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Short Studies in Systematic Theology
Theological Method: An Introduction
Everyone has thoughts about God. But how do we know if our thoughts are true? If we want to know the truth about God, we need a sound approach to incorporating what the whole Bible teaches. In this concise introduction to systematic theology, theologian Graham A. Cole explores how we move from Scripture to doctrine in order to shape what we believe, what we value, and how we live. He shows us the importance of having the right rooted in the word of God, consistent with church history, in the context of a broken world, dependent on divine wisdom, and ultimately aiming at pure worship.
128 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 19, 2022
Scripture, tradition, culture, wisdom, and worship.
A good baseline for faithful theology
A good baseline for faithful theology
March 9, 2025
“[doing theology] is a task to be done in response to the gospel and offered to God as worship...”
November 23, 2019
First sentence: Last century A. W. Tozer wrote: What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. . . . The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God. . . . Always the most revealing thing about the Church is her idea of God, just as her most significant message is what she says about Him or leaves unsaid, for her silence is often more eloquent than her speech. She can never escape the self-disclosure of her witness concerning God.
Faithful Theology is the first book in a new series published by Crossway. This series is titled "Short Studies in Systematic Theology." In the preface to the series, they write, "While the specific focus will vary, each volume will (1) introduce the doctrine, (2) set it in context, (3) develop it from Scripture, (4) draw the various threads together, and (5) bring it to bear on the Christian life. It is our prayer, then, that this series will assist the church to delight in her triune God by thinking his thoughts—which he has graciously revealed in his written word, which testifies to his living Word, Jesus Christ—after him in the powerful working of his Spirit."
So what is this first book about? FAITHFUL THEOLOGY. Being faithful to the Word of God while doing Theology. Making sure that you are wisely and rightly handling the Word of God--interpreting it. It is important to not read into the text what you want it to say, but to let the Scriptures speak--let Scripture interpret Scripture. Cole is a bit more concise, "This book is about the method to use in doing faithful theology: faithful to God, faithful to God’s word."
This book is largely about the Bible, how to read it, study it, interpret it, apply it. It is also about how the Bible has been read, studied, interpreted, and applied in the past--through church doctrines, creeds, traditions.
I think this is a well-written book. I definitely would recommend it.
Faithful Theology is the first book in a new series published by Crossway. This series is titled "Short Studies in Systematic Theology." In the preface to the series, they write, "While the specific focus will vary, each volume will (1) introduce the doctrine, (2) set it in context, (3) develop it from Scripture, (4) draw the various threads together, and (5) bring it to bear on the Christian life. It is our prayer, then, that this series will assist the church to delight in her triune God by thinking his thoughts—which he has graciously revealed in his written word, which testifies to his living Word, Jesus Christ—after him in the powerful working of his Spirit."
So what is this first book about? FAITHFUL THEOLOGY. Being faithful to the Word of God while doing Theology. Making sure that you are wisely and rightly handling the Word of God--interpreting it. It is important to not read into the text what you want it to say, but to let the Scriptures speak--let Scripture interpret Scripture. Cole is a bit more concise, "This book is about the method to use in doing faithful theology: faithful to God, faithful to God’s word."
This book is largely about the Bible, how to read it, study it, interpret it, apply it. It is also about how the Bible has been read, studied, interpreted, and applied in the past--through church doctrines, creeds, traditions.
I think this is a well-written book. I definitely would recommend it.
June 30, 2020
https://sambkoo.wordpress.com/2020/06...
Overall, I believe this book will help those who are seeking to get their feet wet in theology. There are many books that are better than this book to be sure. But Faithful Theology is extremely readable, succinct, and short. It will encourage those who have not considered the necessity of doing theology and guide those who are attempting to learn more about God in His revealed Word.
Overall, I believe this book will help those who are seeking to get their feet wet in theology. There are many books that are better than this book to be sure. But Faithful Theology is extremely readable, succinct, and short. It will encourage those who have not considered the necessity of doing theology and guide those who are attempting to learn more about God in His revealed Word.
January 28, 2021
Faithful Theology is the first book in Crossway’s Short Studies in Systematic Theology series. The purpose of each book is to “(1) introduce the doctrine [under examination], (2) set it in context, (3) develop it from Scripture, (4) draw the various threads together, and (5) bring it to bear on the Christian life.” Volumes already published or in the works examine the Trinity (which I reviewed here), God’s attributes, the person of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the church.
Faithful Theology differs from the other volumes in that it deals with theological method rather than a theological doctrine. As Graham A. Cole writes, “This book is about the method to use in doing faithful theology: faithful to God, faithful to God’s word.” More specifically, it focuses on the move “from Scripture to doctrine.”
Here is the book’s table of contents:
1. The Word of Revelation
2. The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice
3. The World of Human Brokenness
4. The Work of Wisdom
5. The Way of Worship: Putting It all Together in Thought and Life
Cole’s method is similar to what Albert C. Outler called “the Wesleyan Quadrilateral” of Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. However, Cole takes pains to note that these elements are not equal. Scripture is norma normans (“a norming norm”), while the others are norma normata (“a normed norm”).
Moreover, Cole emphasizes that the goal of theology is worship. “Faithful thinking ought not to be divorced from faithful living,” he writes. Here, he understands worship not merely as the religious devotion we offer to God, but the entire manner in which we live.
Cole acknowledges that the logical order of theological method is Scripture, tradition, experience (or “brokenness,” in his terms), but the actual order is nonlinear. For example, we may start with an existential problem or a philosophical conundrum and go back to Scripture and tradition to see what they say.
The theological perspective of this book is what Gregory A. Boyd and Paul R. Eddy have called the “traditional evangelical model”: “Scriptures contain a body of divinely given information actually expressed or capable of being expressed in propositions.” They contrast it with the “postfoundationalist model.” According to Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson, in the latter model, “Our understanding of Scripture will always be filtered through the lenses of who we are and where we are in space and time.”
Cole acknowledges the force of the postfoundational model’s insight about context, but he argues that the traditional evangelical model can incorporate it. He writes, “What needs to be noted is that the human imagination … enables us to transcend our own times and establish a critical distance from them.” He discusses how to do this in chapter 3, “The World of Human Brokenness.”
The preface notes that the series’ purpose is “to equip the church to faithfully understand, love, teach, and apply what God has revealed in Scripture about a variety of topics.” Beyond that statement, it does not specify the series’ intended readership. Having read both this book and the one on the Trinity, I believe theologically interested laypeople and undergraduate theology students will profit most from the books.
One caveat: Crossway is an evangelical publisher in the Reformed tradition. This means many of their other books articulate a theology that Pentecostal readers such as myself do not agree with on the topics of Calvinism, complementarianism, and charismatic gifts. I have not read anything that concerns me in this series’ books on theological method or the Trinity, however, even though I might have stated things a bit differently here and there.
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
Faithful Theology differs from the other volumes in that it deals with theological method rather than a theological doctrine. As Graham A. Cole writes, “This book is about the method to use in doing faithful theology: faithful to God, faithful to God’s word.” More specifically, it focuses on the move “from Scripture to doctrine.”
Here is the book’s table of contents:
1. The Word of Revelation
2. The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice
3. The World of Human Brokenness
4. The Work of Wisdom
5. The Way of Worship: Putting It all Together in Thought and Life
Cole’s method is similar to what Albert C. Outler called “the Wesleyan Quadrilateral” of Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. However, Cole takes pains to note that these elements are not equal. Scripture is norma normans (“a norming norm”), while the others are norma normata (“a normed norm”).
Moreover, Cole emphasizes that the goal of theology is worship. “Faithful thinking ought not to be divorced from faithful living,” he writes. Here, he understands worship not merely as the religious devotion we offer to God, but the entire manner in which we live.
Cole acknowledges that the logical order of theological method is Scripture, tradition, experience (or “brokenness,” in his terms), but the actual order is nonlinear. For example, we may start with an existential problem or a philosophical conundrum and go back to Scripture and tradition to see what they say.
The theological perspective of this book is what Gregory A. Boyd and Paul R. Eddy have called the “traditional evangelical model”: “Scriptures contain a body of divinely given information actually expressed or capable of being expressed in propositions.” They contrast it with the “postfoundationalist model.” According to Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olson, in the latter model, “Our understanding of Scripture will always be filtered through the lenses of who we are and where we are in space and time.”
Cole acknowledges the force of the postfoundational model’s insight about context, but he argues that the traditional evangelical model can incorporate it. He writes, “What needs to be noted is that the human imagination … enables us to transcend our own times and establish a critical distance from them.” He discusses how to do this in chapter 3, “The World of Human Brokenness.”
The preface notes that the series’ purpose is “to equip the church to faithfully understand, love, teach, and apply what God has revealed in Scripture about a variety of topics.” Beyond that statement, it does not specify the series’ intended readership. Having read both this book and the one on the Trinity, I believe theologically interested laypeople and undergraduate theology students will profit most from the books.
One caveat: Crossway is an evangelical publisher in the Reformed tradition. This means many of their other books articulate a theology that Pentecostal readers such as myself do not agree with on the topics of Calvinism, complementarianism, and charismatic gifts. I have not read anything that concerns me in this series’ books on theological method or the Trinity, however, even though I might have stated things a bit differently here and there.
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
June 21, 2025
A very helpful and concise introduction to theological method that works through the subject matter in five major sections: 1) the source, authority, and norm for all doctrinal formulation and understanding as deriving from Scripture as God’s revelation of himself, 2) the life and history of the church being the context of all doctrinal formulation and development, 3) the historical and cultural context that inevitably influences theological articulation and interest, along with the abnormal state of creation as sinful and broken that will make all doctrinal formulation imperfect, 4) the role of wisdom in theological method that emphasizes the necessity of practical implementation of theology in the life of the church, and 5) the ultimate goal of all theological formulation and study as the worship of the Triune God. In addition to this logical ordering for the formation of doctrine and theological method, Cole makes several keen insights along the way. One I found particularly helpful is the difference between the ordo essendi of the logical ordering and the ordo cognoscendi of how doctrinal formulation actually happens in human experience. For example, challenges in theological anthropology such as the nature of sexuality and gender may fit best in section three of the logical ordering, and therefore the human person begins with the third step in experience, but will then go to the Scriptures for the first step. Although some issues are not addressed that seem significant (e.g., natural theology, presuppositions in method, etc.), this is overall a wonderful introduction to theological method from a solid Reformed perspective.
May 18, 2024
Great introduction to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series from Crossway. This book gave me some deeper insight on what theology is and how it can be applied. A few quotes I loved from this book:
“Evagrius Ponticus said: “If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.””
“This task takes wisdom, and to be done properly, it also takes the requisite attitude toward God, which is reverence. Becoming better and better at the task takes time. And becoming better at doing theology ought to be our aspira- tion. Importantly, we offer this task to God as worship.”
⬆️⬆️⬆️
This sums up the book! I would reccomend! Looking forward to the rest of the series!
“Evagrius Ponticus said: “If you are a theologian, you will pray truly. And if you pray truly, you are a theologian.””
“This task takes wisdom, and to be done properly, it also takes the requisite attitude toward God, which is reverence. Becoming better and better at the task takes time. And becoming better at doing theology ought to be our aspira- tion. Importantly, we offer this task to God as worship.”
⬆️⬆️⬆️
This sums up the book! I would reccomend! Looking forward to the rest of the series!
July 7, 2022
Simple, blessedly short overview on theology. I loved how he said theology is “a way we can love God more using our minds”
Impressed with this little series!
Impressed with this little series!
June 26, 2025
Not what I expected, but great.
This is not a book about hermeneutics, this is a book about thinking rightly and spiritually about doctrine.
This is not a book about hermeneutics, this is a book about thinking rightly and spiritually about doctrine.
February 11, 2024
A helpful little book on doing theology- especially in pointing out the role of tradition and a framework of weighing theological discourse.
I think it’s a great companion to Kelly Kapic’s.
I think it’s a great companion to Kelly Kapic’s.
October 11, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
Cole's purpose in this is to give his readers a method to use in "doing faithful theology." Moving from Scripture to doctrine. Trying to balance orthodoxy, orthokardia, and orthopraxy (right opinion, right-heartedness, right practice of life), Cole organizes his approach through five elements, exploring each in a chapter. The first element is the foundation on which the others are built—God's self-revelation in Scripture. The second is reflecting on the witness of the theology and practice of the Church through history—not on an equal footing with Scripture, but it should inform how we approach doctrine. The third element is realizing our context as we do theology—we're in a fallen world, yet we are redeemed and are awaiting the return of Christ. Our thinking, our theologizing needs to be done fully aware of what that means. The fourth is centered on wisdom. We need to be wise in our application of the previous. The last element puts all of the above together and focuses it in a doxological direction—our theology should be a service to God.
Throughout, Cole uses examples of these principles applying to Christological and Trinitarian thought. There are some other examples, too, Which is a tremendous help—if for no other reason than they're bedrock doctrines on which there should be no disagreement. He brings up baptismal practices at one point as an example of something where there's an opportunity for a divergence of opinion, standing in contrast to Trinitarian dogma.
This is an easy read, full of solid, useful advice. I found it a little wanting, a little...uninspired? A little basic? I'm not sure precisely what word I want but it's somewhere in that vicinity. But it's supposed to be basic—it's an introduction. It's a tool to be used as someone begins working on their theology. So, what do I know?
The for Further Reading and books/articles suggested in the footnotes are helpful, but I didn't feel inspired to track any of them down right away, but they seemed like solid and useful recommendations.
The last chapter, where he brought all the ideas together and gives a great example of how to use his elements in shaping our Trinitarian dogma is great. It makes all the rest of the book worth it.
It's good stuff, I think it'll be helpful to a lot of readers. I just wanted a bit more. I think Swain's book on the Trinity left me with higher expectations. I'm looking forward to the next book I get in this series to see which of these first two are more representative of the series as a whole.
---
...faithful theology is a human project that arises from wise reflection on the self-revelation of God. Because it is our reflection on God's revelation, it is always to be reformed and corrected by that revelation...it is one thing to have an evangelical's high view of Scripture. It is quite another to know how to derive teaching (doctrine or theology) from Scripture.
Cole's purpose in this is to give his readers a method to use in "doing faithful theology." Moving from Scripture to doctrine. Trying to balance orthodoxy, orthokardia, and orthopraxy (right opinion, right-heartedness, right practice of life), Cole organizes his approach through five elements, exploring each in a chapter. The first element is the foundation on which the others are built—God's self-revelation in Scripture. The second is reflecting on the witness of the theology and practice of the Church through history—not on an equal footing with Scripture, but it should inform how we approach doctrine. The third element is realizing our context as we do theology—we're in a fallen world, yet we are redeemed and are awaiting the return of Christ. Our thinking, our theologizing needs to be done fully aware of what that means. The fourth is centered on wisdom. We need to be wise in our application of the previous. The last element puts all of the above together and focuses it in a doxological direction—our theology should be a service to God.
Throughout, Cole uses examples of these principles applying to Christological and Trinitarian thought. There are some other examples, too, Which is a tremendous help—if for no other reason than they're bedrock doctrines on which there should be no disagreement. He brings up baptismal practices at one point as an example of something where there's an opportunity for a divergence of opinion, standing in contrast to Trinitarian dogma.
This is an easy read, full of solid, useful advice. I found it a little wanting, a little...uninspired? A little basic? I'm not sure precisely what word I want but it's somewhere in that vicinity. But it's supposed to be basic—it's an introduction. It's a tool to be used as someone begins working on their theology. So, what do I know?
The for Further Reading and books/articles suggested in the footnotes are helpful, but I didn't feel inspired to track any of them down right away, but they seemed like solid and useful recommendations.
The last chapter, where he brought all the ideas together and gives a great example of how to use his elements in shaping our Trinitarian dogma is great. It makes all the rest of the book worth it.
It's good stuff, I think it'll be helpful to a lot of readers. I just wanted a bit more. I think Swain's book on the Trinity left me with higher expectations. I'm looking forward to the next book I get in this series to see which of these first two are more representative of the series as a whole.
April 14, 2021
As Christian’s we spend much of our time talking and thinking about God. After all, as members of the church, we are in the business of theologizing. We might be highly trained, underdeveloped or somewhere in between, but, nevertheless we all participate in the task of theology. None of us want to be ill-equipped theologians, but sometimes out of a lack of time or resources to nurture the skills to do theology in a faithful manner, we unintentionally do more harm than good (que all the bad memories of cringy theological FB posts). In Faithful Theology: An Introduction, Graham A. Cole presses the question, ”How are we to get better at talking and thinking about God?” (pg. 13), and proceeds to deliver, in my opinion, a solid theological method for those wanting to be faithful theologians. It could be a number of things tripping us up, maybe it’s the doctrine of the Trinity, or maybe the verses that seem to contradict each other, or the role of tradition in the task of theology. These questions and more are addressed in the book, and I found Cole’s take on these topics to be classically protestant while also presenting fresh explanations.
I enjoyed much of the themes running throughout the book. For instance, for Cole, theology is a task to be done in response to the gospel. Scripture isn’t a theology textbook, but it's the church’s function to say things about scripture, and that's what theology is at its core. And since it's done in response to the gospel, it's offered to God as worship, safeguarding theology from becoming an intellectual pursuit detached from the heart and hands. Another theme I found instructive was theology in the world of human brokenness. We live and do theology after the Fall and out of Eden, meaning we are prone to make mistakes and to distort truth. Of course this makes way for the old Reformation slogan “Semper Reformanda” (always reforming), and its call to always be working to ensure that our hearts and lives are being reformed by the Word and Spirit of God.
If you have no idea what's involved in the discipline of systematic or biblical theology, you should pick this volume up and read it. Then read it again. You will greatly benefit from it. However, if this aint your first theological rodeo then a lot of the content will be more of a review, which isn’t bad, since it's good to keep one's skills sharp. But that being said, your time might be better spent elsewhere, like with Bavinck or Calvin. And judging from the citations in Cole’s work, I know he wouldn't have a problem if you did just that.
I enjoyed much of the themes running throughout the book. For instance, for Cole, theology is a task to be done in response to the gospel. Scripture isn’t a theology textbook, but it's the church’s function to say things about scripture, and that's what theology is at its core. And since it's done in response to the gospel, it's offered to God as worship, safeguarding theology from becoming an intellectual pursuit detached from the heart and hands. Another theme I found instructive was theology in the world of human brokenness. We live and do theology after the Fall and out of Eden, meaning we are prone to make mistakes and to distort truth. Of course this makes way for the old Reformation slogan “Semper Reformanda” (always reforming), and its call to always be working to ensure that our hearts and lives are being reformed by the Word and Spirit of God.
If you have no idea what's involved in the discipline of systematic or biblical theology, you should pick this volume up and read it. Then read it again. You will greatly benefit from it. However, if this aint your first theological rodeo then a lot of the content will be more of a review, which isn’t bad, since it's good to keep one's skills sharp. But that being said, your time might be better spent elsewhere, like with Bavinck or Calvin. And judging from the citations in Cole’s work, I know he wouldn't have a problem if you did just that.
January 24, 2020
We do not read Scripture and do theology informed by Scripture as though no other Christians have ever lived, as though there were no witness of Christian thought and practice. Doing theology is a situated pursuit. We live outside Eden in the world of human brokenness.
A text on how we live out our theology in revelation of God's word, the witness of Christian thought and practice (past and present), the world of human brokenness, the work of wisdom and putting it all together in worship in life and thought.
Theology is important because we live what we believe. We live and worship what we value. Good theology keeps us from the snare of false teaching and our faith will crumble under stress. Our theology shows in our practice. If we value God's word, we will be in the word of God and in prayer.
Do we value historical Christianity and those that went before us? Do we learn the lessons or do we wish for a better day. Our past Christian brothers and sisters have walked the hall of faith, it behooves us to study their thought and practice.
Doing theology in the way we live touches on our human brokenness. Do we seek the God of the bible or quick fixes. Where do we place our hope? Do we look at our brokenness as God sees? How do we look at others?
The text values theology for our good and God's glory. Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A text on how we live out our theology in revelation of God's word, the witness of Christian thought and practice (past and present), the world of human brokenness, the work of wisdom and putting it all together in worship in life and thought.
Theology is important because we live what we believe. We live and worship what we value. Good theology keeps us from the snare of false teaching and our faith will crumble under stress. Our theology shows in our practice. If we value God's word, we will be in the word of God and in prayer.
Do we value historical Christianity and those that went before us? Do we learn the lessons or do we wish for a better day. Our past Christian brothers and sisters have walked the hall of faith, it behooves us to study their thought and practice.
Doing theology in the way we live touches on our human brokenness. Do we seek the God of the bible or quick fixes. Where do we place our hope? Do we look at our brokenness as God sees? How do we look at others?
The text values theology for our good and God's glory. Highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
May 12, 2025
Cole writes an interesting introduction to the work of theology. He unfolds 'faithful theology' by means of five principles over five chapters, with the doctrine of the Holy Trinity there to illustrate each time.
His building blocks for faithful theology are, (i) God's revelation from the Scriptures, the norming norm and highest authority; (ii) the Christian tradition and Christian history, as perceptively, Cole recognises that we are not the first Christians to ever receive and try to understand the Scriptures; (iii) context, specifically that we understand where we are - in a fallen and broken world, awaiting the consummation of all things at the return of Christ; (iv) wisdom, in that the theological task, of connecting revelation and tradition to context is a task for the wise, not the foolish; and (v) worship, that theology faithfully done is offered as worship to God.
Cole's writing is restrained and thoughtful, and this is one of the book's greatest strengths; all the same, at times, his connections to and from illustrations and examples were thin, and some of his paragraphs and chapters had the sense of ending abruptly before due time. This is not because his connections or arguments were faulty, but whether by design or not, readers do have to fill in the gaps at times. That being said, his conclusion is very strong and really caps off the book well.
Three-and-a-half stars, rounded up.
His building blocks for faithful theology are, (i) God's revelation from the Scriptures, the norming norm and highest authority; (ii) the Christian tradition and Christian history, as perceptively, Cole recognises that we are not the first Christians to ever receive and try to understand the Scriptures; (iii) context, specifically that we understand where we are - in a fallen and broken world, awaiting the consummation of all things at the return of Christ; (iv) wisdom, in that the theological task, of connecting revelation and tradition to context is a task for the wise, not the foolish; and (v) worship, that theology faithfully done is offered as worship to God.
Cole's writing is restrained and thoughtful, and this is one of the book's greatest strengths; all the same, at times, his connections to and from illustrations and examples were thin, and some of his paragraphs and chapters had the sense of ending abruptly before due time. This is not because his connections or arguments were faulty, but whether by design or not, readers do have to fill in the gaps at times. That being said, his conclusion is very strong and really caps off the book well.
Three-and-a-half stars, rounded up.
May 14, 2025
“The history of the church is the history of the exposition of the Bible in the church.”
Overall, this is a book full of great theological insights! Cole demonstrates that he is well read in theological studies, as well as philosophical, church historical, and biblical studies. However, my big hangup with this book is that it doesn’t really feel like a book on theological method—how to do theology and the components of thinking theologically. There is a great chapter on the role of tradition and historical sources in doing theology, but that was the most methodological chapter in my opinion. His chapter on Scriptures feels more like a doctrine of Scripture than the role of Scripture in doing theology. His chapter on context in theological method feels more like a theology of the fall rather than cultural and contextual influences on how we think. Cole also seems to subscribe to a foundationalist epistemology, but I could be wrong. If this is his epistemological stance, I think some of my hangups with things he says could stem from that. I think there are some better introductions to theological method like Rhyne Putman’s book, but Cole’s work is by no means a bad book!
“The space in which we do theology is a fallen and broken world. The time in which we do theology is the last days, according to the apostles.”
“Head, heart, and hands are all the concerns of theology.”
Overall, this is a book full of great theological insights! Cole demonstrates that he is well read in theological studies, as well as philosophical, church historical, and biblical studies. However, my big hangup with this book is that it doesn’t really feel like a book on theological method—how to do theology and the components of thinking theologically. There is a great chapter on the role of tradition and historical sources in doing theology, but that was the most methodological chapter in my opinion. His chapter on Scriptures feels more like a doctrine of Scripture than the role of Scripture in doing theology. His chapter on context in theological method feels more like a theology of the fall rather than cultural and contextual influences on how we think. Cole also seems to subscribe to a foundationalist epistemology, but I could be wrong. If this is his epistemological stance, I think some of my hangups with things he says could stem from that. I think there are some better introductions to theological method like Rhyne Putman’s book, but Cole’s work is by no means a bad book!
“The space in which we do theology is a fallen and broken world. The time in which we do theology is the last days, according to the apostles.”
“Head, heart, and hands are all the concerns of theology.”
January 26, 2020
“The case can be made that every Christian is a theologian because every Christian has a theology, whether well thought out or not.” That is the first sentence in Graham Cole,’s book, Faithful Theology: An Introduction. Dr. Cole’s aim is to present a workable method, a way of doing theology.
Five important components help shape the author’s theological method. 1) The Word of Revelation, 2) The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice, 3) The World of Human Brokenness, 4) The Work of Wisdom, and 5) The Way of Worship.
Each area makes up a short chapter and guides readers on a path that ultimately leads to a theological methods that is biblical and practical. Faithful Theology: An Introduction truly is an entry point for aspiring theologians. But it is also a stunning reminder for those who have given their lives to the study of theology. Readers will be impressed with the brevity and the number of theological jewels that surface in this little book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
Five important components help shape the author’s theological method. 1) The Word of Revelation, 2) The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice, 3) The World of Human Brokenness, 4) The Work of Wisdom, and 5) The Way of Worship.
Each area makes up a short chapter and guides readers on a path that ultimately leads to a theological methods that is biblical and practical. Faithful Theology: An Introduction truly is an entry point for aspiring theologians. But it is also a stunning reminder for those who have given their lives to the study of theology. Readers will be impressed with the brevity and the number of theological jewels that surface in this little book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.
April 17, 2020
Graham A. Cole teaches laymen the proper way to handle theology in "Faithful Theology: An Introduction"--the way that honors God and His Word. His work focuses on what we believe, what we value and how we live--all of which define our theology.
Cole shares five key elements that answer the questions of how we live and what we believe. Revelation, Christian Thought and Practice, Human Brokenness, Wisdom and Worship. His hope is that by the time you finish you discover that God has spoken through His Word and He is still speaking to us through His Word. His book reads like a textbook and is meant to encourage readers in their study of theology.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an e-book free from Crossway, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Cole shares five key elements that answer the questions of how we live and what we believe. Revelation, Christian Thought and Practice, Human Brokenness, Wisdom and Worship. His hope is that by the time you finish you discover that God has spoken through His Word and He is still speaking to us through His Word. His book reads like a textbook and is meant to encourage readers in their study of theology.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an e-book free from Crossway, as part of its Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 10, 2023
An accessible read providing a programme for how to do theology.
1. Scripture
2. History
3. Consider the fall
4. Employ Wisdom
5. Put it together for worship
The first 4 chapters are good and helpful, the 5th is a quite a miss, partly because the book hasn't considered the place of metaphysics or analogy in theology and hence when it gives examples of "putting it together" (Christology and Trinity) it provides rather lacking presentations. Perhaps related to this is the passing mentions of our future hope as a "return to Eden", a much lesser hope than we ought to have in mind.
Christology
It says Christ has a divine nature and a human nature but gives no definition of nature at all and some of the footnotes imply that several options (including kenoticism) may be valid - it appears to say that all these options fit within Chalcedonian bounds.
Trinity
The account of trinity includes no mention of Simplicity, Inseparable Operations, Eternal Generation or Spiration. It's pretty bare proof texting for One God and 3 being identified as God. Again it's asserted that this is the faithful way to present the trinity.
1. Scripture
2. History
3. Consider the fall
4. Employ Wisdom
5. Put it together for worship
The first 4 chapters are good and helpful, the 5th is a quite a miss, partly because the book hasn't considered the place of metaphysics or analogy in theology and hence when it gives examples of "putting it together" (Christology and Trinity) it provides rather lacking presentations. Perhaps related to this is the passing mentions of our future hope as a "return to Eden", a much lesser hope than we ought to have in mind.
Christology
It says Christ has a divine nature and a human nature but gives no definition of nature at all and some of the footnotes imply that several options (including kenoticism) may be valid - it appears to say that all these options fit within Chalcedonian bounds.
Trinity
The account of trinity includes no mention of Simplicity, Inseparable Operations, Eternal Generation or Spiration. It's pretty bare proof texting for One God and 3 being identified as God. Again it's asserted that this is the faithful way to present the trinity.
July 22, 2020
If you are looking for a brief synopsis on thinking through theology, this is it. At just over 100 pages, the writing is brief enough to be digestible, but lengthy enough to start the reader down a thoughtful process. It will perk your ears up and give you guidance while also firmly instilling in you that there are certain parameters in which our theology must reside.
The entire book is five chapters based around word, witness, world, work, and worship. Each of these builds upon the other and it is best read in sequence. Throughout the pages, a wealth of thoughts are given by well-known and unknown (to me) thinkers. It is basic enough that nearly every Christian should be able to apply it without reservation.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this and would be glad to recommend it to many people who are interested in beginning to formulate their own thinking on God and scripture instead of simply relying on others. This was provided to me in exchange for an unbiased review.
The entire book is five chapters based around word, witness, world, work, and worship. Each of these builds upon the other and it is best read in sequence. Throughout the pages, a wealth of thoughts are given by well-known and unknown (to me) thinkers. It is basic enough that nearly every Christian should be able to apply it without reservation.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this and would be glad to recommend it to many people who are interested in beginning to formulate their own thinking on God and scripture instead of simply relying on others. This was provided to me in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 6, 2019
This book Faithful Theology is largely about the Bible, how to read it, study it, interpret it, apply it. It is also about how the Bible has been read, studied, interpreted, and applied in the past--through church doctrines, creeds, traditions.
Faithful Theology is the first book in a new series published by Crossway. This series is titled "Short Studies in Systematic Theology." In the preface to the series, they write, "While the specific focus will vary, each volume will (1) introduce the doctrine, (2) set it in context, (3) develop it from Scripture, (4) draw the various threads together, and (5) bring it to bear on the Christian life.
I found this book very informative. It has helped me to have a better understanding of the Bible and helped me grow in faith. I would highly recommend this book.
Faithful Theology is the first book in a new series published by Crossway. This series is titled "Short Studies in Systematic Theology." In the preface to the series, they write, "While the specific focus will vary, each volume will (1) introduce the doctrine, (2) set it in context, (3) develop it from Scripture, (4) draw the various threads together, and (5) bring it to bear on the Christian life.
I found this book very informative. It has helped me to have a better understanding of the Bible and helped me grow in faith. I would highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2020
Graham A. Cole needs no introduction. His reputation as a systematic theologian goes before him. His faithful handling of the word of God is commendable.
This book is not a disappointment but a source of great encouragement. In Faithful Theology, Cole explores the 'what' and 'why' of theology. He introduces us to the the queen of the sciences: theology. It helps the readers understand the importance of theology as well as methods of theology. Particularly, how to built your theology on the strong foundation of God's word. It sympathetically engages with the voices from the past.
Read this book! You will grow deeper and wider in your understanding of theology that is built on the solid rock of God's powerful word. That would not put us to shame.
This book is not a disappointment but a source of great encouragement. In Faithful Theology, Cole explores the 'what' and 'why' of theology. He introduces us to the the queen of the sciences: theology. It helps the readers understand the importance of theology as well as methods of theology. Particularly, how to built your theology on the strong foundation of God's word. It sympathetically engages with the voices from the past.
Read this book! You will grow deeper and wider in your understanding of theology that is built on the solid rock of God's powerful word. That would not put us to shame.
November 27, 2022
This is a good book that introduces the reader on how to do theology faithfully. It was good to see how God's own revelation was upheld as the highest authority without downplaying or neglecting other aspects of doing theology, eg. historical theology, human fallenness, and the place of wisdom, etc. But I wonder if the author struggled to keep to the length and the level the book's aiming at. Time to time I felt some concepts were rushed over without adequate explanation and I wished he expanded on them or perhaps it would've been better if it were left out instead. Nevertheless, it's probably worth reading for Bible College students and patient lay Christians who are willing to look up other books for further explanations.
January 19, 2024
A succinct & helpful introduction to studying theology.
Graham Cole’s short book on theology provides much help to those dipping their toes in theological studies. He tackles quite a few questions and addresses some potential errors, pitfalls, and missteps that could be made when one studies theology. He quotes from a range of sources, from R. C. Sproul to Dallas Willard, and his approach is broad enough that not many evangelicals would have issues. There are other theological introductions that are more meaty (and larger) that may be better for some, but I think Cole succeeded in producing what he sought to in this short work.
Graham Cole’s short book on theology provides much help to those dipping their toes in theological studies. He tackles quite a few questions and addresses some potential errors, pitfalls, and missteps that could be made when one studies theology. He quotes from a range of sources, from R. C. Sproul to Dallas Willard, and his approach is broad enough that not many evangelicals would have issues. There are other theological introductions that are more meaty (and larger) that may be better for some, but I think Cole succeeded in producing what he sought to in this short work.
December 4, 2021
My review, advised by my friend and professor, Dr. Hans Madueme, from the latest edition of Themelios:
Many lay Christians struggle to explain their doctrinal beliefs, or they simply doubt the importance of having and maintaining any convictions. However, according to Graham Cole, an ordained Anglican minister and recently retired professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, all Christians are theologians and are called to know God in the right manner. The goal of his recent work, Faithful Theology, is to lay the groundwork for faithful thinking about God “that arises from wise reflection on the self-revelation of God” (p. 14). In the introduction, Cole centers theology around the core priorities of belief (orthodoxy), value (orthokardia), and practice (orthopraxy). He then proceeds to devote a chapter each to five elements of faithful theology.
In the first chapter, “The Word of Revelation,” Cole discusses the means of our knowledge about God—his inspired Word. Cole frames Scripture as “the definitive source for our knowledge of God … the verbally inspired, definitive witness to the words and acts of God … [and] the norm by which theological proposals are to be tested” (p. 24). Throughout the chapter, Cole relates Scripture’s authority and inerrancy to the areas of Christology, hermeneutics (e.g., the self-interpretation of Scripture), and the bearing that authority has on our “operational theology” (p. 32). The second chapter, “The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice,” engages the role of tradition in our theology. Contrary to a strict biblicist approach, Cole defends ancient creeds like the Nicene Creed and the wisdom that “biblical teaching is often captured in terminology from outside the biblical text” (p. 48). As he concludes that chapter, he writes, “We need Scripture to be the final court of appeal because, as we have seen, there are healthy traditions and unhealthy, even toxic, ones for the life of the church” (p. 52).
In the third chapter, Cole weighs the effects of sin on our theological pursuits, and calls our fallen estate the “New Normal” (p. 54; written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic!). He argues that our theology can stray from the truth due to our idolatrous desires and our pessimistic outlook as finite creatures. However, our theology is done within a particular space and time, the groaning creation in these last days. In some sense, this means that our theology will be limited as we await the consummation. With these principles in mind, Cole aptly asserts, “The unteachable theologian is an oxymoron” (p. 60). Chapter 4 explains the role that wisdom plays in the theological journey, including the importance of dogmatic rank, biblical theology, and Cole’s three criteria for wise judgement—that theology done wisely should be scriptural, rational, and livable (pp. 82–83). In the final chapter, “The Way of Worship,” Cole drives home the central point that right doctrine leads to worship, not mere intellectual stimulation.
The most helpful aspect of Faithful Theology is the constant focus on the Trinity and Christology. Simply turning to a few random pages in the book will give readers an idea of how essential these doctrines are to having a genuinely faithful theology. Every chapter includes several considerations of each given topic in relation to the Trinity and Christology. This is important for two reasons. First, readers are introduced to the key tenets of the Christian faith. Not only do they learn why they’re essential, but they also learn to avoid heterodox understandings from the church’s past. Second, by including historical theology and the church’s creeds, Cole exposes readers to the vitality of the “healthy traditions” that are the lifeblood of Christian orthodoxy. A good theologian never does theology in a vacuum (as if that is even possible). Especially in the book’s second chapter, Cole implicitly deconstructs the notion of “no creed but the Bible.” By emphasizing the church’s creeds and councils, he helps readers appreciate their value and significance for maintaining right beliefs about God—Father, Son, and Spirit.
This is a short book, but it is deep and rich. There is little to fault in Cole’s analysis. Some readers may wish for a more explicit defense of Protestant confessions (for example, no Reformed confessions are mentioned). Others may have wanted more intramural discussion of the academic discipline of systematic theology, especially since the volume is part of the series Short Studies in Systematic Theology. However, such worries are likely straining at gnats; keeping the content accessible and adopting a broadly orthodox and evangelical approach are strategic moves that make good sense for this type of introductory volume.
In just over one hundred pages, readers will grasp the basics of Christian dogmatics, its methodology, and its practical dimensions. Cole’s primer serves admirably as the lead volume in the “Short” Studies in Systematic Theology, setting the stage for the later volumes in the series. The book would be perfect for an introductory seminary course or a college upper elective, aiding all who seek to faithfully respond to the self-revelation of God. May all who read this book guard the good deposit of the faith entrusted to them!
Many lay Christians struggle to explain their doctrinal beliefs, or they simply doubt the importance of having and maintaining any convictions. However, according to Graham Cole, an ordained Anglican minister and recently retired professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, all Christians are theologians and are called to know God in the right manner. The goal of his recent work, Faithful Theology, is to lay the groundwork for faithful thinking about God “that arises from wise reflection on the self-revelation of God” (p. 14). In the introduction, Cole centers theology around the core priorities of belief (orthodoxy), value (orthokardia), and practice (orthopraxy). He then proceeds to devote a chapter each to five elements of faithful theology.
In the first chapter, “The Word of Revelation,” Cole discusses the means of our knowledge about God—his inspired Word. Cole frames Scripture as “the definitive source for our knowledge of God … the verbally inspired, definitive witness to the words and acts of God … [and] the norm by which theological proposals are to be tested” (p. 24). Throughout the chapter, Cole relates Scripture’s authority and inerrancy to the areas of Christology, hermeneutics (e.g., the self-interpretation of Scripture), and the bearing that authority has on our “operational theology” (p. 32). The second chapter, “The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice,” engages the role of tradition in our theology. Contrary to a strict biblicist approach, Cole defends ancient creeds like the Nicene Creed and the wisdom that “biblical teaching is often captured in terminology from outside the biblical text” (p. 48). As he concludes that chapter, he writes, “We need Scripture to be the final court of appeal because, as we have seen, there are healthy traditions and unhealthy, even toxic, ones for the life of the church” (p. 52).
In the third chapter, Cole weighs the effects of sin on our theological pursuits, and calls our fallen estate the “New Normal” (p. 54; written prior to the COVID-19 pandemic!). He argues that our theology can stray from the truth due to our idolatrous desires and our pessimistic outlook as finite creatures. However, our theology is done within a particular space and time, the groaning creation in these last days. In some sense, this means that our theology will be limited as we await the consummation. With these principles in mind, Cole aptly asserts, “The unteachable theologian is an oxymoron” (p. 60). Chapter 4 explains the role that wisdom plays in the theological journey, including the importance of dogmatic rank, biblical theology, and Cole’s three criteria for wise judgement—that theology done wisely should be scriptural, rational, and livable (pp. 82–83). In the final chapter, “The Way of Worship,” Cole drives home the central point that right doctrine leads to worship, not mere intellectual stimulation.
The most helpful aspect of Faithful Theology is the constant focus on the Trinity and Christology. Simply turning to a few random pages in the book will give readers an idea of how essential these doctrines are to having a genuinely faithful theology. Every chapter includes several considerations of each given topic in relation to the Trinity and Christology. This is important for two reasons. First, readers are introduced to the key tenets of the Christian faith. Not only do they learn why they’re essential, but they also learn to avoid heterodox understandings from the church’s past. Second, by including historical theology and the church’s creeds, Cole exposes readers to the vitality of the “healthy traditions” that are the lifeblood of Christian orthodoxy. A good theologian never does theology in a vacuum (as if that is even possible). Especially in the book’s second chapter, Cole implicitly deconstructs the notion of “no creed but the Bible.” By emphasizing the church’s creeds and councils, he helps readers appreciate their value and significance for maintaining right beliefs about God—Father, Son, and Spirit.
This is a short book, but it is deep and rich. There is little to fault in Cole’s analysis. Some readers may wish for a more explicit defense of Protestant confessions (for example, no Reformed confessions are mentioned). Others may have wanted more intramural discussion of the academic discipline of systematic theology, especially since the volume is part of the series Short Studies in Systematic Theology. However, such worries are likely straining at gnats; keeping the content accessible and adopting a broadly orthodox and evangelical approach are strategic moves that make good sense for this type of introductory volume.
In just over one hundred pages, readers will grasp the basics of Christian dogmatics, its methodology, and its practical dimensions. Cole’s primer serves admirably as the lead volume in the “Short” Studies in Systematic Theology, setting the stage for the later volumes in the series. The book would be perfect for an introductory seminary course or a college upper elective, aiding all who seek to faithfully respond to the self-revelation of God. May all who read this book guard the good deposit of the faith entrusted to them!
August 26, 2022
A great little dive into the vast world of theology and how to do it faithfully. From covering Scripture as our supreme guide and showing l tradition to be important as well, to discussing how theology should be done in a worshipful way, this book covers the main points on how to do faithful theology and why it is so important. I highly recommend it to young believers and old believers alike, as we can all always learn something new about theology.
February 4, 2020
It was fine. Nothing earth-shattering but a good reminder of the primacy of doing theology from exegesis in the light of tradition. Evidently Crossway is starting a new series of "short studies in systematic theology" (presumably to go along with their older Short Studies in Biblical Theological), and this was the opening salvo of that new series. We'll see what it brings later down the pike.
January 7, 2022
Short and succinct, this book attempts to present five aims of faithful theology. While thought-provoking at times, overall, the book wasn’t what I expected. The author grounds his points in Scripture, but it doesn’t seem to function as a layperson’s guide to better understanding doctrine and theology.
March 10, 2023
This nuanced my understanding of Sola Scriptura. When we say sola Scripture we do not mean for it to be man and his bible in a vacuum alone, that is Nuda scriptura. Scripture alone is the ultimate authority but the authority of tradition, experience and reason go a long way helping us understand and love God’s word more.
March 26, 2024
It's encouraging going in to bible college reading a short intro to theology that isn't patronising, but also lays out really important principles for the next 4 years.
I liked how he manages to squeeze lots of examples in here (e.g. how to theologically think about the trinity), but doesn't get bogged down.
I liked how he manages to squeeze lots of examples in here (e.g. how to theologically think about the trinity), but doesn't get bogged down.
May 8, 2024
This is a short, face-paced introduction to theological method. Cole talks about the centrality of Scripture, the importance of history, the reality of life in a fallen world, the essential element of wisdom, and the end-goal of worship, all in the context of theological method. Not a deep dive, but a helpful introduction to theological method and a helpful introduction to the series.
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