what, when, where, how and why. Not all questions can be answered. Not all will be relevant. Sometimes, deliberative theology will serve to strengthen the embedded theological ideas; sometimes, deliberative processes will cause a reconstruction and reconception. Stone and Duke look at the different types of questions to be asked, and what to do with answers, as well as how to deal with ambiguities and inconsistencies. This book is not one that brings theological thinking to a conclusion, but rather is a starting point. It is often used in seminaries as a beginning to theological reflection, either in introductory classes or systematic theology classes (as is being done in my seminary this year). It is also worthwhile reading for anyone who wishes to have a stronger foundation upon which to build the faith of a community, so that honest questions can be dealt with in an honest fashion, rather than ignored or discouraged.