A Down and Dirty Guide to Theology

by Donald K. McKim

Overview

This brief, humorous introduction to theology by noted educator and author Don McKim will provide seminarians, college students, and general readers with a fun way to learn the basics. The book covers the key movements, thinkers, definitions, and questions of theology in a lighthearted way. Includes illustrations by Ron Hill.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664234058
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	07/11/2011
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Donald K. McKim is former Academic Dean and Professor of Theology at Memphis Theological Seminary. He is author or editor of numerous books, including Moments with Martin Luther; Dictionary of Major Biblical Interpreters; The Westminster Handbook to Reformed Theology; and the Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

I What's It All About?

1 What Is Theology? 3

2 Goals of Theology 4

3 Theology: The Joyful Science 6

II Theologians

4 Who Is a Theologian? 11

5 Theology for Everyone 13

6 Tasks of the Theologian 15

7 The Unfinished Tasks of the Theologian 17

III Theology from the Start

8 Parts of Theology: Slicing the Pie 21

9 The Web of Theology: The Old Woman in the Shoe 23

10 Authority in Theology 24

11 Theological Terms: Back to Basics 26

12 Key Theological Terms 27

IV Church Theology

13 Theology and the Church 33

14 Theology and Faith 35

15 Forms of Christianity 37

16 Denominations 39

17 Major Beliefs of Denominations 41

18 Theology in Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms 46

19 Theology and the Bible 50

20 Theology and the Christian Year 53

21 Theology and Preaching 57

22 Theology and Prayer 59

23 Theology and Service 61

V Theology and …

24 Theology and the Academy 65

25 Theology and Philosophy 67

26 Theology and Culture 68

27 Theology and Science 71

VI A Bit of History

28 Developments in Theology: Zigs and Zags 77

29 Main Moves in Theology (Development of Doctrines) 79

30 A Romp through the History of Theology 81

VII Doing Theology

31 What Is Theological Method? 95

32 Three Major Theological Methods 96

33 Big-Time Theologians Doing Theology 98

VIII Theology Today

34 Theology Today 115

35 Big Questions in Theology 117

36 Contemporary Currents in Theology 119

IX The Personal Touch

37 Interesting Tidbits About… 125

38 Theological Humor 127

39 Golden Nuggets from Theologians 131

40 A Personal Credo 157

41 Last Words 158

X Going on from Here

42 Ten Leading Latin Phrases in Theology 161

43 Ten Great German Words in Theology 163

44 A Brief List of Resources for Theological Study 164

A Final Word

Freely You Have Received 169

Editorial Reviews

"McKim breaks all the conventions of theological drudgery by offering us an invitation to theology that is remarkably crisp and clever. Written by one of today's leading experts, A 'Down and Dirty' Guide to Theology is warm and witty, often humorous, and always joyous. Looking for your first book in theology? Stop looking and start reading. Not just a roadmap—this little gem is a GPS for busy Christians who want to learn but don't know where to start." Ronald Cole-Turner, H. Parker Sharp Professor of Theology and Ethics, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

"McKim lays out a path to theological study that covers difficult issues and the methods and practices that inform them in a manner that is instructive to students, scholars, pastors, and laity alike. A highly recommended addition to the library of all who seek a theological primer that is tantalizing, insightful, and simultaneously engaging." Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Associate Professor of Doctrinal Theology, Moravian Theological Seminary

"Whoever said studying theology is boring was simply wrong! This book by the 'American Theological Educator' helps the beginning theology student, whether in college or seminary, to be introduced to the wealth of necessary materials in a most witty and, dare I say, humorous way! Yet, this is a very 'serious' and highly useful primer. I will make sure my beginning students get a copy of this delightful work." Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Professor of Systematic Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary and Docent of Ecumenics, University of Helsinki

From the Publisher