What do you think?
Reading Theologically
Reading Theologically brings together eight seminary educators from various backgrounds to explore reading in a seminary context-reading theologically. Reading theologically is not just about academic skill building but about the formation of a ministerial leader who can engage scholarship critically, interpret Scripture and tradition faithfully, welcome different perspectives, and help lead others to do the same. This volume emphasizes the vital skills, habits, practices, and values involved in reading theologically and is a vital resource for students beginning the seminary process and professors of introductory level seminary courses.
- GenresTheology
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 3, 2014
The concept of reading theologically is a valuable approach to present to believers, especially those who are just beginning to experience the wide world of thoughts and opinions on any number of subjects. Reading widely is definitely a valuable tool, especially for those pursuing advanced degree studies such as in Seminary or beyond to Post-graduate degrees. There is a necessity to grasp how to weed through the good, the bad, and the ugly of writing. Thus, a book that seeks to address what it looks like to read in a theologically centric manner is one that is sorely needed. Reading Theologically edited by Eric Baretto attempts to address this void. Unfortunately, there were elements of this particular effort that failed to hold the line as to what it means to read theologically which must have at is root a firm and lasting commitment to reading through the lens of a sound biblical foundation.
I will point out one contribution in particular that was troubling and that caused me to rate this book as I did. That contribution was by Gerald Liu in his chapter titled "Reading Generously". Liu bases his thoughts on the need to demonstrate love as noted in Matthew 22:34-40, a command rooted in
Deuteronomy 6:5. The command to love God and love your neighbor according to Liu, "provide ideal starting points for reading generously." There is no issue with using those passages as the starting point for a discussion on how to demonstrate godly behavior towards others to include the writings of those we may disagree. With that said, Liu then proceeds to suggest that reading generously rooted in an attitude of loving God and loving others involves the need to encourage "a willingness to give other perspectives of knowledge an unrushed and thoughtful look." This necessitates according to Liu the requirement to "accept the invitation to see the text and interpret it the way the author does, so that we might broaden the horizon of our learning and in some instances identify limits to the claims we have encountered and in other instances see frontiers of learning that warrant more investigation." This statement is where Liu's discussion begins to get off track. There is nothing wrong with reading widely to understand the various perspectives that exist. However, there is a difference between reading to understand and reading with too open of a mind that remains open to other interpretations regardless of how far they stray from sound scriptural exposition. How far do we go to broaden our "horizons". Where are the limits? What is concerning is Liu places no limits this horizon of learning.
Additionally, Liu utilizes a book by Jeff Chu called "Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America". Liu readily admits that Chu claims to be an openly gay individual and by utilizing his work, Liu legitimizes those who claim one can be an open homosexual and call themselves a bible following and believing Christian. Such an approach presents to the reader that there is no conflict between living an openly homosexual lifestyle and following the mandates of Scripture which clearly oppose living such a lifestyle. Now the activities described by both Liu and Chu regarding the Westboro Baptist Church are indeed indicative of what Christ followers should avoid, namely outright hatred of their fellow man, couching that sinful behavior as being wrong while saying nothing about homosexuality as also being sinful is not reading generously. Conversely, it is trying to stretch the horizon of thought far beyond the strict parameters set in Scripture.
Love for others requires the hard task of noting when sin is sin. Liu avoids that element instead choosing to support the lifestyle of an individual living in open defiance of God's prescription for proper sexual relationships. Should we read the works of those who take such a position such as Jeff Chu? I would submit the answer is yes, if anything to better understand the reasons why people choose to disobey God's clear commands. It is the same reason why one would read Matthew Vines book. To read generously will often require the need to respond generously with love founded in the pages of God's Word which in the case of Jeff Chu, will involve pointing him back to the pages of Scripture. Reading generously is not an open invitation to accept whatever thoughts one may come up with, regardless of how far those thoughts stray from Scripture. Exploring frontiers is perfectly fine as long as one is careful to return to the fence line that is the Word of God. Liu fails to remind the reader of that important point and for a book as a whole that claims to be helping readers to read theologically, an approach inherently rooted in viewing the world as God says it should be viewed, including such a chapter truly undermines that effort.
This does not mean the entirety of Reading Theologically should be shunned or the concepts and approaches presented by some of the authors ignored due to the theological ramblings of Liu. I will caution that the contributors to this book far too often promote broadening one’s theological horizons without fully providing the reader with the follow on conversation of when those horizons have reached their limits. Thus, this is a book I would only recommend to the seasoned believer who is able to recognize those necessary theological boundaries.
I will point out one contribution in particular that was troubling and that caused me to rate this book as I did. That contribution was by Gerald Liu in his chapter titled "Reading Generously". Liu bases his thoughts on the need to demonstrate love as noted in Matthew 22:34-40, a command rooted in
Deuteronomy 6:5. The command to love God and love your neighbor according to Liu, "provide ideal starting points for reading generously." There is no issue with using those passages as the starting point for a discussion on how to demonstrate godly behavior towards others to include the writings of those we may disagree. With that said, Liu then proceeds to suggest that reading generously rooted in an attitude of loving God and loving others involves the need to encourage "a willingness to give other perspectives of knowledge an unrushed and thoughtful look." This necessitates according to Liu the requirement to "accept the invitation to see the text and interpret it the way the author does, so that we might broaden the horizon of our learning and in some instances identify limits to the claims we have encountered and in other instances see frontiers of learning that warrant more investigation." This statement is where Liu's discussion begins to get off track. There is nothing wrong with reading widely to understand the various perspectives that exist. However, there is a difference between reading to understand and reading with too open of a mind that remains open to other interpretations regardless of how far they stray from sound scriptural exposition. How far do we go to broaden our "horizons". Where are the limits? What is concerning is Liu places no limits this horizon of learning.
Additionally, Liu utilizes a book by Jeff Chu called "Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America". Liu readily admits that Chu claims to be an openly gay individual and by utilizing his work, Liu legitimizes those who claim one can be an open homosexual and call themselves a bible following and believing Christian. Such an approach presents to the reader that there is no conflict between living an openly homosexual lifestyle and following the mandates of Scripture which clearly oppose living such a lifestyle. Now the activities described by both Liu and Chu regarding the Westboro Baptist Church are indeed indicative of what Christ followers should avoid, namely outright hatred of their fellow man, couching that sinful behavior as being wrong while saying nothing about homosexuality as also being sinful is not reading generously. Conversely, it is trying to stretch the horizon of thought far beyond the strict parameters set in Scripture.
Love for others requires the hard task of noting when sin is sin. Liu avoids that element instead choosing to support the lifestyle of an individual living in open defiance of God's prescription for proper sexual relationships. Should we read the works of those who take such a position such as Jeff Chu? I would submit the answer is yes, if anything to better understand the reasons why people choose to disobey God's clear commands. It is the same reason why one would read Matthew Vines book. To read generously will often require the need to respond generously with love founded in the pages of God's Word which in the case of Jeff Chu, will involve pointing him back to the pages of Scripture. Reading generously is not an open invitation to accept whatever thoughts one may come up with, regardless of how far those thoughts stray from Scripture. Exploring frontiers is perfectly fine as long as one is careful to return to the fence line that is the Word of God. Liu fails to remind the reader of that important point and for a book as a whole that claims to be helping readers to read theologically, an approach inherently rooted in viewing the world as God says it should be viewed, including such a chapter truly undermines that effort.
This does not mean the entirety of Reading Theologically should be shunned or the concepts and approaches presented by some of the authors ignored due to the theological ramblings of Liu. I will caution that the contributors to this book far too often promote broadening one’s theological horizons without fully providing the reader with the follow on conversation of when those horizons have reached their limits. Thus, this is a book I would only recommend to the seasoned believer who is able to recognize those necessary theological boundaries.
February 16, 2022
As with any compilation of essays, there are some that are better than others. In this volume, three essays I would highlight, or pass along to other readers are: "Reading Basically" by Melissa Browning, "Reading Biblically," by Amy L. B. Peeler, and "Reading Spiritually" by Shannell T. Smith.
Reading through this series by Fortress Press for work, but will detour for two other books before I return to this series.
Reading through this series by Fortress Press for work, but will detour for two other books before I return to this series.
September 5, 2014
As a parish pastor in my first call, there is little precious time to read extensively that provokes theological reflection and thought. While I'd love to be reading and engrossed in Barth, Tillich, or Luther, the fact is I need reading that sharpens my pastoral/ministerial skills in the time I do have.
"Reading Theologically" does that surprisingly well. I have to admit, I read the book mainly because Dr. Barreto was one of my seminary professors; but I was surprised at how what was meant to expose prospective and current seminarians was beneficial for me. The chapters on reading "generously," "critically," and "digitally" are by far the best and most insightful, and thought provoking. It reminds me how I need to not only approach my exegesis and preparation for sermons and studies in my ministry, but also my approach with people I am ministering to and with.
Am I reading and having conversations with people who differ from me, and am I really listening to them on their own terms, rather than with my bias? Am I open enough to allow myself to be surprised and challenged, and even changed by what they have to say? Being a Lutheran in a primarily Baptist concentrated area, that last question is a challenge, but a necessary one.
"Reading Theologically" has helped me do that. And the short essays are things I can keep going back to, revisiting over and over. Realize that not everything in this book will speak to you at your particular place in time. But I guarantee that something in this book will - and for that, it makes a great resource for pastors - both vocationally and in their own spiritual lives.
"Reading Theologically" does that surprisingly well. I have to admit, I read the book mainly because Dr. Barreto was one of my seminary professors; but I was surprised at how what was meant to expose prospective and current seminarians was beneficial for me. The chapters on reading "generously," "critically," and "digitally" are by far the best and most insightful, and thought provoking. It reminds me how I need to not only approach my exegesis and preparation for sermons and studies in my ministry, but also my approach with people I am ministering to and with.
Am I reading and having conversations with people who differ from me, and am I really listening to them on their own terms, rather than with my bias? Am I open enough to allow myself to be surprised and challenged, and even changed by what they have to say? Being a Lutheran in a primarily Baptist concentrated area, that last question is a challenge, but a necessary one.
"Reading Theologically" has helped me do that. And the short essays are things I can keep going back to, revisiting over and over. Realize that not everything in this book will speak to you at your particular place in time. But I guarantee that something in this book will - and for that, it makes a great resource for pastors - both vocationally and in their own spiritual lives.
October 18, 2016
This is a fine little book that consists of 8 essays from different authors, that is aimed at the student who is about to commence Seminary / Bible College. Whilst I don't fit the target audience and have been reading Theology for almost 40 years now, I find it worthwhile to be reminded of the basics - plus there may always be a "basic" I have missed or omitted.
Admittedly some essays are better than others. I probably enjoyed the final essay the best. I didn't agree with everything that was argued for, but given what is covered in this book that probably just means I "read" it properly ;-)
Much of what is covered in this book does also apply to other Academic reading - especially in the areas of Mathematics, Science and History (which are the ones I know about) - though of course the emphasis in this book is Theology. The Authors do try and prepare those who have never been exposed to different theological approaches, or have Church backgrounds that don't encourage questioning, for the Academic world - which I think is worthwhile.
So I think there is value in this for all who enjoy reading Theological Books.
Admittedly some essays are better than others. I probably enjoyed the final essay the best. I didn't agree with everything that was argued for, but given what is covered in this book that probably just means I "read" it properly ;-)
Much of what is covered in this book does also apply to other Academic reading - especially in the areas of Mathematics, Science and History (which are the ones I know about) - though of course the emphasis in this book is Theology. The Authors do try and prepare those who have never been exposed to different theological approaches, or have Church backgrounds that don't encourage questioning, for the Academic world - which I think is worthwhile.
So I think there is value in this for all who enjoy reading Theological Books.
May 4, 2016
Thoughtful, quick book about how to read both critically and generously.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews