Reading Theology Wisely: A Practical Introduction

by Kent Eilers

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2022

Overview

Theology is for everyone—not just pastors and scholars.

In this illuminating introduction, Kent Eilers invites Christians of all backgrounds into the practice of reading theology. With a classroom-tested approach, Eilers shows how theology can form the imagination and enhance “the human capacity for perceiving reality beyond the surface of things”—allowing Christians to see and experience God in the everyday. He then guides readers through the essential facets of theology so that it can begin to feel familiar and accessible, even (and especially) to beginners with no prior experience.

Written conversationally and illustrated beautifully with art by Chris Koelle, Reading Theology Wisely is welcoming and engaging in every respect. Eilers takes a well-rounded approach to his subject, utilizing Scripture and the wisdom of past thinkers as well as references to film and the arts—including a special emphasis on architecture as part of an ongoing metaphor of “inhabiting texts” as we do physical spaces. Each chapter ends with a prayer and questions for reflection and discussion, followed by a “theology lab” in which readers can put the content of the preceding chapter into practice.

“Could reading theology turn you toward God in astonished worship? Could it enliven your reading of Scripture? Could it move you toward your true self in Christ? Could it turn you toward your neighbors in self-giving love? Could it unmask your prejudices? Could it dethrone your idols? Should we hope for anything less?”

Key Features

• Invites Christians of all backgrounds into the practice of reading theology
• Guides readers through the essential facets of theology
• Utilizes Scripture and the wisdom of past thinkers as well as references to film and the arts

Contents

• Imagination for Reading
Theology Lab: Rummage for God
• Vision for Theology
Theology Lab: Pray to the Trinity
• Reading as Inhabitation
Theology Lab: Interpret a Movie
• Settings of Theology: Behind the Page
Theology Lab: Write a Letter
• Sources of Theology: Of the Page
Theology Lab: Diagram the Sources
• Architectures of Theology: Of the Page
Theology Lab: Write a Collect
• Invitations of Theology: In Front of the Page
Theology Lab: Compose Your Credo

Praise for Reading Theology Wisely

Character formation reveals one’s theology more than one’s confession of faith. Yet, as many students of theology will be the first to raise a question, it is a sad reality that too much theology is intellectual abstraction that operates far from the world of what some today call ‘lived theology.’ In Eilers’s Reading Theology Wisely students are given a companion volume to accompany their theological studies so that character formation can advance in step with intellectual growth. When I was a theology student the book that did this for me was called A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. This can be that book for the next generation.

—Scot McKnight, Northern Seminary

This is an incredibly important guide to the theological task that invites students—in kindness, gentleness, and love—into a world of theology that feels foreign and, perhaps, overwhelming. With the discernment and insight of a master teacher, Eilers shepherds students into the task of reading theology in wisdom. Building on years of experience in the classroom, Eilers understands the struggles students have with theological texts and the difficulty of helping them navigate these struggles well. Worshipful, prayerful, and full of insight, this book will captivate the imagination and cast a vision of a truly living encounter with the holy God.

—Kyle Strobel, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

Kent Eilers deeply loves the risen Christ and his students. These two loves shine through this winsome primer, which is full of creative energy, pedagogical skill, and spiritual wisdom.

—Daniel J. Treier, Wheaton College

Product Details

• Title: Reading Theology Wisely: A Practical Introduction
• Author: Kent Eilers
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 196
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Theology
• ISBNs: 9780802881786, 0802881785
• Resource ID: LLS:RDNGTHPRNTRDCTN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:37:36Z

About Kent Eilers

Kent Eilers is professor of theology at Huntington University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His other books include Theology as Retrieval: Receiving the Past, Renewing the Church and The Grammar of Grace: Readings from the Christian Tradition.