Customer Reviews

Trials of Theology, The: Becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business

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

 

 

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."

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."

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.

A caution light is not what one might expect to see as they begin to journey down the path of theological study. Yet there are many dangers and stumbling blocks lurking for those who immerse themselves into a study of God and His relation to the world. Pride, theology as an idol and heresy, just to name a few.

The Trials of Theology contains words of advice and warning by theologians of the past, such as Spurgeon, Luther and Augustine, and theologians in our present age: D.A. Carson, Carl Trueman, John Woodhouse and others. Andrew Cameron and Brian Rosner compiled this book using selections based on those who helped them study "theology well." The two themes of the book is protecting our affectionate attachment to Christ and continuing our participation in a loving community of others. (pg. 10) Our affectionate attachment to Christ seems most difficult to maintain when embarking on a study of theology. It's too easy to forget why we are studying in the first place and some are prompted by motives that are not entirely God-centered.

The book is only 191 pages long and the short chapters make for excellent readability. Some of the idioms and wording found in the first section are a bit more challenging, since language has changed over the last several hundred years. My attention was captured and I would have certainly enjoyed a lengthier book. After reading this I am interested in reading Cameron and Rosner's previous work, The Consolations of Theology. I would recommend this book to anyone pursuing a formal or informal study of theology.

Disclaimer: Christian Focus Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book to me. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

There are a number of jobs that can accurately be described as dangerous. Jobs like crab fishing, coal mining, oil drilling and being a police officer. In fact there are jobs that are considered so dangerous that those who perform them receive `hazard' pay. Certain positions in the military receive this as well as the linemen who hang and maintain electrical wires by means of a helicopter. But have you ever considered that signing up for a lifetime of biblical studies could be deemed dangerous?

This is the very idea put forth in the recently published book The Trials of Theology: Becoming a `Proven Worker' in a Dangerous Business edited by Andrew J. B. Cameron and Brian S. Rosner. The Trials of Theology seeks to address some of the dangers that are inherent in the life of theological students. As the front cover indicates this book is a reader. The first section is a collection of chapters or essays from great theologians and Christian thinkers who have passed. It is here that the reader of this book gains wisdom from men as far back as Augustine and as recent as C.S. Lewis. The second section of the book compiles wisdom and direction from theologians of the present day. Men like D.A. Carson, Carl R. Trueman and Gerald L. Bray share with us what they have learned in their lifetime of theological studies.

Each chapter in this reader offers wisdom, insight and direction from godly men of the Christian faith in regards to areas of the theological student's life that can prove to be spiritually challenging in light of the nature of their work. Space does not permit a chapter by chapter summary so I will highlight some of the chapters that stuck out to me the most.

In regards to the student/minister's books both Spurgeon and Warfield had some fitting things to say. In the scope of two sections Spurgeon addresses the topic of books and the minister's tools or `equipment' as he calls them. He warns that while our books are our tools and we must keep them "in a good state of repair", we must also more so realize that "we are, in a certain sense, our own tools, and therefore we must keep ourselves in order (p. 35)." Too often the minister neglects themselves for the sake of their tools. We can readily spend more time and money into the investment of our tools and forget about the most important tool God has already given us - ourselves. Further, he warns us to be careful with how many books and tools we do acquire. He charges us to "master the books we do have" and that though there are many books we should read "make the Bible the man of your right hand, the companion of every hour, and you will have little reason to lament your slender equipment in inferior things (p. 39-40)." The mastery of our books about the Bible can never replace the mastery of the Bible itself.

Along the same lines but from a little different perspective Warfield offers some interesting advice when it comes to ones books, ability to teach and spiritual growth. Warfield believes that if one is to fulfill the requirement of being "apt to teach" then you must read books. When asked whether or not more time reading books or more time praying is more important Warfield famously replies, "What! is the appropriate response, than ten hours over your books, on your knees? (p. 51)." Warfield is fighting the notion that reading books somehow turns one away from God and therefore you must severely limit your time in them and in turn spend more time praying. Warfield rightly states, "Why should you turn from God when you turn to your books, or feel that you must turn from your books in order to turn to God? (p. 51)." Warfield wanted to point out that the totality of ones work, whether in prayer or books, contributed to their work and spiritual growth and that the two can be done together.

The chapter by C.S. Lewis, Inner Circles and True Inclusion, will strike at the heart of anyone who is bold enough to be honest about the desires of their own hearts. In this chapter Andrew Cameron lays out Lewis' walk through his own desire to be accepted while at Oxford and draws some very penetrating application to the theological student. Lewis walks the reader through his desire to belong with the Oxford crowd during his journey as a Christian apologist. He desired to be accepted by those whom he worked with and yet felt the pain of being an outsider because of his Christianity. It is this desire to belong to certain groups just out of our reach that Cameron draws parallels to when it comes to biblical studies. There is always a temptation to identify those in a group that are just a step above ourselves, whether in experience or intellectual ability, with whom we want to belong. We want to work our way to the `next level' or `circle' of acceptance. This is a spiritual danger. Lewis warns, "Unless you take measure to prevent it, this desire is going to be one of the chief motives of your life, from the first day on which you enter your profession until the day you are to old to care (p. 85)." It is not the desire for natural human relationships that are wrong but the desire for them to fulfill a void in your life that they cannot and only Christ can.

It might be fair to say that it was unfair to put a chapter in here by D.A. Carson because everything he writes is good and, at least in this reviewers mind, will naturally rise above anything else put next to it. Carson's chapter, The Trials of Biblical Studies, mimics the books title and brings out some of the most convicting statements in the entire book. There are a number of well-crafted statements that Carson makes which need no explanation for they carry their impact on their own:

Aim not only to be learned but also to be godly. There must be an integration of knowing what texts mean, and following them;.......What shall it profit biblical scholars to become experts on Greek aspect theory and on the relationship between Jude and 2 Peter, and lose their own soul (p. 112).

You are studying the Word of God, and unless your study is integrated with faith, obedience, godliness, prayer, conformity to Christ, rising love for God and for his image-bearers, you are horribly abusing the very texts you claim you are studying (p. 112-13).

If, then we are by temperament somewhat perfectionist, it is not difficult, with such a vast array of data-rich fields before us, to become workaholics. And a true workaholic is unlikely to be a good souse, and godly and wise parent, a faithful Christian. Work, intrinsically a good thing, easily becomes an idol (p. 115).

We do not always recognize that the mark of true growth in the study of Scripture is not so much that we become masters of the text as that we become mastered by the text (p. 117).

I find that last statement to be the most challenging in the entire book.

Each of the contributors in the Trails of Theology brings to the table their own gems of wisdom as hammered out in the context of a lifetime of theological studies. A common theme among each contributor is the importance of watching over ones spiritual life amidst the work aspect of their daily activities. One must fight the temptation to see a dualism within the work of theological studies. What each author wants the reader to see is that their work is a spiritual discipline that has dangers of its own. A life dedicated to the study of Scripture has job hazards of its own.

I readily recommend The Trials of Theology: Becoming a `Proven Worker' in a Dangerous Business to anyone interested in entering into the study of the Bible as their life's work. This book should be recommended reading for any first year theology student. It serves as an encouragement to push forward and a warning of what lies ahead from those who have been there.

Andrew Cameron and Brian Rosner have edited this helpful little book about "becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business." The book complements a previous book that Rosner edited, The Consolations of Theology.The book's goal is to demonstrate that a dichotomy exists between the head and heart of most theologians. It is one thing to be a student of the Bible; understanding the language, words, sentences, paragraphs, but it is entirely another thing to know the Bible. One of the main things I took away from looking at this book was the idea of not getting lost among words when studying the Word.

The target audience of this book is clearly the theological student, scholar, and minister. Though others can certainly benefit from it, the target lies with the mentioned group. The book is broken down into two sections; voices from the past and voices from the present. The first five chapters compose articles written by respected men from yesteryear on how the study of the Word should impact the theologian. Articles in this section are from Augustine, Martin Luther, C. H. Spurgeon, B. B. Warfield, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and C. S. Lewis.

The articles presented from present voices are from John Woodhouse, D. A. Carson, Carl Trueman, Gerald Bray, and Dennis Hollinger. Each man in this category supplies an essay that is relevant to the discipline they are in (biblical, systematic, historical, etc.).

As a professor in a university and an assistant director of a graduate school I sense the dichotomy of the head and the heart frequently...in myself. I know that what is true of myself in this situation is also going to be true of any of my students as well. While reading this I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 8:1-3: "We know that 'we all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God."

Cameron and Rosner have done the academy a great service in providing this collection of essays. They are helpful, convicting, and useful for today's theological student, scholar, and minister.