Customer Reviews

The Art of Theological Reflection

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have used The Art of Theological Reflection with both graduate and undergraduate students in theology seminars. It has provided them with a method for engaging theological questions and readings out of their own experience of life and of the Christian tradition - however extensive that experience might be. The authors give examples throughout the text that effectively clarify the porocess they are describing. They also make a convincing argument that theological reflection is not just for a few "initiated" but builds on a natural human quest for insight into the meaning of life experiences and for ways to integrate those insights into our lives.

One former student of mine said, "The book is lame because its all about emotions". Another student said, "This book sucks because there's nothing theological about it." A third student said, "I missed the point." In following up with the students, I found out they only read the words on the page and didn't do any of the activities proceeding the chapters. If you fall into the category of simply reading the words on the paper than I say move-on and don't waste your time reading this book.

This book is meant to be used interactively and to wrestle with the content of the chapters using one's theological and spiritual framework. I use many of the principles outlined in the chapters 4-6 after several years of chaplaincy work.

By the way, if you struggle with exploring your emotions than I say buy two copies. The first copy you'll throw it away in disgust, but you'll have the second copy when you realize the emotional fall-out you will experience due to the ministry and interaction with members of your church or those you provide spiritual care for.

Happy reading!

This book has been an incredibly helpful basis for our group to do theological reflection. Nine of us gather every other week to meet and reflect on our lives and Killen and de Beer provide the structure for such meetings. This is not pop psychology, but a practical way to do theology. If you are looking to know more about God's relation to your life and to the lives of others in your group, this book has the perfect guidelines to follow.

While this book begins well by pointing out the importance of theological reflection, it does not follow through with a substantive discussion. The methods and examples given are not especially thought-provoking. The style of writing is occasionally stilted and the content often seems contrived. Further, the book is neither thorough nor concise. While there are some good points to be gleaned here, I would point someone to Stone and Duke's "How to Think Theologically" instead.

This book has come highly recommended for EfM mentors. I have really learned the subtle details of TRs. Easy read and very informative.

This text reads like a theological version of a 70s pop psychology self-help book. With all of the richness that might have been explored, the text is trite and even a bit condescending. I was required to buy this for a grad course...and was shocked to find the vocabulary and the notions altogether fit for a junior high school exploration of the topic. Look elsewhere.

Book arrived in stated condition and prior to est. arrival date. An aid for formulation of concepts and penning of thoughts so that the average person would not get lost following what is written because of lack of personal study.

The book came in excellent condition and within the allotted time. However, in the past I have been "spoiled" by sellers that send books that arrived much sooner than I had expected. No reflection on this seller, however, and I was pleased that it arrived in time for me to take it with me to read on a plane ride...