Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction

Many see aspects of orthodox theology as speculative, irrelevant to authentic Christianity and to personal spirituality. Why do these ideas matter? They don't really seem to fit with the Bible, and they don't relate to modern life, so the question that many have is this: orthodoxy, who cares? But what if you could see how theology is relevant and foundational to the church? Rather than being speculative, it arises from the story of the Bible. Rather than being irrelevant, it speaks to the questions and realities that we face in the modern age. Rather than being merely intellectual, it shapes our spiritual lives.Engaging Theology is an introduction to theology that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. The book treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance:Story: Each chapter begins with a brief and engaging account of the historical situation out of which the doctrine arose or where it played an essential role in the development of the church. You get a view on why theology matters and get to know many of the key theologians in the history of the church.Doctrinal Exposition: The heart of the chapter is exposition of key elements of the doctrine, highlighting core and debated elements where people go wrong. Each chapter includes biblical, historical, and contemporary views on the issue and notes key figures in the debates and their influence.Theological Relevance: While theological relevance is clear throughout each chapter, this section highlights relevance to contemporary concerns, including interaction with major world religions. It points to wider issues the church is facing and different perspectives that Christians bring.Spiritual Relevance: Since theology has a direct influence on one's own spiritual formation and practice, each chapter concludes with practical encouragements and discussions about how each doctrine can be integrated in one's life.Engaging Theology is ideal for students and everyday people living in a post-Christian era to help them seriously engage with the Christian faith. Review Introductory theology textbooks are a dime a dozen. What separates Engaging Theology from the rest of the pack is that it is genuinely engaging in multiple ways: it engages the reader with lively prose and common-sense language, engages the Christian tradition in faith and informed ways, engages the contemporary world beyond theology, and engages practice as it speaks into ministry, vocation, and praxis. Theology is on the move, and Blackwell and Hatchett realize this and help readers navigate the terrain in responsible and informative ways. This is the sort of introductory text students are now looking for and need. - Myk Habets, Laidlaw CollegeEngaging Theology brings together Christian history, biography, spirituality, and the development of doctrine in a narrative at once coherent and comprehensive. It is inviting, accessible, irenic. I welcome this new book and recommend it highly! - Timothy George, Beeson Divinity SchoolEngaging Theology is an excellent primer for communities that need a theology book that is Trinitarian in structure; comprehensive, ecumenical, and nondogmatic in spirit; emphasizes the narrative structure of theological development; and interacts with the broader church and other religious traditions. - Berten Waggoner, former national director of Vineyard USA About the Author Ben C. Blackwell (PhD, University of Durham) is associate professor of early Christianity at Houston Baptist University and is Director of HBU's Houston Theological Seminary. He previously served as the research assistant for N.T. Wright and John Barclay. He is currently working on new monograph: Participating in the Righteousness of God: Justification in Pauline Theolog