How to Read Theology: Engaging Doctrine Critically and Charitably

by Uche Anizor

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2018

Overview

This handy, accessible introduction to reading theology helps readers engage doctrine critically and charitably. It serves as a primer to theological texts, offering practical guidelines for assessing theology and equipping the next generation of pastors and theologians to read theological literature wisely–even when they might disagree with it. An ideal theology textbook, it is especially well suited for students reading theological literature and discussing doctrine for the first time.

Key Features

• Discusses how to read theology critically even when encountering opposing viewpoints
• Offers a primer on reading theology especially useful for students new to theology

Contents

• Prologue: What Kind of Book Is This?
• Part 1: On Reading Charitably
  • Enemies of Love: The Challenge of Reading Theology Charitably
  • Context, Context, Context: The Backstory of Theology
• Part 2: On Reading Critically
  • The Bible Tells Me So: Theology and Scripture
  • Haven’t We Heard This Before? Theology and Tradition
  • Believing Possible Things: Theology and Reason
  • The Trial of Real Life: Theology and Experience
• Epilogue: Practice Makes Perceptive

Praise for the Print Edition

I have long believed that the Golden Rule applies to how we read theology. To substantiate my belief, I can now point people to Uche Anizor’s book. We live in a toxic age of ever-increasing polarization, where charitable discourse is too often the exception rather than the rule. Anizor calls us to read others as charitably as we can before criticizing them as fairly as we can. This is just the tonic we need. How to Read Theology does not simply prescribe but also casts a vision and offers concrete guidance for anyone who wants to become the kind of person who can read theology well. Anizor convincingly argues that the charitable reading is also the most intelligent reading. So take, read, and in reading learn how to read even better.

—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

This much-needed book guides students to a careful reading of theology that is both charitable and critical in a time when, far too often, readings of theology lack both characteristics. Anizor offers a guide replete with carefully chosen and diverse sources that will help readers understand how to read theology, a task that many times goes undiscussed in introductory courses. This book will be a vital resource for instructors, students, and general readers.

—Mary M. Veeneman, associate professor of biblical and theological studies, North Park University

Uche Anizor’s wonderfully crafted book explains, as the title says, how to read theology. What’s more, it exhibits the balance Anizor commends in his subtitle: it’s both critical and charitable. In a culture full of polarized thinking, characteristics such as nuance, fairness, and balance are as valuable as they are rare. I highly recommend Anizor’s guidance to anyone who aspires to do responsible evangelical theology.

—David K. Clark, professor of theology, Bethel Seminary

Product Details

• Title: How to Read Theology: Engaging Doctrine Critically and Charitably
• Author: Uche Anizor
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2018
• Pages: 200
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Theology

About Uche Anizor

Uche Anizor (PhD, Wheaton College) is associate professor of biblical and theological studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Representing Christ: A Vision for the Priesthood of All Believers.