Review: Approaching the Study of Theology: An Introduction to Key Thinkers, Concepts, Methods & Debates

Approaching the Study of Theology: An Introduction to Key Thinkers, Concepts, Methods & Debates by Anthony C. Thiselton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For a person to pick up a title like this, he would probably be an intermediate or advanced reader. Yet the beauty of this book is that it is accessible even to the novice reader. Concepts are explained clearly, succinctly and intelligibly. Thiselton could have released a 1500 page version of this book, but much dedication and love were poured into ensuring that the material while broad, remained concise. The subject matter depicted will therefore not be exhaustive in depth, but this reviewer felt that the content is sufficient for a general overview.

The content is just as the subtitle describes - Key Thinkers, Concepts, Methods and Debates. For each subject topic, Thiselton discusses how notable thinkers/theologians have interacted with one another to shape its development (both in the present and through the ages), with references included as footnotes for those who would like to read further. I especially liked the analogy to explain what it is like for the dead to wait for the final moment of resurrection and judgment:

I have suggested the analogy of a child falling asleep on Christmas Eve, but waiting for the morning of Christmas. From a participant's perspective, we may tell the child, 'The sooner you fall asleep, the sooner Christmas will come.' But from an observer's perspective the adults of the household need to do many things, including preparing meals, wrapping up presents, and so forth. The analogy exactly matches the experience of the participant in death and transformation, and the observer of the eschatological drama. It is true in both cases: the departed are with Christ, but certain events must take place before the end (p112-3).

This book is probably not meant to be read cover to cover, but to be referred to as and when the reader wishes to acquaint himself (or explore further) in a theological topic of interest. I find Part 3 (glossary of key terms) especially useful as a quick yet exhaustive point of reference for theological jargon. Because it is a reference title, I would actually recommend it be purchased as a digital form, so that it can be accessed on the go (for example, when you are discussing theology with somebody outside the home).

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