Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically

by Beth Felker Jones

This introductory theology text explains key concepts in Christian doctrine and shows that doctrine is integrally linked to the practical realities of Christian life. In order to grow into more faithful practitioners of Christianity, we need to engage in the practice of learning doctrine and understanding how it shapes faithful lives. Beth Felker Jones helps students articulate basic Christian doctrines, think theologically so they can act Christianly in a diverse world, and connect Christian thought to their everyday life of faith.

This book, written from a solidly evangelical yet ecumenically aware perspective, models a way of doing theology that is generous and charitable. It attends to history and contemporary debates and features voices from the global church. Sidebars made up of illustrative quotations, key Scripture passages, classic hymn texts, and devotional poetry punctuate the chapters.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, School, Nonfiction, Faith, Read For School

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Beth Felker Jones teaches theology at Northern Seminary, near Chicago, and loves to write for the church.

Reviews

[Laney Dugan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth Felker Jones was a wonderful author to be introduced to through seminary coursework! I found myself returning to her work continually throughout the past quarter, and would definitely recommend this as a robust introduction (or refresher!) to core Christian doctrine. Her emphasis on “practicing Christian doctrine” is brilliant and much-needed if we want to avoid simply talking about things that we say matter but never let them leave their mark on our day-to-day lives.

[Jeremy Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to theology! I really appreciated the catholicity of the book, focusing on the things that all believers agree on and using the work of thinkers from many different branches of the church.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher A. Hall said it best: “A wise, well-written introduction to the wonder and joy of Christian doctrine.”

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) described the theological task as one of ‘faith seeking understanding.’ These words expressed his desire to appreciate the implications of the faith clearly, logically, and deeply. ‘For I do not seek to understand so that I may believe,’ he said, ‘but I believe so that I may understand.’… Theology begins in God, who is unprovable, transcendent, and unutterable, and through grace and goodness it continues in a quest to understand matters of faith, matters that remain unprovable but nonetheless become visible and practical in lives transformed by the gospel. As we search for understanding, we become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.” | If, like me, you find your ‘faith seeking understanding,’ I am convinced that Practicing Christian Doctrine is well worth your time! Jones offers a concise yet comprehensive, academic yet accessible, and diverse yet unified overview of Christian theology. I learned a great deal from this book!

[R. B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heavy read but I learned a lot.

[Gems Gordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple in the complexity of Christian doctrine, this is a great book to gain one's theological footing whilst recognizing a call to both understand what Christians believe and live accordingly.

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. If youŕe looking for an introductory work into the very broad topic of Theology, or looking to see how to practically apply the various doctrines of the Christian faith, this is a wonderful 1st book. Hence itś place in my seminaries textbooks no doubt. If you´ve studied theology for a very long time, or spend a lot of your time studying it, this book may not bring to you the freshest theological insights but it may still be a very pleasant read and beautiful emphasis on the point of theology. That it should bring us closer to God, to love Him more, and by extension help us pour out that love and live out that theology in a much more profound and life changing way.

Of course there were some things i disagreed with (as we all do with each other on some things), but overall a wonderful read.

[Below is part of the closing benediction, and below that the table of contents.]
Holy God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Be with your people as we seek your face. As it pleases you, Lord, use doctrine as a teacher for your people, opening our eyes to whatever is good, true, and beautiful. Take our lives and make us witnesses to your goodness, truth, and beauty so that the world may see your love and mercy.
Lord, empower the discipline of theology. Wrench us out of ivory towers, and lead us into your world. Shape us for the faithful practice of doctrine, and give us power for that practice.
Illuminate the darkness of our ignorance. Shape us in trusting confidence in the truth of your revelation. Make us grateful for the sweetness of your Word, and drive us to the Scriptures again and again. Free us from doubt and unbelief and from the hopelessness that would give up on knowing you.
Shatter our idols, Lord, and lead us to worship you. Let us know your triune goodness, and help us to give praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in all that we do.
Break us of our habits of disdain for your creation. Shape us, Lord, as people who delight in your world. Make us faithful stewards, helping us to exercise the servant dominion we have learned from Christ.
Make us truly human, God.

[TOC]
Introduction
Speaking of God
Knowing God
The God We Worship
A Delightful World
Reflecting God’s Image
The Personal Jesus Christ
The Work of Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian Life
Church in a Diverse World
Resurrection Hope
Benediction

[Jonny Warke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, introduction to doctrine that covers a wide range of Christian beliefs. Beth FJ continually seeks to portray application of doctrine in an effort to make the theory relevant to Christian living. Helpful for those who want an introduction to 'living theologically', although if reading as a 'theology buff' you will likely want more depth.

[Cole Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was mandatory for a class, but I’m glad I had to read it because it’s a great overview of theology! I’d consider this a step beyond “You Are A Theologian by Jen Wilkin.” Definitely a great read for people who want to get into learning about theology.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, introductory theology text, and is more readable than other introductory texts I’ve looked at in the past. I appreciate that it pushes towards the integration of faith and practice.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved. So understandable and good.

[Caitlyn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a theology class. I had to read it pretty fast, but I still enjoyed it! I thought it was a really good book for people who feel intimidated by theology. I feel like she gives plenty of detail in history without it being too much! I also loved how she ended each chapter with how we could practice the topic in our own lives. I highlighted a bunch of things in this book and will for sure go back to it in a slower pace when I get the opportunity! I would recommend this book for anyone who is wanting to go deeper in faith topics!

[Zach Lew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate this textbook’s practical focus! It is very ecumenical without taking strong stances on some issues but don’t think that this book won’t convict you!

[Molly Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent beginning text for an Introduction to Theology course. For it being an introductory text with a great spread of information and context, Jones still did well to give a decently deep look into many theological subjects. While she sometimes could have used simple, less convoluted language to describe a theological concept, she overall gave a fair treatment of the material.

Perhaps my favorite part of this book came in the opening pages. Jones offers a refreshing reminder that everything we believe within Christian doctrine has great implications for the practice of our faith. In other words, what we believe informs how we live, worship, practice, and act. While we may know this, I was encouraged as I began this book when I was able to remember the practical aspects of theological study!

This might be a good book to share and give to someone who may be interested in beginning the journey of theological education!

[Vance Christiaanse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A typical text is written from the "I'm right and everyone who disagrees with me is wrong" perspective. The perspective of this book is refreshingly different: "Here is an overview of what Evangelical Christians agree on, plus both sides of many issues they disagree on, plus an acknowledgement of many of the places those outside Evangelicalism would disagree." That last part is accomplished mostly like this: instead of breezily asserting all the Evangelical truths as though preaching to the choir, Jones asserts some of the truths through clenched teeth, making it obvious to readers which ones are problematic.

I would like to see every Evangelical Christian read this book.

[Christy McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book theologically and information wise but gave it 3 stars because it was so hard to get through sometimes

[Allan Bevere · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Substantive and accessible.

[Kathleen]

Had to read for YL so I’m counting this! TY.

[Savannah Huffaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for Intro Christian Theology and enjoyed it.

[Ciaran Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the best textbook I have ever read. Incredibly informative and changed my life completely. Introduction to Theology will always have a special place in my heart

[Garrett Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve ever won from Goodreads First Reads, and in the past week or so I’ve won three other books. I’m one lucky dog!
I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy this book (I couldn't imagine some book I won could be that good) but when I read the first few chapters I was quite surprised by how informative, enjoyable, and lucid this book is.

I found Jones’s work to be a pleasing introduction to the world of theology. As someone who has been a student of apologetics, my knowledge of theology was good but not well-rounded. This book cleared up a lot of questions I had about different viewpoints and definitions of several theological terms.

Jones successfully makes sure that the reader doesn't get too bogged down in studying God by including the occasional poem or hymn of praise that reminds one of His greatness. She presents many of the arguments for a wide variety of theological issues that are important to understand. Although this is a well-done portion of the book, it is not without its flaws. While some would see the absence of a obvious author opinion as a quality, it makes it difficult to see the author as a person when she does not make any comments based from opinion. I am aware that this book is meant to be a more scholarly work, but for the average reader, the feeling of a connection or understanding with the author is essential.

Jones covers many heretical teachings of the church throughout the centuries that, while informative and enlightening in a way that helps us avoid these theological missteps, creates a problem where the reader might get bored and drug down through seemingly needless detail on controversies that have been long solved. I don’t think the exploration of these heresies was unnecessary or bad so to say, but I will admit that the detail put into them became tiring after a period of time.

The author includes theological perspectives from world theologians in places like Africa or South America. Why the author is interested in presenting these views or what it has do with her and/or the material goes unexplained. I would say its most likely due to her fascination with the ecumenical church, but this interest alone cannot explain why these views would be explored when the purpose of the book is supposed to be learning to think and live theologically. Not to study worldviews on God.

It’s somewhat difficult to tell who the audience for this book is supposed to be. Even as a longtime laymen student of apologetics and some theology I learned plenty of new things, but there was a lot of material that I couldn’t imagine someone reading this kind of book wouldn’t already know. It is an introduction, so I understand trying to flesh out some of the basics, but the book sometimes dives into basics that anyone who has attended church for a half year would understand.

A minor complaint of mine would be Jones’s reliance on the quotes of John Wesley, whom she uses incessantly. I would assume from this that she is a follower of Wesleyanism, but even so I would have liked more of a variety of sources quoted. She sticks to her favorites and doesn’t branch too far out from there.

The biggest problem is the theme of the book, “practicing Christian doctrine.” While the title of the book makes the premise sound like the book will be approaching theology from a fresh angle by trying to show how theology can affect you and make you live life differently, this aspect is relegated to barely a cameo appearance. Jones spends most of each chapter summarizing each topic as it is viewed in theology, and at the end of the chapter she uses about a page to try to explain how this affects the way you’ll live life. While I enjoyed the book and gained a lot from it, this premise of “living and thinking theologically” appears to be merely a tacked-on gimmick to sell what is otherwise an introductory theology text to a wider audience. If Jones had only spent more time on each section detailing this topic, it might not be a problem. As it is, it appears that Jones is desperately attempting to figure out a tie-in to the theme for each chapter even when there isn't one.

And lastly, the book ends without much of a sense of closure due to the neglect of the main premise. The last chapter is a good one that deals with eschatology (teaching of the last things like heaven, hell, the second coming, etc.) but after that is a benediction and the book ends. Jones should have ended it by including a final chapter that summarizes the book’s main points and argues for the practice of its subject. She attempts to do so in the benediction, but it is not quite as effective as a last chapter could have been. If this book were to enter a second printing, I would keep the benediction but add the needed chapter.

Overall, despite my criticisms, I'm partial towards the book and I was happy to read it. I learned a lot, and I would recommend it to those who are looking for an introductory theology work that is understandable to the layman. It’s not perfect, but it does an intelligent job.

3.5

[Emily]

would recommend :)

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Christian doctrine. Looking forward to using it with students next year.

[Ryleigh Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthfully, I loved studying this book. The rarity of being convicted and illuminated through the Holy Spirit during an EXAM is not lost on me. But, also, this class is hard and I’m tired.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is low-key genius. Why? Jones goes over the foundational doctrinal areas within the Christian faith, explains the heart of it, how it changes how we live practically in the world AND THEN she talks about early Christian heresies and what makes them heresy in transgressing against the specific doctrines... not just as theological hair-splitting, but she presents why that matters as it relates to the way we follow Jesus in the world. So good!

Bonus points: This book pairs really well with Kallistos Ware's "The Orthodox way". The chapters map nearly exactly onto each other, and reading together gives a feel for the differences in approaching theology between East and West.

[Gregory Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her book, Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically, Wheaton University’s Dr. Beth Felker Jones presents an argument that theology is not just for academic discussion. No, theology must go beyond ivory tower philosophical gymnastics and have a deeply practical nature. Her other books are Faithful: A Theology of Sex, God the Spirit: Introducing Pneumatology in Wesleyan and Ecumenical Perspective, and The Marks of His Wounds: Resurrection Doctrine and Gender Politics. These works along with her emphasis on systematic theology at Wheaton College and her work for the publication, The Christian Century where she writes on media, give her a substantial authority in the area of theology and doctrine.

However, as evidenced in Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically, theology is a way we live. In the book, Dr. Felker Jones covers the theological doctrines of speaking of God, knowing God, the Trinity, Creation, God’s Image, Christology, Soteriology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. These overviews are brief but profound. The chapters bring the reader into the historical development and complexities of each doctrine. However, Dr. Felker Jones does stop with an explanation of doctrine but emphasizes application. As she states in her Introduction:

“The study of doctrine belongs right in the middle of the Christian life. It is part of our worship of God and service to God’s people. Jesus commanded us to love God with our mind as well as our heart, soul, and strength (Luke 10:27). All four are connected: the heart’s passion, the soul’s yearning, the strength God grants us, and the intellectual task of seeking the truth of God. This means that the study of doctrine is an act of love for God: in studying the things of God, we are formed as worshipers and as God’s servants in the world. To practice doctrine is to yearn for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, to seek the logic and the beauty of that faith, and to live out what we have learned in the everyday realities of the Christian life.”

Jesus in Luke 10:27 implored His followers to love God with their whole being. That means that theology must have a practical end, not just an intellectual one. This theology, this collection of doctrines, is historical. The Christian’s theological heritage is built upon the practical need to work out beliefs in the face of daunting heresies. Dr. Felker Jones, reviewing David Bebbington’s view on theology, further states:

"Evangelical Christianity is orthodox because it shares the doctrinal commitments of the early church’s creedal tradition, such as a belief in a Triune God. This orthodoxy is a point of connection between evangelicals and the bigger Christian story, beginning with the early church."

This dedication to the historical connection is evident throughout the book. Dr. Felker Jones consistently through each chapter connects the current day understanding of doctrines back to the origin and development of thought. In this way, the reader is led through the necessary and practical nature of the doctrine. Learning why a doctrine developed is essential in learning why the doctrine is essential and practical today.

For example, consider the chapter on Ecclesiology (in my mind the finest chapter in the book). Starting with Acts chapter 15, Dr. Felker Jones develops this doctrine with an eye towards the realistic notion of what Church is to Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox Christians. Acts 15 is crucial because it marks an intense moment of discernment of her leaders. The Church had to decide how to handle the Gentiles; whether to force them to adhere to Jewish laws (circumcision specifically) or not. The tension was between remaining faithful to the Jewish nature of the church while at the same time opening the Gospel to all peoples. Again, Dr. Felker Jones speaks to the practical nature of this debate:

“It matters that this decision is made, not against what God has done in Israel, but in continuity with God’s work in Israel as testified to in Scripture. The new church agrees “with the words of the prophets” (v. 15) and with things God has been making “known from long ago” (v. 18). To free gentile converts from the requirement of circumcision is not to ignore the holiness of God’s law, but it is to recognize the heart of the law.”

Further:

“The church of Jesus Christ is this joyous community: the community that rejoices in God’s gracious salvation. The church is the community that opens up, through that grace, to proclaim Christ’s peace to those “who were far off” and to “those who were near” (Eph. 2:17). This is the community that makes room for the Gentiles to be grafted in, not by sacrificing its identity, but by clarifying that identity: the church is the people of God, called out to bear visible witness, in the body and as a body, to the free and transformative gift of grace we have received in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we practice ecclesiology, the doctrine of the church, we learn what it means to be the people who were once “called ‘the uncircumcision’” (Eph. 2:11) because we were estranged from God, a people of aliens made citizens, strangers made children, those “who once were far off” and have “been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).”(Emphasis mine)

This theme increases in importance later in the chapter when she discusses unity. Unity, in the face of a broken and separated Body, is an essential and practical piece to understand Ecclesiology. How Christians of all flavors understand and commune with each other reflects on who we are as Christ followers. Dr. Felker Jones moves to John 17:17,18, reviewing how this can be realized.

“The church is to be in the world, like Jesus. If this extraordinary comparison were not enough, Jesus then makes one that is even more daunting, praying that church unity would be like the unity he shares with the Father. Trinitarian unity is the truest and realest unity, and Jesus wants the church to be a reflection of that. Next, Jesus names the basis on which the church may hope to be one: the glory of the Father given to us by Jesus (v. 22). Unity, no less than any other aspect of sanctification, is not a work we can perform under our own power. Unity is something that must come by the grace of Christ.”

Later in the chapter she further reflects on this unity and how it affects the missional nature of the Church:

“This kind of visible, unified practice strengthens and nurtures the body for a second kind of practice, one identified by many contemporary ecclesiologists who see that church happens when we are faithful in mission. Christian faith is a missionary faith, and the Christian church is a missionary church.”

As with all the chapters in the book, Dr. Felker Jones finished the chapter on Ecclesiology with a reflection on the practice of the doctrine. The Church, fractured as she is, must be seen as a community devoted to the foundation of the Apostles and Jesus. Practicing Ecclesiology involves praying for grace to love other believers and be open to how God will use the Church’s brokenness as a “witness to his grace.” This witness shines the light on how the church was, how the Church is, how the Church will be.

Throughout the book, Dr. Felker Jones displays great respect for all Christian traditions. Although she does dip into the Wesleyan well quite a bit (with 27 citations, Jean Calvin being second with 9 citations), she takes excellent care do correctly state differing theologies without completely tipping her hand on her individual stand. This is an essential skill for this kind of book. In order to convince Christians that what they believe matters in practice as well as in belief, an author must respect different tradition in approaching these, at times, controversial doctrinal differences.

For example, the chapter on soteriology starts with an acknowledgment of differences:

“Jesus’s work as savior is inexhaustible in both breadth and depth, and it is appropriate that soteriology should reflect some of that abundance. The doctrine of salvation is one of the areas of Christian thought where we see wide diversity—including disagreement—among different theological traditions, but this does not mean that there is no recognizable Christian consensus about soteriology.”

She continues in her development of soteriology by examining the commonalities of the doctrine. Starting with a review of Brenda Colijn’s work on salvation theses in scripture, Dr. Felker Jones explores the critical beginning concepts of salvation: conscience, contrition, election, and repentance. She then moves to the doctrine of Justification. The section begins with a review of the beginning conflicts of this doctrine in the sixteenth century. Being sensitive that this time period does draw up strong emotions on both the Catholic and Protestant side, she briefly reviews Martin Luther and his impact on the subject. Without pulling punches, but yet being respectful of Roman Catholic theology as it is properly understood (as opposed to how it is improperly abused), she can bring the concepts of sola fide, sola gratia, sola Christus into a proper perspective. The doctrines of Sanctification and final redemption are treated with equal care.

What this leads to is her section in the chapter on the dynamics of grace and human freedom. Because Dr. Felker Jones has taken great care to respect all sides in the doctrines up until this point, it is refreshing that she can review this subject which has divided many Christians. Although it appears (albeit no overtly) that she is writing form a Wesleyan Arminian perspective, her treatment of Calvinism is accurate and thorough. While reviewing both sides of the issue, Christians from both branches – Calvinist and Arminian – will appreciate each other’s theology. Summing up her review:

“Calvinists find comfort in a doctrine of God who elects without imposing conditions, Arminians in a doctrine of God who offers salvation to all, and both Calvinists and Arminians in the God whose magnificent and free grace reaches out to us in our helplessness.”

In conclusion, Dr. Felker Jones achieves her goal in Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Each doctrine is reviewed with care and respect to the historical development and the significant differences among Christian traditions. With that respect, she is able to demonstrate how each doctrine has an essential practical nature. Putting theology into practice means taking critical doctrinal issues and placing responsibility upon the Christian to work them into their spiritual and communal lives. Jesus meant for us to believe rightly and practice the truth of His gospel so that a sick and dying world can hear the good news of His love and grace.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun(ny) fact(s): Not much except I needed this for school, and it was much better than I could have expected.

Favorite quote/image: "All four are connected: the heart's passion, the soul's yearning, the power God grants us, and the intellectual task of seeking the truth of God. This means that study of doctrine is an act of love for God: in studying the things of God, we are formed as worshippers and as God's servants. To practice doctrine is to yearn for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, to seek the logic and the beauty of that faith, and to live out what we have learned in the daily realities of the Christian life." (pg. 2)

Honorable mention: "The sacramental life of the church is central to the goodness of our holy–sacred–life together. In sacrament, we learn that the church's sacred life is a life in which body and soul, material and spiritual, are united. It is a life perfectly fitted for the material and spiritual human beings who are the people of God. In the church, we are born of water and the Spirit, and we are fed, body and soul, at the family table." (pg. 209)

Why: Jones provides a thoughtful, coherent overview of the major Christian doctrines, weaving together a nuanced and balanced collection of voices from the tradition, to introduce students to the basic tenets and debates of the faith. I would wholeheartedly recommend this as an approachable primer to Christian theology.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simultaneously deep and practical guide to "doing" theology -- loving God and living a life that reflects Christian beliefs. I would commend it highly to anyone, but it would be perfect for a high school or college theology class. It walks through a basic systematic theology that is evangelical, global, and very informed about the history of the Christian traditions. Readers are exposed to great thinkers in the church (past and present) as well as areas where different Christian traditions differ, and cautioned by beliefs that resulted in heresy. This book is a gift to the church, and I hope it finds as wide an audience as it deserves.

[Ethan Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to basic Christian theology with a particular emphasis on the lived implications of doctrines. I'd recommend this for someone new to theology. It's safe (solidly middle of the road Christian), informative, and ecumenical. If you're looking for powerful and provocative arguments and have read theology otherwise, this is probably not your book. Overall, a helpful book.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my intro to theology course in seminary. Provides discussion on the main doctrines of the Christiana faith. I appreciate there is a section at the end of each chapter about how to apply these truths practically in you life.