Reading Theologically (Foundations for Learning)
Overview
Reading Theologically, edited by Eric D. Barreto, brings together eight seminary educators from a variety of backgrounds to explore what it means to be a reader in a seminary context—to read theologically. This involves a specific mindset and posture towards texts and ideas, people and communities alike. Reading theologically is not just about academic skill-building but about the formation of a ministerial leader who can engage scholarship critically, interpret Scripture and tradition faithfully, welcome different perspectives, and help lead others to do the same.
This concise volume emphasizes the vital skills, habits, practices, and values involved in reading theologically. Reading Theologically is a vital resource for students beginning the seminary process and professors of introductory-level seminary courses.
With Logos Bible Software, this volume is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Check out other works in the Foundations for Learning Series. See Exploring the Life and Calling and Thinking Theologically.
- Explores what reading means in a seminary context
- Forms part of the Foundations for Learning series
- Includes contributions from eight seminary educators
- Introduction by Eric Barreto
- Reading Basically by Melissa Browning
- Reading Meaningfully by Miriam Y. Perkins
- Reading Biblically by Amy L. B. Peeler
- Reading Generously by Gerald C. Liu
- Reading Critically by Jacob D. Myers
- Reading Differently by James W. McCarty III
- Reading Digitally by Sarah Morice Brubaker
- Reading Spiritually by Shanell T. Smith
Top Highlights
“Reading with our bodies means, first, learning to pay attention to what our bodies need: rest, relaxation, food that does not come from a vending machine. These things are important. But reading with our bodies also means reading in the midst of our lived experiences. It means listening to the rhythms and memories of our own bodies as we read the text.” (Page 19)
“Thielicke builds on Anselm to say: ‘A theological thought can breathe only in the atmosphere of dialogue with God.” (Page 22)
“I would suggest that the first task in (re)learning to read is learning how to read as embodied people.” (Page 18)
“As we think about what it means to ‘read basically,’ it is helpful to ask the question, ‘why am I reading?’ or even more directly, ‘why am I studying at all?’ A graduate degree should be more than a credential or a line on your resume. Your studies should transform you. They should inspire you to live out your calling and equip you to be a witness to God’s transforming of the world. But this type of learning requires more than showing up. It demands an active commitment on the part of the learner to be transformed.” (Pages 28–29)
“While the best interpretations often attempt to do justice to as many intersecting elements within a passage as possible, no one interpretation ever captures all that something may mean. An interpretation can be ‘true to the text’ and yet not be the only possible interpretation. A text’s intersecting elements are multiple, and meanings must be plural.” (Page 35)
Eric Barreto’s edited book, Reading Theologically, is a timely one for theological educators and theological school students. The task of reading theologically is both difficult to teach and learn—and perhaps even more complicated to practice well. This volume offers perspectives about how to engage reading as theologically reflective, intensely dialogic, capable of generative meaning-making, able to push epistemic boundaries, communally engaged, open to inspiration and spiritual growth, intensely self-reflective and formative, a forum for asking theological questions without swift solutions, and an environment for embracing reading as a lively, living, and engaging space where the activity of God might be discerned.
—Paul O. Myhre, associate director, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion
Reading Theologically comes as a great gift to students at seminaries and divinity schools. The thoughtful essays in this collection will help students develop deeply rooted practices of reading—gracefully, mindfully, attentively—that will position them to be more engaged interpreters of religious texts and traditions and more effective guides for the people they will serve. Written in a very accessible style, this book will be a first read for many theological students.
—Gail R. O’Day, dean, Wake Forest University School of Divinity
This book is an excellent resource for persons thinking of preparing for seminary, seminarians, or for lifelong learners. Each chapter incrementally teaches us to delve deeper into reading for personal growth, understanding, thinking critically, and for appreciation of others. It is reading for formation, reading to meet God in our lives. I have never before read a book so beautifully written on how to enter the ambiguities and polarities of thoughts and theories so that we can hold the tensions with the purpose of holding those who think differently with grace so as to cultivate not only our minds but our relationships with persons, for creating community and for deepening our spirituality. As one who has been in theological education for over 20 years, I knew I had found a treasured resource in this reading even for myself and for my students.
—Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, dean, Esperanza College, Eastern University
Reading Theologically reframes reading as a Christian practice through which we cultivate a faithful way of being in an increasingly complex world. It encourages theological students to take seriously the role of reading in their formation as Christian leaders, thinkers, and citizens. Designed as a dialogue among diverse theological educators, this book also calls us to revisit the nature and purpose of the peculiar enterprise we call theological education. This is a book I wish I had when I started seminary. The serious seminarian should not begin without it.
—Matthew Wesley Williams, vice president of strategic initiatives, Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE)
- Title: Reading Theologically
- Author: Eric D. Barreto
- Series: Foundations for Learning
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Print Publication Date: 2014
- Logos Release Date: 2015
- Pages: 145
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible › Study and teaching; Bible › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Bible; Theology › Study and teaching; Religious education; Study skills
- ISBNs: 9781451483420, 9781451487527, 1451483422, 1451487525
- Resource ID: LLS:RDNGTHLGCLLY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:37:35Z
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
10/18/2016
This is a fine little book that consists of 8 essays from different authors, that is aimed at the student who is about to commence Seminary / Bible College. Whilst I don't fit the target audience and have been reading Theology for almost 40 years now, I find it worthwhile to be reminded of the basics - plus there may always be a "basic" I have missed or omitted. Admittedly some essays are better than others. I probably enjoyed the final essay the best. I didn't agree with everything that was argued for, but given what is covered in this book that probably just means I "read" it properly ;-) Much of what is covered in this book does also apply to other Academic reading - especially in the areas of Mathematics, Science and History (which are the ones I know about) - though of course the emphasis in this book is Theology. The Authors do try and prepare those who have never been exposed to different theological approaches, or have Church backgrounds that don't encourage questioning, for the Academic world - which I think is worthwhile. So I think there is value in this for all who enjoy reading Theological Books.