Faithful Theology: An Introduction (Short Studies in Systematic Theology)
Overview
The first volume in the new Short Studies in Systematic Theology series explores what it means to do theology, why theology matters, and what it looks like to derive doctrine from God’s word—helping us understand what to believe, what to value, and how to live. Each chapter looks at 1 of 5 crucial components for constructing good theology: revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness, with case studies illustrating how doctrine is developed from each of these important sources. Readers will be left with a deeper understanding of how to make sure their theology faithfully reflects the truth of God’s word, so they know what to believe, what to value, and how to live.
- Explores the process and importance of theology
- Examines the methods of deriving doctrine from God’s word
- Addresses five crucial components for constructing good theology
- The Word of Revelation
- The Witness of Christian Thought: Past and Present
- The World of Human Brokenness
- The Work of Wisdom
- Putting It Together in Thought and Life
- Conclusion
Top Highlights
“Whether trained or not, Christians talk and think about God. In that light, there is a sense in which every Christian is a theologian. The question is, How are we to get better at talking and thinking about God?” (Page 13)
“A robust evangelical doctrine of Scripture construes Scripture in a threefold way: (1) Scripture is the definitive source for our knowledge of God: his character, will, and ways. (2) Scripture is the verbally inspired, definitive witness to the words and acts of God in history. (3) Scripture is not only a source and a witness but also the norm by which theological proposals are to be tested. In terms of authority, Scripture is the norma normans (norming norm).” (Page 24)
“The first criterion is the scriptural one. Does a theological claim or proposal have scriptural warrant? Is it consistent with what we find in the Scriptures? ‘Where stands it written?’ is a fair question. The second is the rational criterion. Are we being asked to believe in nonsense or the self-contradictory? I cannot believe in square circles because, on analysis, if you understand the two terms, it is an incoherent conjunction of ideas. Lastly, livability is a criterion. Am I able to live as though my claim or theological proposal were true? Can my operational theology match my espoused one? I may claim to be sinlessly perfect, but do my words and deeds undermine such a claim? What about the pride that such a view might express?” (Pages 82–83)
“There is an important distinction to be made between one’s espoused theology and one’s operational theology. We may espouse a high view of Scripture, but our practices may suggest otherwise. For example, if we claim that Scripture is our touchstone but never refer to it in making doctrinal claims, then there is a radical disconnect between what is espoused and what is practiced.” (Page 32)
Faithful Theology seeks to help new theologians get started on a sound basis. Graham Cole sets forth a theological method that is meant to be good theology—a method that, first and foremost, is itself true to the Bible and, second, shows how theologians throughout history have best used the Bible to edify the church. I am impressed with the conciseness of Faithful Theology. Cole has done an excellent job at summarizing the basics in this short volume.
—John M. Frame, Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary
This helpful primer provides the common sense, plain speech, biblical perspective, and evangelical commitment we’ve come to expect from Graham Cole.
—Daniel J. Treier, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College; author, Introducing Evangelical Theology
We are all theologians, and we all practice theology, good or bad. Ministers and lay people need to learn how to do theology, to think theologically, to increase our theological awareness and theological ability, and to think God’s thoughts after him. We need to do this not only to understand our past but also to work through new issues of today and tomorrow. Graham Cole writes with his usual clarity and has provided a resource which is short, deep, clear, and thoughtful! He shows us a method of doing faithful theology. This method requires honoring and using the Bible, the ideas and insights of the past, clarity of thought, an understanding of sin and frustration, humility, patience, faith, prayer, and worship. We see these qualities reflected in this book.
—Peter Adam, Vicar Emeritus, St. Jude’s Carlton; Former Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne
- Title: Faithful Theology: An Introduction
- Author: Graham A. Cole
- Editors: Graham A. Cole and Oren R. Martin
- Series: Short Studies in Systematic Theology
- Publisher: Crossway
- Publication Date: 2020
- Pages: 112
- Resource Type: Systematic Theology
- Topic: Theology
Reviews
1 rating
Floyd Johnson
1/14/2020
This text is the first in a series urging the reader to do theology, rather than to just study it. This book consists of a series of essays focused on various topics discussed in most theology textbooks. The book does not claim to be a comprehensive systematic theology text, but it centers more on the practical issues of theology. As the publisher writes in their introduction, “Each chapter looks at 1 of 5 crucial components for constructing good theology: revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness, with case studies illustrating how doctrine is developed from each of these important sources.” I found the first chapter of interest. The author takes what might be termed a general understanding of inerrancy, in that the scriptures teach no errors. This stands in against what I might call a particular understanding of inerrancy: “the words found in the original autographs are the very words God intended.” Because we have no original autographs of scripture, it may be said that the more practical understanding of inerrancy may more closely align with the general understanding suggested by the author. This dichotomy will need to be explored further. I see no hints as to the topics to be covered in future volumes. The finished book will contain both a “General Index” and a “Scripture Index” - though these were not included in the Advanced Readers Copy sent to me for review, so I cannot comment as to their completeness. The book is not designed for general reading, but as a scholarly text. As a textbook, it would be helpful for each chapter to include a series of five or six questions designed for further thought or study - either for general consideration or formal response. Certainly, a good teacher could develop these for himself or herself; but for the independent learner, these additions could be helpful. ______________ As a matter of honesty, the author of this book, Graham A. Cole, is Dean of my alma mater - Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. However, he had no connection with the school at the time I attended or with me in the years since. This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
