Review: A Little Book for New Theologians

Image result for a little book for new theologians

What benefit could a little book on theology offer the average person?

From the opening pages, Kapic attempts to address this very question, contending that the relevance of theology is established in the common questions of humanity. The questions concerning "identity, culture, politics, and ethics" (16), are informed by our concept of the person and character of God. In short, theology is important because we are all theologians.

This theme is developed by examining the relationship between the knowledge of God, and the worship of God. As we read Scripture, God's revelation of himself to man, we are exposed to true knowledge; and "when one begins to know God in his beauty and truth, worship springs into being" (24). With this in mind, it becomes crucial that Christians continually pursue a more profound knowledge of God rather than developing individualistic opinions that leave one wanting. This pursuit is a gradual understanding of God, which is compared to a pilgrimage guided by the Spirit, one that should be grounded in humility, repentance, and prayer.

As Kapic transitions from pursuit to practice, he reminds the reader that faithful worship is a response to all the aspects of God's revealed character. The recognition of God's undeserved mercy motivates believers to have concern for others because "God's glory is gracious and his grace is glorious" (80).

In considering how we respond to God, Kapic gives attention to the importance of community counsel by "saints from both past and present" (93), as a means of growth and spiritual maturity. By consulting the reflections of others, a baseline of essential truth is established for both orthodoxy and traditions that aids in the removal of present-day "cultural baggage." These secondary sources of "tradition, experience, and reason" (112) should always be examined in light of Scripture and a reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

A Little Book for New Theologians doesn't claim to state anything new, but rather highlights the necessity for serious study by modern Christians, offering insight from both the past and present in how to approach this task. Kapic delivers his message in an approachable way, one that is easily understood and beneficial to anyone who would like to know God better or begin to find answers address the questions of their current culture.

A Little Book for New Theologians was written by Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College, author of numerous books on theological study. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2010) 126pp.

Comments

Study Guide: Galatians 5:16-26

1. Why is the Holy Spirit so vital to the life of a believer? 2. What does it mean to “walk” by the Spirit? (correlates to what word in v18) a. Exodus 31:3 b. Ephesians 5:18 3. How do these verses relate to what is said regarding the work of the flesh? a. Flesh Defined – Galatians 2:20 b. Practice – How can missing this one word change how we read this passage? c. Works Evident – Romans 1:18-22, 1 John 3:10 d. Results – Galatians 5:21, Galatians 6:8, Romans 6:23 4. Examine the Negative List a. Are there words that need to be defined or clarified? b. Is there any order, progression, or anything that stands out in this list? 5. Examine the Positive List a. Are there words that need to be defined or clarified? b. Is there any order, progression, or anything that stands out in this list? 6. Paul is addressing the Galatians who have been trick

Fully Known, Fully Loved

When we have people in our lives that are close to us, those individuals that really "get us", we treasure those relationships and consider ourselves to be very fortunate. In my own life, I think about my wife, someone who is familiar with not only my ambitions and motivations but also my fears and struggles. I think about my oldest son, who shares a common interest in music, enjoys watching constant reruns of "The Office", and has a similar sense of humor. When we say that someone "gets us", we are saying that this person is more than just an acquaintance. This is someone who knows more than a few basics facts about us. This is someone who is dear to us because they know us on a deeper, personal level. Today, as I was reading a verse that I have read so many times before, I found myself coming to a complete stop. So many times I had read this verse or heard someone teaching this passage with my eyes looking towards the future that I had missed

Judge Not

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. Matthew 7:1-6 (ESV) "Judge not" has become the mantra of our culture as it increasingly seeks to equate tolerance with acceptance . Many people attempt to use Jesus's words here as a means to prohibit someone from evaluating the choices of another. The irony is, these same people are guilty of the very thing Jesus is warning us about. It is obvious

Savoring the Savior

Search This Blog