Biblical and Theological Studies: A Student's Guide

by Michael J. Wilkins, Erik Thoennes, David S. Dockery (Editor)

There is an abundant need today for biblically grounded and practically applied theology. In this book, a New Testament scholar and a theologian team up to offer readers a robust introduction to biblical and theological studies. This readable guide outlines a distinctly evangelical approach to studying the Bible and theology, highlighting the proper methods for understanding and synthesizing the teachings of the Bible, leading to deeper knowledge of God, ourselves, and how we are to meaningfully apply his Word to our lives. Part of the Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition series. 

Genres: Theology

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2013

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost thirty-five years ago, I sat in my first undergraduate Bible course. It was a steep uphill climb that involved a whole new vocabulary. Those days were both exciting and daunting. One of the missing pieces of my education was a clear big picture. Michael Wilkins and Erik Thoennnes offer exactly what I needed in the early years of my theological education in their book, Biblical and Theological Studies: A Student Guide.

At the heart of this work is a deep and passionate desire to equip the next generation of Christian leaders. This goal is achieved in a short book that delivers a powerful message. The authors provide an overview of what constitutes a solid and substantial Christian education. Two primary aspects are presented, namely, biblical and theological studies. Six attitudes are commended for anyone who truly desires to grow theologically:

1. We should study the Bible with fear and worship of God.

2. We should study the Bible with growing humility about ourselves.

3. We should study with prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit.

4. We should study the Bible with eager expectation to learn much but also expecting to find great mystery and challenges to our thinking.

5. We should study the Bible with humble obedience.

6. We should study the Bible with heartfelt gratitude and joy.

These attitudes are the necessary prerequisites for anyone who is truly seeking God and desires a theological education that is transformational. To jettison these attitudes is not an act of foolishness; it is a sign that pride has taken root, which ultimately leads to ruinous results.

Moving forward with the proper foundation, Wilkens and Thoennes guide readers through the theological forest. Along the way, they explain the differences between biblical theology and systematic theology. The journey includes each of the necessary steps that will ultimately lead wiling students to the Celestial City.

Biblical and Theological Studies is a basic book. It is also an essential book that should be carefully devoured by undergraduates who have their minds and hearts set on a solid theological education.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Rich Weber · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the beginning, there was Grudem - big Grudem, “Systematic Theology.”
Then, there was Grudem Lite - “Biblical Doctrine.”
Then, Baby Grudem - “Christian Beliefs.”
By this point, Big Grudem had been reduced mostly to a series of terms and definitions with parenthetical Scripture references.

“Biblical and Theological Studies” is like Preemie Grudem. Chapter 2 (on Scripture) is basically a summary of Grudem’s terms and definitions. Chapter 3 (on Theological Studies) reviews the same attitudes that should characterize a theologian’s approach.

I had expected this book to discuss more of the essential characteristics of a Biblical & Theological Studies program for Christian higher education. After all, that’s the impression left by Dockery’s initial volume on the Christian Intellectual Tradition - the series would be focused on integration of a biblical worldview in various academic disciplines. This book didn’t seem to follow the vision of that earlier volume - it was more of a primer on bibliology and theological method.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work is probably closer to the vision and purpose of the series than of its companions. Wilkins and Thoennes cover topic after topic in the field of Biblical studies. Nearly any term you've ever heard in relation to studying the Bible is found here, from forms of criticism to techniques of hermeneutics to theological subdisciplines to linguistic approaches. They are careful not to prejudice the reader toward any of the varieties they describe, yet they always affirm reading the Scripture in a way that is, well, Scriptural. That is to say, they are quite orthodox without attempting to create clones of themselves. I am sure they have their own preferences and styles, and yet the writers lay out the academic discipline without playing favorites. That is a challenging task that they perform admirably. This book will be helpful for those who want to become more conversant with Biblical studies but are not looking for a "how-to" manual.

[Gabriel Stilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entry level title that I would imagine would be redundant for most, however I was very pleased with my time spent with it and was able to gain a lot. Very well done book that succeeds at what it was trying to do. Will certainly be coming back to it for clarification in the future.

[Tyler Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the subject.