Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World

by A.J. Swoboda, Nijay K. Gupta, Glenn Packiam (Foreword)

Why slowing down is the secret to spiritual strength

In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God's voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth.

A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta offer a practical theology guide for building resilient faith through Christian discipleship. Addressing spiritual deconstruction and doubt with honesty, they show how to fortify your faith against cultural challenges through eight transformative spiritual practices, including

● taking your time in prayer and Bible study,
● building patience for your spiritual journey and faith formation,
● slowing down your thinking and decision-making process,
● finding peace with unanswered questions rather than demanding easy solutions, and
● facing spiritual difficulties head-on instead of avoiding them.

This Christian living book helps weary believers reconnect with God and neighbor through intentional spiritual growth. With a foreword by Glenn Packiam, it's perfect for devotional reading, small group study, or anyone seeking authentic faith formation.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Theology

Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

A. J. Swoboda (PhD, University of Birmingham) pastors Theophilus Church in urban Portland, Oregon. He is executive director of the Seminary Stewardship Alliance, a consortium of Christian higher education institutions dedicated to reconnecting Christians with the biblical call to care for God's creation. Swoboda also teaches biblical studies, theology, and church history at Portland Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary, among others. He is an award-winning author or editor of nine books and speaks regularly at conferences, retreats, churches, and seminars. Visit his website and blog at www.ajswoboda.com.

Reviews

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that strikes me about A.J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta, co-authors for "Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World," is that they're slow and steady.

These are not showboating theologians. These are not attention-seekers. There's really not a page of excess contained within the relatively quick read that is "Slow Theology." (NOTE: I say "quick read" primarily directing it toward theology nerds who devour anything and everything theology).

Swoboda and Gupta are refreshing in that there are no real "quick takes" here or theological lightning strikes. Instead, "Slow Theology" leans into a deeper faith found in a gentler, more patient and, yes, slower way of leaning into our Christian faith by utilizing these eight practices not in a legalistic way but in a life-giving way.

"Slow Theology" is less prescriptive and more facilitating of deep faith in the busyness that has become our lives. I can't help but think this is an intentional approach to writing "Slow Theology." In a world of high-volume disagreements and knee-jerk Christianity, "Slow Theology" leans into eight practices capable of transforming and protecting our faith against cultural challenges and techno-impulses.

While I will admit I didn't necessarily resonate with every conclusion made here, I did resonate with these practices encouraging a more patient life of prayer and Bible study, a gentler pace for faith formation, an encouragement against rapid-fire decison-making and drive-thru faith practices and, for me most refreshingly, tackling our spiritual difficulties directly rather than kicking them on down the road.

Some of the conclusions, for example those around social media, feel a tad "easy" to me and more based in stereotype than personal experience. However, these are minor quibbles for a book that provides for a more soothing Christian life and more fulfilling and meaningful connection.

"Slow Theology" is ideal for personal devotional time, small groups and, in my opinion, young adult groups making that transition from childhood faith practices to adulthood faith practices. Even when I didn't agree, I found these ideas worthy of contemplation and valuable to my own life of faith.

[Gabe Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Theology felt less like another Christian living book and more like a survival guide for modern believers. In a culture addicted to speed, certainty, and productivity, this book reminded me that faith was never meant to be microwaved - you have to put it in the crock pot. I didn’t find anything particularly “new” or “groundbreaking” in its pages, but I desperately needed its message.

Swoboda and Gupta walk readers through eight practices that help the church become resilient again: taking our time, embracing the theological journey, thinking slowly, pondering mysteries, going to the problems, letting pain be the altar, believing together, and never giving up. Each one is a gentle but firm invitation to trade our spiritual restlessness for rootedness.

I especially loved their reminder that “theology isn’t the goal, but it is the path we must take.” It reframed study and reflection as part of our worship rather than an academic exercise. If you’ve felt burnt out, impatient, or disoriented in your faith, Slow Theology might be the steadying voice you need to hear right now as it was for me.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if this book is about pursuing theology in a slow manner, I read it rather quickly twice in one week as there was so much to glean from it. Each of the eight practices that the authors cover in approaching theology from a more deliberate pace are worth delving into at a deeper level, and I found that going through it again in rapid succession (how ironic!) only enhanced my experience of the book. Bringing in examples from the Bible, Christian history, and life today, it's a book that serves as both an introduction to topics such as the Sabbath, pain, and communal theology, and a meatier work to chew on as perseverance and complexity drive many of the insights that are provided.

I appreciate the call to resist fast and easy answers when trying to understand matters beyond human understanding, such as the Trinity, and the reward of walking with God as opposed to just figuring Him out for our own purposes. Undergirding this book is a sense of desiring to abide in Christ as the chief aim in wanting to know Him better; thus, this would make an excellent book for discipleship purposes. If readers are looking for a theology book that infuses life and spirit into why we choose to study God and how we can add to our knowledge about Him, Slow Theology is a vibrant guide to experiencing God that extends beyond our minds.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening chapter of this book I knew it was one that would speak to me. The call for deep reflection and a pace that cultivates it is a major theme for this season of my life. Swoboda and Gupta have crafted a book where the mind can be touched through the heart. It is thoroughly grounded in Scripture, historical Christian and modern theological concerns. Yet, it maintains a beautiful devotional fervor that is inviting to the reader.

There is such a need for voices that call us out of our productivity-driven lifestyles to ones of contemplation. Here in these pages is suggested lifestyle with God that makes theology relatable. Touching on such practices as: pace, sabbath, lament, mystery in the journey, refusal to run away from theological challenges and life together in community, Slow Theology makes the pursuit of God highly desirable. Furthermore, the practices are laid out in a manner that connects you to the history of the Christian community guided by Scripture. This adds a texture that is often lacking in many contemporary spiritual works. And for me, this is why I consider that book a definite repeat read.

[Amber Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am about halfway through this book, and I am enjoying it. I needed the reminder of how much of a blessing that God’s slowness is to us. It’s a beautiful model for us of how to slow down, and it’s also His way of being patient and kind to His children. Glad to be on a journey of being sanctified by Christ. I don’t have all the answers, but it’s so good that I can slowly learn more about God’s heart and slowly become more like Him.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind invitation to slow down and silence the shuffle for certainty.

[John Koeshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Theology Review

Slow Theology is a book based off the inspiration behind the Slow Theology Podcast that A.J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta have hosted since 2020. The goal of the book is to help Christians learn the practices that form an antifragile faith and life, not only endurance but growth through life’s inevitable challenges.

The book contains 8 chapters and a conclusion.
Chapter 1 is an invitation to the reader to learn to live in the lingering moments of life. This is not only the space where God speaks to us and acts, but it is also necessary for us to get in sync with the voice and ways of God. Western society values quickness and efficiency, and though God can and does at time call us to be quick to obey or to listen, most everything else in the Christian life takes a journey, must steep, needs to germinate.

Chapter 2 invites the reader the reader to reconsider what theology is about. Against the modern preoccupation with information gathering and knowledge acquisition, theological study invites us on a journey towards knowing God. God both reveals himself and disguises himself, inviting us to pursue him. This pursuing means that the study of and about God must lead us to prayer and worship of him. To know God is not informational, it is relational. And that takes quality time spent with him, reflecting, praying, worshipping.

Chapter 3 invites the reader to think slowly and take a sabbath approach to theology. Contra to a workaholism of Western (and particularly American) society, our most fruitful and best theologizing happens as we develop a sabbath approach defined by developing our ability “to hear, listen to, and patiently wait on God’s voice.” Part of a sabbath approach, too, is realizing that not everything that is good and pleasing should be indulged, especially when God tells us not to. When it comes to theology, this means that we set aside our 6-day preoccupation for a day, practice restraint, allow our motives to be exposed, cultivate patience, and give margin, so that we might grow in knowing God rightly.

Chapter 4 challenges the Information Age ideal of always having [access to] the answer and to demystify every mystery. Scripture’s purpose is not to resolve every question, but there to call us forward into the labor of knowing Christ. It calls us to theological humility, acknowledging our need to always learn and always be open for the outside voice. Theological perfection is not the goal, nor is it possible. Instead we need to lean into the mystery of God, through humility and curiosity, resisting arrogance, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and spiritual hunger.

Chapter 5 acknowledges and even embraces problems and difficulties. Theological problems usually lead to one of two responses, either ignoring scripture in favor modernistic solutions or vice versa. Theological problems are usually one of three varieties: 1) Discovering that deeply held convictions don’t hold up to a close reading of scripture; 2) Descriptions of nature and the universe in scripture leave us wondering whether scripture can be trusted; 3) Our theological beliefs don’t seem to have an answer for our personal experiences. The reader is lead through a study of Psalm 73 as a case study of how to approach God with our problems and paradoxes, how to read scripture through Augustine’s hermeneutic of love vs a secular hermeneutic of suspicion, and how to approach theological problems.

Chapter 6 is entitled “Let the Pain be the Alter,” which preaches all by itself. The reader is invited to not hide their shame and pain behind the false face that social media and the internet provides, but to prayer and to lament. Forty percent of the psalms are considered at least in part psalms of lament. They teach the prayer how to voice anger, disappointment, fear, and grief with honesty and transparency, to name God’s character, to invite God to act, and to affirm God’s faithfulness.

Chapter 7 calls the radical individualized Western Christianity to “one faith, one body, and communal theology.” Whereas the West idealizes self-sufficiency and independence, but Christianity calls for an interdependently lived-out faith. Community benefits us as a place of correction so we don’t stray into weirdnesses. Relatedly, it is also the place where we share a common faith, especially as we recite the creed in unity with the Church historical and cross-cultural.

Chapter 8 calls the reader to persevere. “The Christian race is a difficult one.” Many having not counted the cost before hand will fall away. Jesus himself warns his would-be disciples, to know that they will suffer precisely because of him, that suffering is “the badge of true discipleship.” Yet, Jesus promises, its will be worth it in the end. The chapter there calls the reader to pace themselves for the long haul, to find joy in the struggle, to celebrate the small victories daily, to take time to rest, and to feed the soul with good spiritual food. The reader is also reminded run the race together, that we are better together, and we need one another. Lastly, disciples learn to abide, that is to stay, individually and together with Jesus. 

In sum, an excellent book, filled with wisdom for the long haul. Gupta and Swoboda helpfully articulate the challenges in our cultural moment and offer a way to grow and even flourish amidst questions, paradoxes, hurt, and disappointment.

[Ortinel G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Slow Theology by Nijay Gupta and AJ Swoboda and wow, this is a book the contemporary church desperately needs!

Although Nijay and AJ are two of the best Bible scholars around, they write with a deeply pastoral heart, inviting the people of God into a slower rhythm of life with Him in a culture obsessed with immediacy.

Written with grace, patience, deep biblical insight, and love, each chapter explores how the Christian life is a journey and how the practice of slowness, whether in sabbath-keeping, wrestling through theological questions, navigating life’s struggles, or simply communing with God, shapes a Spirit-led rhythm.

This book is not merely theoretical, nor does it call Christians to “pull up their bootstraps.” The final chapter makes it clear: the goal is to point our eyes to Jesus, the One who calls us to abide in Him. These practices support that abiding, but more importantly, the more we abide in Jesus, the more naturally we’ll live into these practices. I especially loved the marathon imagery and how its lessons on perseverance illuminate the Christian walk.

There’s so much more I could say, but for now, thank you both for your faithfulness and your heart for God’s people, Nijay Gupta and AJ Swoboda And thank you Brazospress for the copy. This book is profoundly needed in the contemporary church and one believers will return to for years to come.

[Katie Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world of noise, distraction, and shallow connection, this book offers a slower way. With honesty about doubt and deconstruction, it invites readers to resist quick fixes, embrace mystery, and cultivate communal faith. Theologically rich yet accessible, it equips us with practices to steady our walk with Jesus in today’s frenetic culture.

I’ve been a fan of both of these authors for a while! Swoboda’s After Doubt and Gupta’s Tell Her Story have shaped me deeply (I practically quoted After Doubt in my master’s thesis 😂). What I respect most is how they model authentic questioning of faith while still holding a high view of Scripture—a rare combination in most conversations about shifting belief. That’s why they’re the perfect duo to guide us in developing a theology that doesn’t crumble every time culture shifts. Instead, they call us to sloooowly think through what we believe. Faith is going to falter if it isn’t yours. This book gives us eight practices to develop just that.

Thank you @brazospress for the ARC I love what these authors are contributing to the discipleship/theology discussion.

Perfect for you if you like:
Theology
Spiritual formation
Honest wrestling

Similar to:
Discover the Mystery of Faith by Glenn Packiam
Faith After Doubt by Brian D. McLaren
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

[Charity Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m about halfway through the book and let me say, this book has been such a breath of fresh air to my spirit. It’s very simple and straightforward to understand, but the presentation is beautifully put together. I took the biggest exhale when I read this passage early in the book: “You are not a bad Christian because you experience doubt. The key is in how you are able to return to a place of rest and trust in Christ. The second aspect of resilience is recalibration. We don't just recover from a turbulent test of faith; we retool and rebuild; we reinforce and realign. The goal, as this book attests, is to get stronger, to become antifragile.”

I was in ministry leadership at a local church for 13 years. When I started asking questions about things I was observing, they asked me to step down because “there was no place for questions there”. I have had a hard time committing to the local church since, while I never gave up my faith, I had a lot of questions and thoughts about that and some other things. But this book is helping to heal the pieces of my heart that have been damaged.

[Alex Marque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply anticipating this new release from two wonderful Christian authors and my excitement was met with joy at the profound levels of wisdom in this book. This is a book truly highlighting the profound depths of wisdom that catholic Christianity has to offer. Both authors with their respective expertise and insight in theology and biblical scholar are able to bring their prayerful and rich learning to this book while also drawing on the vast wells of the best of Christian thought to offer a case for the need for slow and humble theological reflection in the Christian life. For so many who have deep wounds or deep confusions about God or Christian spirituality, there truly is no replacement for slowing down for the necessary reflection. As a pastor in NYC, where the pace of life is relentless, this book has been truly life giving in its call to patiently, humbly, communally, and with the full breadth of real human experience, give our attention to God, with all the hard and slow prayerful reflection that requires. This an instant classic on my shelf that I will return to again and again.

[Freddy Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow down and be in God’s presence, that is the heart of Slow Theology, as the authors Nijay Gupta and A.J. Saw is an explored through eight practices what it means to be a slow theology church. Many of the chapters are helpful by reading the chapter title alone, though some of the chapters may suffer a bit from an information dump. As such, those chapters were harder to follow. A summary at the end of each chapter would also help, and possible reflection questions to explore further. Still, the chapters which are clear more than rectify this minor inconvenience, especially the quote about the slowest person in the church reveals the theology of that church is a gem, and our need to abide and be with Jesus is our way to counter the fast food treatment of church programs and products. The chapter on mystery is also illuminating on the historical mistakes of flattening god, and the importance of church and community as a place for communal fellowship while exercising individual gifts hold the tension of what churches are in expression to cheering on one another in service and mission together.

[Tamara Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of ‘hot takes,’ fast food, and lightning speed internet, Swoboda & Gupta encourage the Christian to slow down, read long, think deeply, and learn to abide by in Christ.

The authors draw their principles from the scriptures, unpacking and expounding on them with thought provoking illustrations. From God’s slow educational plan (think forty years in the desert) to Christ’s instructions to abide in him, (John 15:4-9) Gupta and Swoboda make the case for patient steadfastness and caution us, “It’s never wise to try to be faster than God."

As I was reading, I found in myself an awakening of longing for time in the word of God, time in prayer, time to sit at Christ’s feet and listen and feel his presence. I was reminded of the attractiveness of mystery and reassured that a lifetime is not too long to search for wisdom.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of Slow Theology from Net Galley.

The only reason I haven't rated Slow Theology as a five-star read yet is that I'm not quite finished with the book. However, everything that I've read in it so far has been a great encouragement to me. I'm currently in a season of transition where everything feels incredibly fast-paced. Swoboda and Gupta do a good job of reminding me not to let the busy seasons of life impinge on my relationship with God.

I will probably update my rating and review in the next few weeks as I finish Slow Theology. But I feel confident in recommending this book to others.

[Trenton Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t like using hyperbole when describing pieces of work, but I truly believe that Slow Theology is a significant book for our day and age. A.J. and Nijay have tapped into the heart of what is happening in our world and showing Christians that we do not have to play by the rules established around us. We are invited to take the slow, long winding road into discipleship and resiliency in culture exhausted with burn out. Can’t recommend it enough!

[Jerri Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. If Goodreads had a 10-star rating, this book would be 10 stars! I have been listening to A.J.’s and Nijay’s podcast (Slow Theology) for several years and had been greatly anticipating the release of this book. It definitely didn’t disappoint! These 8 practices are desperately needed in the church today. The message of this book brought so much peace to my heart and confirmed what my husband and I have been saying for years. I wish everyone would read it!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational for the long game. This book intends to reinforce that the way of being a Christian is not instantaneous but the product of living in the ordinary, being consistent, curious and Christ centered. Most of us will not be great thinkers, or even renowned movers and shakers, yet the God of the universe calls us to know him. And to pursue knowing him. The book emphasizes spiritual discipline and perseverance. Highly recommend.

[Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow theology and an antifragile faith.

Aj and Nijay’s book is a helpful reminder to slow down and really embrace the journey of getting to know God. Grounded in scripture and the rich history of the church, they lay out a series of practices intended to help you slow down, dig deeper, and find a rich ‘faith seeking understanding.’

[Jason Albertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Theology is a book about what to expect from the Christian life and how to live it faithfully through engagement with theology in community with the church.

It's pitched for an audience that hasn't learned much theology yet, but wants something more substantial than hot takes. This isn't a theology overview, but rather advice for engaging with theology. I could see this being a helpful group read for a youth group or high school Bible class.

If I could change anything, it would just be the pace. Even for a book called Slow Theology, this is pretty wordy, and the pace drags some.

I received an eARC in exchange for my review.

[Jacob Seward · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a certain peace that comes through the knowledge that God often moves slowly. Throughout this book AJ exposes that our frustration with the speed of God really just exposes problems within us. From calling, to healing, from the church, to theology God takes his time and we should be thankful for that.

[Nicholas Pokorny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoboda and Gupta tackle something that I fear many have neglected and/or ignore: Christian community that grows together, waits together, and takes its time to foster growth together.

I find that I will return to this book again as a reminder to take time to sit, think, and reflect about how I have tried rushing through life and theology instead of savoring a well-cooked meal.

[Cindy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot on

Always widening my curiosity, view, understanding, mystery, Gupta and Swoboda, put me in a spot to ponder. Spot on with their words about living the faith life. Spot on in questions and considerations that I haven’t thought about. Spot on in a clear call to practice deeply what I believe and keep discovering about Jesus.

[Sarah McClelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are two of my favorite teachers/scholars/theologians, so of course I really enjoyed this one. My only qualm is that I wish there had been more practical and tangible tips, because though the concepts were impactful I feel like I’m going to struggle to apply them and let them permeate throughout my daily life.

[Aliyah Rattray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible yet thought provoking and insightful read on how to develop “slow theology” in our modern world. I know I will be coming back to this book again as it has many helpful truths tucked inside.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super refreshing to my soul and spirit. This is the way I want to do theology, and because this book is so accessible, I will be recommending it to many.

Video review here: https://youtu.be/-sTtiX5_9RM

[Scott Firestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a profound book that gave me so much to think about. I’m torn between wanting to immediately start it over and read it again, and wanting to sit with the things it brought up and brought out.

[Vjera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has little bright pops of interesting comparisons, such as God doesn't buttdial and stories from the authors' lives, such as writing an article that went negatively viral and caused one of them to go to the ER with heart palpitations.

[Regina Piper Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gift to tired believers. Slow Theology offers wise, practical, and deeply biblical guidance for living faithfully in a loud, fast, reactive world. It reminds us that God is not in a hurry—and neither is spiritual formation.

[Josh Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The podcast these guys have is very helpful and truly has that all-important slowness of contemplation to it. Worth a read!

[Larry J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I need to read this again. More slowly.