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How to Write a Theology Essay
So, you've signed up for your theological studies; you've weathered the storm of those early weeks of language study; you've coped with your early forays into biblical exegesis; and you've been given a sketch of the history of the early church. There's been some spiritual highs and some frustrating lows. You can see perhaps just the beginnings of the benefits of the process of theological education creeping into your ministry - such precious minutes of it as you can grab, anyway. But sensing a deadline looming, you go to the relevant webpage on your seminary website and discover that a strange beast is lying in wait for the theology essay. How do you write a theology essay? The aim of this book is to tell you how. With humour and insight, Michael Jensen, who has taught theology for a number of years in the UK and Australia, explains not only what makes for a good theology essay but what makes for good theology. If you want to make the most of your theological education, then this book is for you. Michael Jensen (D. Phil, Oxon) teaches at Sydney's Moore Theological College and longs for his students to have a deep understanding of the knowledge of God. His previous books include Martyrdom and The Self on Trial (T&T Clark, 2010). He is married to Catherine and they have four children.
88 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2012
17 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Michael P. Jensen
15 books9 followersMichael P. Jensen lectures in Theology and Church History at Moore Theological College. He is the author and editor of several theological books, including "Martyrdom and Identity: The Self on Trial" and "Decisive Commitments and Defining Convictions". He is also the editor of "True Feelings: Perspectives on Emotions in Christian Life and Ministry". He loves the internet and bad TV. He and his wife Catherine have four children.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 17, 2024
In preparation for my theological studies starting in a few months, I thought it would be a good idea to read this book. To be quite honest, I'm feeling a little bit scared of this aspect of theological study, I can read, I can absorb lectures, I can take notes - but can I write?
This book gave me confidence that, I too could write a theological essay, and in this regard I think it achieves its very specific purpose for existing. Being a Sydney Anglican, I have the added benefit of understanding the context Jensen is writing from, I also appreciated the humour sprinkled throughout. It's very helpful to have the author share his experience as both an author of theological essays in his past, and his experience of marking them also.
Another thing this book gave me, is a framework for evaluating good theological writing as a reader. I' no stranger to theological works, even the academic kind. The author was able to tow the line between the formal academic side of writing an essay, and the underlying spiritual aspect, He takes great pains to express that we are writing in the presence of God, and must respect our subject, not as an abstract concept but as a facet of the revelation of the true God. Making this important point, the importance of avoiding plagiarism and treating ones opponents fairly (so as to not bear false witness, which is a sin) is emphasised.
Overall, if you ever have to write a theological essay, or even enjoy reading theological writing, this is a great book to have handy. I think I will re-read this as my studies get closer. Buy one for yourself, buy one for your friend who is in college or thinking about going to college.
This book gave me confidence that, I too could write a theological essay, and in this regard I think it achieves its very specific purpose for existing. Being a Sydney Anglican, I have the added benefit of understanding the context Jensen is writing from, I also appreciated the humour sprinkled throughout. It's very helpful to have the author share his experience as both an author of theological essays in his past, and his experience of marking them also.
Another thing this book gave me, is a framework for evaluating good theological writing as a reader. I' no stranger to theological works, even the academic kind. The author was able to tow the line between the formal academic side of writing an essay, and the underlying spiritual aspect, He takes great pains to express that we are writing in the presence of God, and must respect our subject, not as an abstract concept but as a facet of the revelation of the true God. Making this important point, the importance of avoiding plagiarism and treating ones opponents fairly (so as to not bear false witness, which is a sin) is emphasised.
Overall, if you ever have to write a theological essay, or even enjoy reading theological writing, this is a great book to have handy. I think I will re-read this as my studies get closer. Buy one for yourself, buy one for your friend who is in college or thinking about going to college.
September 3, 2021
Michael Jensen es un profesor en el Moore College y traslada sus incontables horas revisando ensayos teológicos a un libro que nos enseña cómo escribirlos sin morir en el intento. El libro comienza con las generalidades (definiendo qué es la teología, qué es un ensayo de teología y cuál es su responsabilidad), para luego ir al aspecto más práctico (elección y análisis de la pregunta que se intentará responder en el ensayo, etc).
Esta es una herramienta muy útil para todos el que se atreva a levantar la pluma y esgrimir teología en una página en blanco. El arte de escribir se ha ido perdiendo con el tiempo y la sociedad de consumo de hoy no produce (ni escribe), solo espera lo que otros produzcan. Los ensayos de teología van más allá de un salón de clases y el autor se encarga de recordárnoslo en sus páginas. Este libro es recomendado, tiene lo técnico en sus páginas, pero lo devocional en su propósito.
Esta es una herramienta muy útil para todos el que se atreva a levantar la pluma y esgrimir teología en una página en blanco. El arte de escribir se ha ido perdiendo con el tiempo y la sociedad de consumo de hoy no produce (ni escribe), solo espera lo que otros produzcan. Los ensayos de teología van más allá de un salón de clases y el autor se encarga de recordárnoslo en sus páginas. Este libro es recomendado, tiene lo técnico en sus páginas, pero lo devocional en su propósito.
February 11, 2017
Absolutely brilliant! One of those books you come away from asking, 'Why have I not read this before?!'
Short, clear, full of working examples and with just the right amount of friendly humour throughout to lighten the technical nature of the topic.
One to re-visit often when writing papers.
Short, clear, full of working examples and with just the right amount of friendly humour throughout to lighten the technical nature of the topic.
One to re-visit often when writing papers.
Read
March 10, 2023Disclaimer: I read this as part of an assignment on academic writing.
As a whole, it does a good job at briefly pointing out every facet of writing a theological essay, from a spiritual POV and a practical POV. This book will generally serve to help 1st-time tertiary education students, but for those pursuing a degree in theology as a post-grad, there's nothing much new to understand EXCEPT for some common conventions (albeit Jensen does also recommend for students to individually check with their schools for things like referencing formats).
Writing a theological essay is much like a marathon (Jensen's metaphor) and the more you do it the better you become. However, a note of caution to full-time ministers in church, there needs to be an awareness that you cannot take theological essay writing for granted. It is indeed a way to deepen our understanding of God while at the same time, it must serve God's people/church. To the Bible school student, it is not merely mental ascent but a very necessary avenue to develop in order to love God deeper while loving God's people.
Key point I took away: Get into the habit of reading good writers and start writing regardless of the reason (exam or no exam).
As a whole, it does a good job at briefly pointing out every facet of writing a theological essay, from a spiritual POV and a practical POV. This book will generally serve to help 1st-time tertiary education students, but for those pursuing a degree in theology as a post-grad, there's nothing much new to understand EXCEPT for some common conventions (albeit Jensen does also recommend for students to individually check with their schools for things like referencing formats).
Writing a theological essay is much like a marathon (Jensen's metaphor) and the more you do it the better you become. However, a note of caution to full-time ministers in church, there needs to be an awareness that you cannot take theological essay writing for granted. It is indeed a way to deepen our understanding of God while at the same time, it must serve God's people/church. To the Bible school student, it is not merely mental ascent but a very necessary avenue to develop in order to love God deeper while loving God's people.
Key point I took away: Get into the habit of reading good writers and start writing regardless of the reason (exam or no exam).
March 8, 2021
Thee are very few books on how to write a theology essay. In fact, I have yet to find a book that focuses on how to writes a theology dissertation ot doctorate. Having said that, there is lots of useful tips here, The author talks on choosing the question, analysing it and brainstorming it. As well as, such areas as introduction, signposting and quoting. I am currently completing a Masters, so for me, it does not go far enough. What the author does very well is lay a good foundation upon which essays from graduate to postgraduate can be built.
October 11, 2022
Wonderful little book! Small but packs a huge punch!!
As a first-year Ordinand, it’s been immensely helpful in laying out expectations. The candid (often quite hilarious) nature of the writing makes the task ahead feel not so scary, and the super informative, accessible chapters will be revisited on many occasions I’m sure!
What a gem!
As a first-year Ordinand, it’s been immensely helpful in laying out expectations. The candid (often quite hilarious) nature of the writing makes the task ahead feel not so scary, and the super informative, accessible chapters will be revisited on many occasions I’m sure!
What a gem!
December 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this; far more than I expected to!
The chapters are brief but helpful, and the author is both insightful and playful.
Each chapter ends with bullet summaries.
I great tool I expect to use again and again!
The chapters are brief but helpful, and the author is both insightful and playful.
Each chapter ends with bullet summaries.
I great tool I expect to use again and again!
February 28, 2025
A great book introducing students of theology to the practice of writing theological essays.
With engaging humour sprinkled within, this book does not fall short in giving a clear and concise guide for the task at hand
With engaging humour sprinkled within, this book does not fall short in giving a clear and concise guide for the task at hand
August 26, 2018
A pithy and helpful guide.
February 9, 2022
A practical, thorough, humorous guide to good writing for a theology essay.
February 23, 2024
This is a great resource for different things.
May 26, 2024
Una lectura para principiantes, te orienta de los pasos a seguir a escribir. No es un documento técnico.
June 16, 2014
If you're writing a theology essay, needing some practical tips and encouragement. Look no further, indeed there is no further that you can look to.
Michael Jensen doesn't offer all the tips there is to know, but enough to spur you on.
Apart from John Frame's short article online (How to write a theological essay), this short book should be an essential to every student in theological seminary.
Michael Jensen doesn't offer all the tips there is to know, but enough to spur you on.
Apart from John Frame's short article online (How to write a theological essay), this short book should be an essential to every student in theological seminary.
December 21, 2021
Bueno y práctico, muchas gracias!!
Muy claro, directo, práctico, pastoral y de agradable lectura. Se agradece el detalle, sinceridad y consejos! Será un libro al que recurra constantemente, muchas gracias!
Muy claro, directo, práctico, pastoral y de agradable lectura. Se agradece el detalle, sinceridad y consejos! Será un libro al que recurra constantemente, muchas gracias!
February 23, 2015
Excellent resource for first year seminary students or upper level undergrad courses.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews