How to Think Theologically, 2nd ed.
Overview
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 exercises, and case studies. Addressing the how and why of theological sources, movements, and methods, Stone and Duke guide readers into their own theological roots and then into major theological topics—such as the Gospel, sin and salvation, vocation, and ethical discernment—through real-life case studies.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Save more when you purchase this book as part of the Fortress Press Theology Collection.
- Includes a full update and expansion with new resources, examples, vignettes, and more
- Addresses the how and why of theological sources, movements, and methods
- Guides readers into their own theological roots and then into major theological topics
- Faith, Understanding, and Reflection
- Fashioning Theology
- Resources for Theological Reflection
- Theological Method
- The Gospel
- The Human Condition
- Vocation
- Theological Reflection in Christian Community
- Forming Spirit
Top Highlights
“The central operations they perform are three: (1) interpreting the meaning of Christian faith; (2) correlating those interpretations with other interpretations; and (3) assessing the adequacy of the interpretations and their correlations.” (Page 27)
“First, theology is typically expanded to embrace the totality of things having to do with religious life.” (Page 7)
“A bare-bones summary of historical theological classifications of sin, salvation, and the means of grace might provide insight into the problem of relating these themes. Christian views of sin seem to fall into four clusters, in which sin is viewed primarily as ignorance, corruptible mortality, broken relationship or alienation, and bondage or oppression. There are also four corresponding clusters of theological themes regarding salvation: bringing true knowledge, incorruptible immortality, reconciliation (justification), and freedom. Finally, there are four parallel theological clusters concerning the means of salvation, in which Jesus is viewed as the teacher of wisdom, the victor over death, the Crucified and Risen One who restores a right relationship with God, and the Liberator.” (Page 90)
“Yet the whole point of theology is to understand the meaning of God’s message to the world today. The point of correlating theological and nontheological views is to identify what things mean in relation to that message so that Christians may carry out their life of service keenly aware of its distinctiveness.” (Pages 34–35)
“Christians learn what faith is all about from countless daily encounters with their Christianity—formal and informal, planned and unplanned. This understanding of faith, disseminated by the church and assimilated by its members in their daily lives, will be called embedded theology.” (Page 13)
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 and 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, Divinity School, University of Chicago
- Title: How to Think Theologically
- Authors: Howard W. Stone, James O. Duke
- Edition: Second Edition
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Print Publication Date: 2006
- Logos Release Date: 2013
- Pages: 152
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Theology › Methodology
- Resource ID: LLS:HOWTHNKTHEOSTONE
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T03:55:33Z
James O. Duke is professor of history of Christianity and history of Christian thought at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. His analytical and translation work has covered European and American religion.
Howard W. Stone is professor emeritus of psychology and pastoral counseling at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University. He is the author or editor of many influential books, including Depression and Hope and Strategies for Brief Pastoral Counseling.