This is a book about theology, but it's not a big, fat, scary one. Rather, it's a book that explains how to "do" theology in simple, straightforward ways. As an M.Div student myself, I first began to read this book thinking that it would be a book for new Christians, or Christians who may not want higher theological training or perhaps that new fangled "emerging church" group. And I do think it's a great book for those audiences. But I also think that it's a good read for those with a theological background, because Cyzewski writes this book for now, for this time, for this culture in America, and for this generation that is just emerging into the faith.
Christians must be able to speak about their faith clearly and with their audience in mind and this book is a great aid for that. The audience is front and center at all times for Cyzewski - and the audience is just whoever happens to amble on into any given coffeehouse. In other words, no matter where one is at in their Christian walk or search for truth, this book will be a useful aid at teasing out the right questions to consider and think through. Cyzewski's `contextual theology' provides a way of thinking about the Christian faith that is not just academic, but takes into account our culture and our relationships.
Cyzewski has clear views about the Bible and the person of Jesus and the church. But he also understands the enormous influence that our culture plays in the search for truth. He is not merely dismissive of other ideas and faiths but seeks way to talk about Christianity within that context - - all the while pointing to Christ from wherever ones starting point may be.
For those who read this book and want to dig into some of the ideas at a deeper level each chapter has a great list of further reading full of all the standard big, fat, theology books. But Coffeehouse Theology is exactly what the title implies - it's the sort of book to spur on discussion among friends hanging out.
In addition, the two guides that go along with the book are each useful. The Bible Study guide is perhaps slightly better for personal use, whereas the Discussion Guide is, as the tile implies, better suited for group discussion. Each veers slightly away from the book and offer new insights, topics and questions to tackle.
Coffeehouse Theology is a book that is written to people today, to people searching for truth, and to people trying to understand how our culture and our faith can inform each other and not create more divisions.
