A Guide to Doing Theology
What is the relevance of the gospel in the modern world? How is it true in today’s world? How should we think about it? How should we discuss it? Whenever we ask these questions, and countless others like them, we are “doing theology.”</P><P>Writing for anyone who has asked these questions, John Parratt has created a clear and simple introduction to doing theology—and why it is important.</P><P>Starting with the text of the Bible and using his extensive global experience to present compelling examples from all over the world, Parratt’s introductory text considers the impact of language, history, and culture, as well as of science, philosophy, and other religions, on Christians.</P><P>The International Study Guides (ISGs) are clear and accessible resources, contextual and ecumenical in content and missional in direction. The contributors are theological educators who come from different countries and different religious backgrounds and bring practical emphasis alongside contemporary scholarly reflection.</P>
1003856931
A Guide to Doing Theology
What is the relevance of the gospel in the modern world? How is it true in today’s world? How should we think about it? How should we discuss it? Whenever we ask these questions, and countless others like them, we are “doing theology.”</P><P>Writing for anyone who has asked these questions, John Parratt has created a clear and simple introduction to doing theology—and why it is important.</P><P>Starting with the text of the Bible and using his extensive global experience to present compelling examples from all over the world, Parratt’s introductory text considers the impact of language, history, and culture, as well as of science, philosophy, and other religions, on Christians.</P><P>The International Study Guides (ISGs) are clear and accessible resources, contextual and ecumenical in content and missional in direction. The contributors are theological educators who come from different countries and different religious backgrounds and bring practical emphasis alongside contemporary scholarly reflection.</P>
15.99 In Stock
A Guide to Doing Theology

A Guide to Doing Theology

by John Parratt
A Guide to Doing Theology

A Guide to Doing Theology

by John Parratt

eBook

$15.99 

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Overview

What is the relevance of the gospel in the modern world? How is it true in today’s world? How should we think about it? How should we discuss it? Whenever we ask these questions, and countless others like them, we are “doing theology.”</P><P>Writing for anyone who has asked these questions, John Parratt has created a clear and simple introduction to doing theology—and why it is important.</P><P>Starting with the text of the Bible and using his extensive global experience to present compelling examples from all over the world, Parratt’s introductory text considers the impact of language, history, and culture, as well as of science, philosophy, and other religions, on Christians.</P><P>The International Study Guides (ISGs) are clear and accessible resources, contextual and ecumenical in content and missional in direction. The contributors are theological educators who come from different countries and different religious backgrounds and bring practical emphasis alongside contemporary scholarly reflection.</P>

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781506400273
Publisher: Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date: 07/01/2015
Series: International Study Guides
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 144
File size: 405 KB
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

John Parratt is professor of third world theologies at the University of Birmingham, UK. He has taught and researched widely in Africa, India, and the Pacific.

Table of Contents

Preface vi

Using This Guide xi

1 Getting Started 1

What is Theology? 1

Statements of Faith 3

Revelation 4

Reason 7

Who Does Theology? 8

Knowledge and Experience 9

Theology and the Church 10

Study Suggestions 11

2 The Language and Context of Theology 13

The Language of Theology 13

Metaphor, Symbol and Myth 14

The Changing Context of Theology 17

Putting the Gospel into New Contexts 19

Study Suggestions 21

3 The Bible 23

The Authority of the Bible 23

Principles for Understanding the Biblical Text 24

Ideological Readings of the Bible 26

The Literary Category 28

The Accuracy of the Biblical Text 31

Using the Bible in Doing Theology 32

Study Suggestions 33

4 The History of Theology 35

The Importance of the History of Christian Thought 35

Formation of the Canon 36

Liturgy and Creeds 37

Interpreting the Creeds 40

Relevance of Theological Movements 41

Later Statements of Faith 42

The Authority of the Church 42

The Impact of Western Philosophy and Science on Theology 43

The Importance of Third World Theology 44

Study Suggestions 45

5 Taking Account of Culture 47

The Importance of Culture to Doing Theology 47

Culture: a Definition 48

Three Characteristics of Culture 49

Culture and Theology 51

An African Example of Cultural Theology 52

An Indian Example of Cultural Theology 53

Study Suggestions 54

6 Theologians in Society 56

Social Groups 56

Social Control: Politics 57

Wealth and Production: Economics 57

Theologians as Members of Society 57

African and Indian Examples of Theology Addressing Racial Discrimination 59

An Example of Feminist Theology 61

African and Korean Examples of Theology Addressing Political Issues 62

A Latin American Example of Theology Addressing Economic Issues 64

Theology and World Economics 66

Study Suggestions 67

7 The Problem of History 69

Linear and Cyclical Views of History 69

The Problem of the Accuracy of the Bible 70

Christian History 73

World History as Revelation 73

Interpreting History 75

Study Suggestions 76

8 Philosophies and Religions 78

The Impact of Greek Thought on Early Christianity 78

Philosophy and Theology: Two Modern Examples 80

The Postmodern Condition 81

Philosophy and Theology: Indian and African Examples 84

Christian Theology and Non-Christian Religions 85

The Exclusivist Position 85

The Inclusivist Position 87

Mediating Positions 88

Study Suggestions 90

9 The Challenge of Doing Theology 92

Biblical Theology and Historical Theology 92

Systematic Theology 93

Creative Tension in Doing Theology 98

Study Suggestions 103

Further Reading 104

References 107

Glossary 108

Foreign Words and Phrases 117

Names 119

Key to Study Suggestions 121

Index 124

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