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Walking the Theological Life: Discovering Method for Theology in the Lives of Biblical Characters
- GenresTheology
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
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36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 22, 2024
This book is a bit of a fairly digestible introduction to ways of doing theology. It’s published by IVP Academic, and it feels like a book written as part an Intro de Theology 101 syllabus or as part of a General Ed required course at a Christian college. I think it’s accessible to an interested reader, although it didn’t exactly grab my attention, either, to the point where finishing it was a question of determination more than delight.
He examines the virtues (maybe better described as dispositions) that form part of doing theology, through the examination of 13 biblical figures. He challenges the notion of theology as conceptual: “It is entirely possible to examine theological method in a way that not only inspires but also calls us to a full-bodied entrance into the theological life, in which the way we do theology is just as much about who we are becoming as much it is about how we construct concepts.”
For me, the most interesting chapters were:
Jacob – “Being a theologian is more about the virtue of being willing to wrestle than it is about the tidy answers we have to life’s most perplexing questions.”
Sarah – “Laughter may just happen to be a faithful response when the astoundingly absurd truth of God’s activity dawns on our consciousness… Ministry can be a life of laughter when our eye is turned to the joke God is playing on the familiar patterns of power, oppression, control, and kingdom building.”
The woman who anointed Jesus – “We need not check our passion at the door to respond to the invitation to theology… Theology, then, is not simply distilling doctrinal data from ancient texts but an exhilarating work of cracking alabaster jars open against the holiness of the living God.”
Thomas – “The simple reality is that doing theology will require commitment from us before we understand all of it, and in this sense it is an act of love for a living God.”
Nicodemus – “Theology and leadership cannot be held apart as two related but distinct fields of inquiry.”
He examines the virtues (maybe better described as dispositions) that form part of doing theology, through the examination of 13 biblical figures. He challenges the notion of theology as conceptual: “It is entirely possible to examine theological method in a way that not only inspires but also calls us to a full-bodied entrance into the theological life, in which the way we do theology is just as much about who we are becoming as much it is about how we construct concepts.”
For me, the most interesting chapters were:
Jacob – “Being a theologian is more about the virtue of being willing to wrestle than it is about the tidy answers we have to life’s most perplexing questions.”
Sarah – “Laughter may just happen to be a faithful response when the astoundingly absurd truth of God’s activity dawns on our consciousness… Ministry can be a life of laughter when our eye is turned to the joke God is playing on the familiar patterns of power, oppression, control, and kingdom building.”
The woman who anointed Jesus – “We need not check our passion at the door to respond to the invitation to theology… Theology, then, is not simply distilling doctrinal data from ancient texts but an exhilarating work of cracking alabaster jars open against the holiness of the living God.”
Thomas – “The simple reality is that doing theology will require commitment from us before we understand all of it, and in this sense it is an act of love for a living God.”
Nicodemus – “Theology and leadership cannot be held apart as two related but distinct fields of inquiry.”
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August 26, 2024Theology has always intimidated me or it's been so far above my head I couldn't understand it. Dr. Ganies changed that by exploring the lives of 12 biblical characters and their biblical passages. Dr. Gaines breaks down their story and shows how God works through them and what we can learn from them. He also uses the stories to invite us on a deeper theology journey to understand God a little better. Overall this is a wonderful book and is well written so the average biblical scholar and student can understand it's contents.
June 11, 2024
God is a storyteller; at least that is how God has revealed Godself to humanity. We have a multitude of stories, poems, songs, and correspondence that reveals God progressively throughout history. The stories are epics of exodus and wandering, but also of simple everyday interactions between the people who walk in relationship with God. Theology is a retelling of those stories using language and connecting the stories to new stories in fresh places. While it may seem distant or philosophical, when done well, theology tells a story that welcomes us in to become part of the greater story of creation. Even better, theology can describe and invite into living into new creation.
Storytelling is how Dr. Timothy Gaines introduces a way to journey with theology in his new book, Walking the Theological Life. The book is organized as twelve stories of characters we encounter in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, plus an introductory invitation to a theological journey. A friend and I were discussing our advanced reader copies and how many of the theological concepts may be aimed at a more advanced audience, but I believe that the novice ha much to gain from this volume. If for no other reason than the voices Gaines invites us to hear in the depths of story may spark a curious search for more information. Names like Augustine and Barth may seem intimidating, but when paired with familiar characters, they become more accessible.
The stories are beautiful invitations to enter into the story Gaines points us toward. From the tentative and frightened Jeremiah who learns that he is truly known by God, thus giving him confidence of voice; to Nicodemus coming to Jesus hiding in the darkness, the stories introduce theological ideas and invite us to enter those stories. Gaines artfully weaves story with theological topics such that there is a beautiful music of relational knowledge. From the start, theology is much more than a science, and art, or even a spiritual endeavor. Instead, theology is being known so that we can know. “We could say it another way: before theologians set out to know God, they are known by God” As Jeremiah needed to know he was known before he could speak, we find we are known so that we can know God and experience the relational invitation God is whispering in our ears.
Like Jacob, whose name changes when he becomes known as the one who wrestled with God, we also wrestle. “Theologians do not wrestle for the love of wrestling; we wrestle for the love of God.” Such deep and encouraging words. We wrestle for love, not just to wrestle. The picture I get is that of a friend who describes the story of wrestling with his son when he was young. His son had a friend who observed them wrestling and then jumped in to join. They wrestled because they were known and they knew. My friend’s son pointed his friend to the relationship with his father which allowed a trust in wrestling.
Ultimately, that is how theologians might approach their work; by wrestling with ideas, ourselves, and one another. If we think of theology as story, then maybe, just maybe, we can show that all can be theologians wrestling for the love of God. When we become storytellers of the stories of God, we invite others to be known and thus to know. As we wrestle, we come to know love and hope.
I cannot recommend this book enough. As I read it, I found myself finding more optimistic hope for the Church. Because in this time of upheaval and fear, there are those who are teaching and wrestling to be known and to know, like Dr. Gaines. The book works well as a reader, but it shines as a tool to wrestle with others with a prayer and questions at the conclusion of each chapter that invite more stories to be told.
Storytelling is how Dr. Timothy Gaines introduces a way to journey with theology in his new book, Walking the Theological Life. The book is organized as twelve stories of characters we encounter in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, plus an introductory invitation to a theological journey. A friend and I were discussing our advanced reader copies and how many of the theological concepts may be aimed at a more advanced audience, but I believe that the novice ha much to gain from this volume. If for no other reason than the voices Gaines invites us to hear in the depths of story may spark a curious search for more information. Names like Augustine and Barth may seem intimidating, but when paired with familiar characters, they become more accessible.
The stories are beautiful invitations to enter into the story Gaines points us toward. From the tentative and frightened Jeremiah who learns that he is truly known by God, thus giving him confidence of voice; to Nicodemus coming to Jesus hiding in the darkness, the stories introduce theological ideas and invite us to enter those stories. Gaines artfully weaves story with theological topics such that there is a beautiful music of relational knowledge. From the start, theology is much more than a science, and art, or even a spiritual endeavor. Instead, theology is being known so that we can know. “We could say it another way: before theologians set out to know God, they are known by God” As Jeremiah needed to know he was known before he could speak, we find we are known so that we can know God and experience the relational invitation God is whispering in our ears.
Like Jacob, whose name changes when he becomes known as the one who wrestled with God, we also wrestle. “Theologians do not wrestle for the love of wrestling; we wrestle for the love of God.” Such deep and encouraging words. We wrestle for love, not just to wrestle. The picture I get is that of a friend who describes the story of wrestling with his son when he was young. His son had a friend who observed them wrestling and then jumped in to join. They wrestled because they were known and they knew. My friend’s son pointed his friend to the relationship with his father which allowed a trust in wrestling.
Ultimately, that is how theologians might approach their work; by wrestling with ideas, ourselves, and one another. If we think of theology as story, then maybe, just maybe, we can show that all can be theologians wrestling for the love of God. When we become storytellers of the stories of God, we invite others to be known and thus to know. As we wrestle, we come to know love and hope.
I cannot recommend this book enough. As I read it, I found myself finding more optimistic hope for the Church. Because in this time of upheaval and fear, there are those who are teaching and wrestling to be known and to know, like Dr. Gaines. The book works well as a reader, but it shines as a tool to wrestle with others with a prayer and questions at the conclusion of each chapter that invite more stories to be told.
April 30, 2024
When you are a pastor, often doing the work of theology can feel like just that: work. If we aren't careful, diving into Scripture for our sermon for the week can become routine and stale. But Timothy R Gaines, in his new book, reminds us that theology is a joyful journey of growing in knowlege of the person of Jesus.
My favorite chapters were on JACOB: ON WRESTLING...
Gaines warns of the danger of theological wrestling for entertainment; as a tool to take down those we disagree with.
"We will need to struggle with the nuanced reality that is the theological industrial complex, which often depends on stirring up a group’s allegiance to a particular position, naming the gladiators who will fight for that position, and cheering them on as they enter the arena."
There is, however, virtue in wrestling when we seek faith through understanding with a heart full of love:
"Theologians do not wrestle for the love of wrestling; we wrestle for the love of God."
And THOMAS: ON DOUBTING...
Tim offers a unique and fresh perspective on the Thomas of the Gospel of John. He is often painted negatively, as the skeptical disciple who doubted. But, could it be that Thomas is actually a man of virtue?
"Thomas reminds us that asking honest questions—even those asked in a bit of frustration—is a vital and legitimate part of walking the theological life."
The temptation of the Church is to view "doubters" as those who are ready to reject faith altogether. This may not be true! Instead, asking tough questions while being fully committed to the way of Jesus is a part of the theological life.
"(Thomas') commitment to Jesus is what allows his questions to drive him to deeper knowledge of a person he cannot entirely wrap his mind around. Commitment is necessary, at some level, to being able to ask questions that allow you to explore in earnest, even if you cannot be sure where all that commitment will ultimately take you."
There's much more to unwrap in this book, so I highly recommed you preorder it to discover it yourself. (https://shorturl.at/coGP0) It helped me to fall in love, once again, with the practice of theology, and the virtues of doing the good work of sitting at the feet of Jesus in worship and discovery.
(I was a part of the launch team for this book, but these are my honest opinions)
My favorite chapters were on JACOB: ON WRESTLING...
Gaines warns of the danger of theological wrestling for entertainment; as a tool to take down those we disagree with.
"We will need to struggle with the nuanced reality that is the theological industrial complex, which often depends on stirring up a group’s allegiance to a particular position, naming the gladiators who will fight for that position, and cheering them on as they enter the arena."
There is, however, virtue in wrestling when we seek faith through understanding with a heart full of love:
"Theologians do not wrestle for the love of wrestling; we wrestle for the love of God."
And THOMAS: ON DOUBTING...
Tim offers a unique and fresh perspective on the Thomas of the Gospel of John. He is often painted negatively, as the skeptical disciple who doubted. But, could it be that Thomas is actually a man of virtue?
"Thomas reminds us that asking honest questions—even those asked in a bit of frustration—is a vital and legitimate part of walking the theological life."
The temptation of the Church is to view "doubters" as those who are ready to reject faith altogether. This may not be true! Instead, asking tough questions while being fully committed to the way of Jesus is a part of the theological life.
"(Thomas') commitment to Jesus is what allows his questions to drive him to deeper knowledge of a person he cannot entirely wrap his mind around. Commitment is necessary, at some level, to being able to ask questions that allow you to explore in earnest, even if you cannot be sure where all that commitment will ultimately take you."
There's much more to unwrap in this book, so I highly recommed you preorder it to discover it yourself. (https://shorturl.at/coGP0) It helped me to fall in love, once again, with the practice of theology, and the virtues of doing the good work of sitting at the feet of Jesus in worship and discovery.
(I was a part of the launch team for this book, but these are my honest opinions)
February 11, 2024
This book may best be described as a formational invitation to theology. One of the challenges of theological study is to avoid the pitfall of the pursuit becoming a mere intellectual exercise, separate and disconnected from character, ethics, context and community. Anyone who has studied theology does not have to travel far to find examples of this in either their reading or personal encounters! The author, Timothy Gaines, provides a helpful corrective here by situating the study of theology in a context of formation or, in other words, "cultivating Christian virtues." The author takes characters and episodes from the scriptural narrative to invite the reader to see and participate in the story as God's people grapple with their life situations, and the God they seek to know, understand and serve.
I particularly appreciated the prayers at the end of each chapter that summarised the main theme of the chapter and turned into a formational prayer. I also appreciated the discussion questions for each chapter that helped me connect the points of the teaching with my context. I recommend this book to all theology and seminary students. It is ideally suited to a pastoral care student cohort group. I also recommend it to teachers of theology as a way to help us and remind us to love the Lord with our whole hearts, souls, minds and strength.
I particularly appreciated the prayers at the end of each chapter that summarised the main theme of the chapter and turned into a formational prayer. I also appreciated the discussion questions for each chapter that helped me connect the points of the teaching with my context. I recommend this book to all theology and seminary students. It is ideally suited to a pastoral care student cohort group. I also recommend it to teachers of theology as a way to help us and remind us to love the Lord with our whole hearts, souls, minds and strength.
January 5, 2024
I've read different Christian Living books in the past, but this was my first real venture into better understanding theology. Based in scripture and using the people in the Bible, Gaines does a fantastic job of introducing different principles of theology in a non-threating and thought-provoking way. I'm a person that questions and is always wanting to learn more about faith, spirituality, religion, and dogmas. I enjoyed this book because of the inquisitive nature of the writing that aligned with my desire to learn more through intentional questions and being authentic about issues that seem to come up when you talk about religion. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to really learn more about theology without all of the academic jargon.
June 13, 2025
Beautiful. I was not expecting this book to bring me to tears, but it did.
“We can come to theology expecting it to give us a few answers about God, or some moral positions to hold on to, and if this is our approach, theology will deliver. But we can also come to theology as one summoned to a world of wonder, joy, and astounding discovery. The way you approach theology will shape the kind of theologian you become, which will inevitably form the kind of theology you produce.”
“What I offer here, then, is a formational theology approach to theology broadly. It is an attempt to recast the invitation to theology by going back to one of its original invitational forms: the stories of Scripture.”
“We can come to theology expecting it to give us a few answers about God, or some moral positions to hold on to, and if this is our approach, theology will deliver. But we can also come to theology as one summoned to a world of wonder, joy, and astounding discovery. The way you approach theology will shape the kind of theologian you become, which will inevitably form the kind of theology you produce.”
“What I offer here, then, is a formational theology approach to theology broadly. It is an attempt to recast the invitation to theology by going back to one of its original invitational forms: the stories of Scripture.”
February 10, 2024
An interesting historical study of God and Christianity. There were many new and revealing facts I learned and found intriguing. An easy-to-read-to-read walk through the historical events seen through a different lens. For those wanting to know more about the characters that shaped the bible, this is a great place to start. I would recommend this book to those looking for more information about the bible and God.
June 26, 2024
Dr. Gaines does a great job providing an introduction to theological method. This book is accessible, yet invites readers to dive deeper into the work of theology. Before I had finished reading, I started using this book in our young adult small group. Highly recommend!
June 13, 2024
This book shows what a great teacher Dr. Gaines is as he explores how God has revealed himself through the lives of a dozen chosen individuals from their stories in the Bible. For a non-theologian like me, it was an excellent introduction into the process of theology, extending well beyond these 12 Biblical characters. Walking the Theological Life will be an interesting read for pastors and a great introduction to theology for young people considering such a calling. The two chapters I personally found most compelling were about Jacob on Wrestling and The Woman Who Anointed Jesus on Love, but I learned much from Tim’s exploration of each character.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews