Practical Primer on Theological Method

Glenn R. Kreider (Th.M., Ph.D.) is Professor of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is editor, collaborator, or author of several books, including God with Us: Exploring God’s Personal Interactions with His People Throughout the Bible (P & R, 2014), the Exploring Christian Theology trilogy (Bethany House, 2014–2015), and Eschatology: Biblical, Historical, and Practical Approaches (Kregel, 2016).  Michael J. Svigel (Th.M., Ph.D.) is Chair and Professor of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is author of several books, including RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten Faith (Crossway, 2012), the Exploring Christian Theology trilogy (Bethany House, 2014–2015), and The Center and the Source: Second Century Incarnational Christology and Early Catholic Christianity (Gorgias, 2016).

A Practical Primer on Theological Method flouts the proverbial social wisdom not to discuss religion during dinner and instead encourages us in Table God-talk. Theology is discourse about God, and a good conversation will include voices from a number of disciplinary fields, each of which has a seat, and a voice, at the Table. Doing theology also requires table manners, virtues that keep the conversation appropriately critical and constructive. So pull up a seat as Glenn Kreider and Michael Svigel set the Table for a nourishing meal. Watch and learn as they serve up the various sources, norms, and tasks---the main courses of which the feast of theology consists.

• PROLOGUE: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PRIMER This book is meant to be used as a primer and invitation to the task of theology, providing an introductory orientation to theological method and a practical guide for doing theology. INTRODUCTION: AROUND THE TABLETheological method can be likened to a round table discussion between eight individuals representing intersecting fields of inquiry centered on God’s revelation. CHAPTER 1: WHAT THEOLOGICAL METHOD IS AND ISN’T Clearing up some common misunderstandings, “theological method” is defined as the manner, mode, and means of participating in discourse concerning God, his works, and his ways.CHAPTER 2: THEOLOGY AS FRAMED DIALOGUE At the center of the round table, theological method centers its discussion on God’s threefold revelation: the Word to the World, the Word in the World, and the World of the Word. CHAPTER 3: THE TASK OF THE INTERPRETER Providing vital guidance in biblical exegesis and biblical theology, the interpreter maintains the standard of inspired Scripture as the inviolable norming norm of theological method. CHAPTER 4: THE MIND OF THE THEOLOGIAN Guided by the “Rule of Faith” as a confessional cornerstone, the theologian focuses on doctrinal standards believed, taught, and confessed in the body of Christ worldwide. CHAPTER 5: THE BURDEN OF THE VIRTUOUS The virtuous serves as the conscience of the table by attending to virtues of faith, hope, love, prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice as well as beauty, balance, and proportion. CHAPTER 6: THE PURSUIT OF THE PHILOSOPHERPhilosophy provides insight into fundamental questions of hermeneutics, truth, logic, worldview, and critical thinking necessary to better understand, defend, and articulate theology. CHAPTER 7: THE QUEST OF THE SCIENTIST Gaining knowledge through the observation of natural phenomena, science explores Gods self-revelation in creation to better understand and communicate theological truth.CHAPTER 8: THE GENIUS OF THE ARTIST Arts and culture contribute to a better understanding and articulation of God, his works, and his ways as particular means of revealing the image of God through human creativity.CHAPTER 9: THE LABOR OF THE MINISTER Practical Christian living and ministry contribute to theological reflection by applying it in the arena of experience, resulting in a better understanding and articulation of theological truth. CHAPTER 10: THE VOICE OF THE HISTORIAN To gain wisdom and insight from pastors and teachers of the past, the historian contributes to theology by a study of history of doctrine, history of interpretation, and church history. CHAPTER 11: INVITATION TO THE TABLE All believers, from every field, are invited to the task of theology: the discourse concerning God, his works, and his ways.