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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Theology As the Framework for Practical Living, September 4, 2008
Wendy Alsup, says the blurb, "enjoys teaching theology to women." That's what she's done at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, and that's what she does in this book.
The title calls this practical theology, but the term is not used in a way that sets practical theology apart as a specific type of theology. The point Wendy Alsup is making by using this term is that the study of theology, defined as "the study of God and deep religious truth," affects our lives in a very practical way. Theology, she says, "is the root, foundation, and framework for practical living...." She is using the term, I think, in order to appeal to those who believe that theology is something for the intellectuals or the super-spirituals in the church, but not something useful for the average Joe or--considering the intended audience for this book--Jane Christian.
But why have a theology book aimed specifically at women? Because most theology books are written by men for readers who are predominately men. By writing a theology book intended for women, Alsup hopes to "fight the unspoken mentality that theology is for men, while parenting, sewing, or dieting classes are for women."
Essentially, this is a very basic, entry level book of doctrine. It is more elementary than any entry level theology book I've seen. It's shorter, too, at 150 pages, and written in a more conversational style. I'd judge it to be geared for the lay person with no previous interest in theology.
There are three main sections in Practical Theology for Women: What Is Theology?, Who Is Our God?, and Communicating with Our God. The first section discusses the meaning of theology and faith and how they are related. The second section, which I think of as the heart of the book, looks at the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives. God is our Father, the sovereign, compassionate, wise one who disciplines us, the Son is our Saviour, our example, our bridegroom, the one with whom we are intimately united, and the Spirit is our helper and sanctifier. The third section examines communication with God--our communication with him through prayer and his communication with us through his word.
The teaching is straight and true. The choice of content, for a book intended for beginners in theology, is exactly right. Considering the target audience, the conversational tone and organization is best, too.
If you read Charnock or Edwards, like some women I know, you'll probably find this book too basic for you. Likewise, I suppose, if you've had a college level course in systematic theology or doctrine and paid any attention. But for the majority of Christian women I know, this book would be perfect. Wendy Alsup does an excellent job of making the deeper things of God easy to understand for someone who has absolutely no background in theology. The best use for Practical Theology for Women, as I see it, would be in a group study for women, where women can use it to spur each other on in the study of who God is and what he does.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Strong Enough For a Man, But Made For a Woman", July 27, 2008
If you are wondering whether "Practical Theology for Women," is a euphemism for dumbed-down theology or pop-psychology, let me assure you it is not. To the contrary, the major theme of this book is that seeking to know the "deep things of God" from Scripture empowers Christian women in daily living- from the mundane to the events that shake our world. Throughout the book, Alsup quotes robust sections of Scripture to draw out themes such as God's love for us, the role of trials in giving us greater glimpses into God's glory, and the role of discipline in conforming us to the image of Christ. Laying a sturdy foundation from Scripture, Alsup highlights key truths about who God is: 1) as the Father who lovingly adopted us into His family and who desires for us to come to Him with all our needs; 2) as the Brother who sacrificially gave His life for ours, bought our freedom and access to the Father, and who demonstrates by example how we ought to live; and 3) as the Spirit who is our counselor, comforter, sanctifier, and the guarantee of the redemption that awaits us. Humbly using examples from her own life, Alsup goes on to challenge women to examine whether our responses in daily life reflect what we know to be true of God in Scripture. She asks:
What enables one man to face open-heart surgery with calm assurance, while another man is devastated because his car transmission needs to be overhauled? What force drives one woman to near hysterics as she contemplates flying in a plane, while another woman seeks to encourage her family even as she shares the news that she has breast cancer? p. 30
Her answer to these questions is biblical faith- knowing the God of the Bible, trusting Him, and subsequently living like we do. As Alsup reminds us, our God is sovereign, wise, and compassionate, and believing this by faith impacts our daily lives. Alsup's book exposes how our unbelief is often revealed in our common responses to trials by the way we manipulate our circumstances or sink into despair. Rather than settling for this way of living, Alsup urges women to "stop," "get off of the emotional roller coaster," and take our thoughts captive to make them obedient to Christ. She then takes us by the hand and walks us through the ways we do this by accessing God and the exceedingly great power that is available to us through the Word and through prayer.
The biggest legacy of this small book is its rich reference to Scripture, and the simple, practical, and empowering application of Scripture to the everyday life of women with everyday struggles. It can be read cover to cover in an hour or two, or it can be read chapter by chapter in about 5 to 10 minutes per day. Alsup not only employs helpful illustrations from her own life and the lives of other women, but she offers Biblical and practical tips on how to study the Bible and how to pray.
After reading this book, I am left with this truth that Alsup draws upon throughout the book: God does not leave us as orphans but rather gives us direct access to Him and to the same power that raised Jesus from the grave! As Alsup's book reminds us, this truth means something for us everyday at the breakfast table, in our school, in our workplace, in our cars, at the gym, at the mall, in our churches, and in our neighborhoods. It also means something when we lose our job, when our friends betray us, when we lose a loved one to death, or when we face our own impending death. Alsup's book leaves me convicted, inspired, and empowered as I seek to call on, honor, and image the God of the Bible moment by moment in my life.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Women who know God will live radically different lives, August 26, 2008
When first I heard of Practical Theology for Women I knew I wanted to read it. My only question was, Who is Wendy Alsup? In addition to her responsibilities as a wife and mother to two small boys, she is Deacon of Women's Theology and Training for Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. Those are a few of the roles she fills, but deep down she is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ who desires to see Christian women study theology and allow the truth of God's Word to transform their lives. Instead of living the Christian life with a "desk calendar approach," Alsup challenges women to pursue sound theology.
Practical Theology for Women is organized into three parts: What Is Theology?, Who Is God? and Communicating with Our God. In Part 1, Alsup offers a simple definition of theology and a defense for why she believes women should take seriously the study of God. In Part 2, she discusses God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, His attributes and how He relates to His children. In Part 3, she writes about how we can communicate with Him through prayer and the study of His Word.
Alsup begins with a preface sharing personal stories to demonstrate that "what God teaches about himself in his Word is of utmost importance to the issues of [her] personal daily life." She understands that most women are intimidated by the thought of theological study. Many women, preferring to have a simple "nugget of wisdom" for the day, believe that the deep things of God are reserved for pastors and elders and seminary professors. Not only would Alsup disagree, she would say that a disregard for the deep things of God will ensure a mediocre Christian life. What we believe about God directly influences the way we live. Alsup writes, "Theology is the root, foundation, and framework for practical living that reflects wisdom and understanding." Put simply, theology directly influences faith which directly influences behavior.
Several scriptures convey the truth that the ones who know their God will do great things. Every systematic theology I've ever picked up includes a lengthy chapter or two on God and His attributes, activity, and character. Alsup, though she does not offer systematic details, provides helpful commentary on key scriptures regarding God as our Sovereign, Compassionate, and Wise Father; our Saviour, Example, and Bridegroom; our Help and our Sanctifier. Near the end of each chapter Alsup asks probing questions to help the reader discern whether the truth about God is being lived in her daily life. For example, when considering the believer's relationship with Christ and the Church, Alsup asks, "Do you identify Christ as the head of your body and live like he is the brains of your operation? Does your life reflect the supernatural connection you have to the rest of his body? Are you living in community with your brothers and sisters in his body or in isolation from other believers? Does your relationship with the church show that you believe that you are members of one another, or do you disobey Paul's instructions by living as if you don't need the other members? It is not enough to have a head knowledge of these doctrines. We must examine ourselves daily to see if we live out these teachings. If not, we must take our thoughts captive and make them submit to the truth of God's Word."
Finally, no study of God would be complete without some explanation of His Word and how we are to approach it. Alsup affirms that all of God's Word is sufficient to teach us about ourselves, about Christ, and about Itself. Alsup also offers a few helpful clues for how to study and interpret the Old and New Testaments. These few short chapters served to remind me what a gold mine the Word of God is; treasure awaits those who take the time to dig deeply for truth. It is important to read good books, but Alsup reminds us to always make God's Word the priority.
One of the marks of a gifted teacher is that he or she can take difficult concepts and explain them in such a way that others can understand. Alsup obviously knows what she's writing about, but she must walk a line between writing to demonstrate her mastery of the subject and writing for women who may not have any previous experience with theological study. Alsup does this well. A good teacher will also point students to her sources. Alsup ends several chapters with suggestions for further study, which is what she hopes women will pursue after reading this book. It is appropriate for individual or small group use, from college aged women on up. I am happy to recommend it.
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by Mark Driscoll
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by Mark Driscoll
