Students of theology can find themselves strengthened and renewed while they study, but it can also be a time of trial. This reader shows how to navigate such trials as we study for and then engage in Christian ministry. It includes wisdom from voices past: Augustine; Martin Luther; C. H. Spurgeon; B. B. Warfield; Dietrich Bonhoeffer and C.S. Lewis. Several modern authors also show how to navigate various aspects of theological study successfully: D. A. Carson (Biblical Studies); Carl Trueman (Church History); Gerald Bray (Systematic Theology); Dennis Hollinger (Christian Ethics); and John Woodhouse (Seminary life). The book shows how we can move from being 'lost among words' as we study of theology, to being 'lost for words' in praise of God.
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Brian Rosner serve at Moore College. He is the Senior Lecturer in New Testament Ethnics.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Blessing for Students of Theology, Both Young and Old,
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This review is from: Trials of Theology, The: Becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business (Paperback)
This portion of the review is borrowed from Justin Taylor's blog: Between Two Worlds:
John Piper on the newly released book The Trials of Theology, edited by Andrew Cameron and Brian Rosner (Christian Focus, 2010): When I began my theological studies in 1968 I devoured Helmut Thielicke's A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. If I were starting today I would devour The Trials of Theology. Here is counsel from the proven dead and the wise living. "Do we need theology"? We may as well ask, "Do we need to know God?" Ten thousand times yes. "Is studying theology perilous?" Yes. But less perilous than ignorance. "Will it be costly?" Let the Bible answer: "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes" (Ps. 119:71). Without the "trials of theology" we remain on the surface of the statutes of God. May the Spirit of truth make this book a means of true thinking about God, deep affections for God, and beautiful obedience to God, through Jesus Christ who is God. Here's the table of contents: Foreword: "Lost Among Words" Part One: Voices Past 1. Augustine, "Time out to Pray, Read and Weep" 2. Martin Luther, "Experience Makes the Theologian" 3. C.H. Spurgeon, "Frailty and the Grace of God" 4. B.B. Warfield, "The Spiritual Life of Theological Students" 5. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Becoming Real Theologians" 6. C.S. Lewis, "Inner Circles and True Inclusion" Part Two: Voices Present 7. John W. Woodhouse, "The Trials of Theological College" 8. D.A. Carson, "The Trials of Biblical Studies" 9. Carl R. Trueman, "The Trials of Church History" 10. Gerald L. Bray, "The Trials of Systematic Theology" 11. Dennis P. Hollinger, "The Trials of Christian Ethics" Afterword: "Lost for Words" --------------------------- This part by me: I enjoyed reading this book. As shown above it is a collection of variously themed essays by great theologians of both the past and present. Each essay stands well on its own and adds to the collective whole; it really is a unified work that covers many aspects of its theme. I also noticed that the more I read this book the more I get from it. It appears to have that value of a familiar friend that will remain close throughout your theological journeys and will only get better with age. As the title of the book suggests, each essay highlights certain pitfalls that students of theology are prone to encounter. This gives a great advantage to those beginning to scale these mountains. You can hear the heart, wisdom, and wounds these men carry. Also I couldn't help but laugh as I heard men describe one of the things I love so much: theology. These men have been there; they've shared this passion; they've thought through what I am beginning to see. I couldn't help but be welcomed into a comradery, as most people I know don't always get theology, why it's important or why I pursue it as I do. Some of the nuggets of truth hidden here are simply essential, some are a great encouragement, and some (for the student just starting anyway) are lifesavers and mind-blowers. I am thankful I got to read this book going into school as I can glean all this wisdom from people who learned it through experience. Also, this book is one of the kind that can inspire you to read more by the various authors presented. I found some of what I enjoyed the most was from Spurgeon's "Lectures to My Students," as that is one of my favorite books. I look forward to delve deeper into the works of Lewis and Bonhoffer as well. While I have read some of their work, this inspires me to probe deeper and get to know the men behind these timeless messages. In particular the essays by Spurgeon (as previously mentioned), Lewis, Bonhoffer, Carson, and Bray especially blessed me. Bray's words on systematic theology were golden to me as he described in warm and homely eloquence the need for systematic. I also enjoyed his wit and ability to make me see what he sees as far as the subject is concerned. Well worth the $10. Also the book serves as a compliment to the book: "The Consolations of Theology."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read this book to learn how good Christian theology leads to worship and obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ.,
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This review is from: Trials of Theology, The: Becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business (Paperback)
Theology is dangerous business. Many people think they can just study theology with it having no effects on their lives. To some people theology is the "words of God," or at least they respect it as man's thoughts about God. Other people reject the word theology because it means dead orthodoxy, and in some churches, theology has taken the place of Christ and the Bible. To others, theology is equated with liberalism. Still there are some who attack theology because they feel it will stifle their soul-winning zeal. The word theology comes from the Greek compound theologia derived from two roots, theos (God) and logos ("word" or "idea"). Theology originally meant an idea concerning God. The original term fell into two categories. Theology could be the sayings about God, or the actual sayings or discourages by God or the gods.Theological study is dangerous business as the writers demonstrate in The trials of Theology Becoming A `Proven Worker' precisely because of the nature of theology. Bible College and seminary is a time to consume much from the Word of God and other disciplines, but there are dangers in such study including pride and false humility. The Trials of Theology Becoming A `Proven Worker' In a Dangerous Business Edited by Andrew J.B. Cameron and Brian S. Rosner explores the thoughts of men from the past such as Augustine, Luther, Spurgeon, Warfield, Bonheoffer, C.S. Lewis, and in the present Drs. Woodhouse, Carson, Trueman, Bray and Hillinger. The topics this book covers are vast from praying to experience to the grace of God and becoming real theologians who understand the Bible, church history, systematic theology and Christian ethics. As I read this book I was struck by how I wished I had read it much sooner, but then I realized it was only published just last year (2010). If there is one thing I have learned in my time during Bible College and Seminary is that pride is ever lurking at the door waiting to bait me into believing that because I've been a Christian and studied theology for so long that I somehow no longer need to study the Bible any longer. The structure of this book combats the idea of "knowing it all" as does the contents of the book. By focusing on dead theologians the authors have done the Church a great service by emphasizing that dead men have much to teach Christians today about what it means to be a good theologian. By selecting men who are highly respected in their fields today the authors give attention to men who have proven themselves model theologians in their respective fields. Theology is difficult work because it has consequences not only on the students' life but on the lives of others around them. Theology has consequences for churches also because if local church's move away from biblical Christianity they cease to be a New Testament church. As you can see theology is dangerous and difficult work, but it is also intensely practical work. The student of theology is either a good theologian or a bad theologian, which means that all study of theology should result in growing in godliness. The goal of studying theology should not just be growing in knowing sound doctrine, but should have as its aim growth in godliness as a result of believing sound doctrine. I recommend you read The Trials of Theology: Becoming A `Proven Worker' In A Dangerous Business because doing so will console, convict, instruct and usher you into the presence of God. This book will help you to see how you to move from being "lost among words" to being "lost for words" in praise of God. The study of theology should lead to not only knowing biblical doctrine, but to being humbled by the greatness of God who has chosen to reveal Himself in His Word to His people, so that His people may spread His fame and joy to the nations. May the Lord Jesus use this book to awaken Christians to draw deeply from the well of church history, theology and the Word of God in order to stir up deep affections for God, and obedience to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Title: The Trials of Theology Becoming A 'Proven Worker' In a Dangerous Business Author: Edited by Andrew J.B. Cameron and Brian S. Rosner Publisher: Christian Focus (2010) Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Christian Focus Book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
4.0 out of 5 stars
Without counsel plans fail,
This review is from: Trials of Theology, The: Becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business (Paperback)
Wouldn't it be nice, if when starting out on a new journey in life, you could have someone come along side who has been there and done that, who could point out the potential pitfalls, the slippery slopes, and give directions at those ever confusing forks in the road?
Well for the seminary student, or those who are just seeking to know their God and his word more deeply, there is The Trials of Theology: Becoming a "Proven Worker" in a Dangerous Business. Proverbs states: Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22 ESV) This book and these authors serve as your faithful advisers. These are men who have gone before, facing the trials such study entails, who now share the lessons they have learned on their journey. Wise counsel is given from generations past, by the likes of Augustine, Luther, Spurgeon, Warfield, Bonhoeffer, and Lewis. Though time has moved past these greats, their wisdom, encouragement, and warnings, are needed and useful at all times, and always now. The trials and temptations they faced in their pursuit of God, are those which are faced by all who would follow in their steps. For scripture warns us that our "adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."(1 Peter 5:8 ESV) And who would be a more tempting meal than he who is seeking our God? In seeking godly advisers, one doesn't always have to travel back in time to find the counsel they seek. There are many today who have navigated this road and are willing to mark the sure path. The second half of this book is filled with their words and wisdom. John Woodhouse, D. A. Carson, Carl Trueman, Gerald Bray, and Dennis Hollinger, lend their voices of experience to this work, each one tackling a different area of study and the dangers posed. Many of the concerns mentioned, are those that may not have been even considered by those who are starting out. I think of Jesus' concern for his disciples in John 14:29. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.(John 14:29 ESV) Yes, much of this book is a warning of what to look out for, so that danger doesn't take you by surprise. The Trials of Theology, is an enlightening and necessary read for all who are pursuing God, full of warnings to be heeded, and encouragement to be absorbed, you will not be left disappointed. I'd like to thank Christian Focus Publications for sending me this free copy for review.
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