Theological Worlds: Understanding the Alternative Rhythms of Christian Belief

by W. Paul Jones

By exploring five common Christian perspectives ("theological worlds"), this volume helps readers understand the basis of their own Christian attitudes, identify the sources of their confusions about life and the church, and come to a deeper appreciation of the assumptions and motivations of others. Author W. Paul Jones demonstrates that each of the five "theological worlds" has a legitimate basis in both Scripture and tradition. He explores why the "citizens" of each world have great difficulty understanding and accepting the legitimacy of other worlds, and why people of goodwill often misconstrue the words and intentions of others. Theological Worlds offers thoughtful insight to all Christians who want to understand and deal effectively with other human beings. Christian educators will appreciate the references to literature--books, plays, songs, poetry--which illustrate the characteristics of residents of the five worlds and point toward ways to achieve nurturing experiences for students and congregations. Preachers will find the volume helpful as a means of crafting sermons that speak to the diversity of experience among their church members.

Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1989

Reviews

[CindyGil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful concepts related to plurality within Christian thought and practice. I disagree that the methodology giving origin to the various theological world views was sufficient.
When discussing with others we struggled landing on a theological “world.” Nevertheless, I agree that there are an infinite number of ways to believe and practice faith but we also have to account for those who don’t subscribe to a theology and are highly spiritual. The book models one way to engage in thought experiments beyond one’s own frame of religion. Such curiosity can and should be welcomed. After all, shouldn’t faith be expansive?

[Kathleen Dragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very dense, references are a bit outdated. This is no pop psychology self-help book. I found it useful in digging really deep into the intensely personal parts of us that drive our desire for faith and the places we ultimately find relief from this yearning.

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting ideas. Not thoroughly convincing.

[Killer Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.64 overall rating. Provokes thoughts

[Rev. Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For one of my Spring 2016 Brite Courses, "Church's Educational Ministry" - From the publisher: By exploring five common Christian perspectives ("theological worlds"), this volume helps readers understand the basis of their own Christian attitudes, identify the sources of their confusions about life and the church, and come to a deeper appreciation of the assumptions and motivations of others. Author W. Paul Jones demonstrates that each of the five "theological worlds" has a legitimate basis in both Scripture and tradition. He explores why the "citizens" of each world have great difficulty understanding and accepting the legitimacy of other worlds, and why people of goodwill often misconstrue the words and intentions of others. Theological Worlds offers thoughtful insight to all Christians who want to understand and deal effectively with other human beings. Christian educators will appreciate the references to literature--books, plays, songs, poetry--which illustrate the characteristics of residents of the five worlds and point toward ways to achieve nurturing experiences for students and congregations. Preachers will find the volume helpful as a means of crafting sermons that speak to the diversity of experience among their church members

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I am having trouble deciding between three and four stars. If you're not reading it for a class (as I was), you have to get past the text-book-y theology style. That said, he gives lots of examples of music and art that are associated with each World, so that helps make it a bit more accessible. It is yet another schema (Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, etc.), and an interesting one. It really only covers Christianity, and the movie/novel/music references are pretty dated, but I found it very useful in thinking about how I approach Christian spirituality, and where those around me are on this spectrum. Heavy on psychology, existential issues. I learned a lot about myself and got some helpful insights on interacting with others.

[Kate Wester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a theology of the developing person class. I do not consider myself Christian, but I found a lot of value in this book! He divides people's theological worldviews into five different worlds each with their own dilema (obsessio) and salvation (epiphania). As a therapist or pastoral counselor it's important to realize that your biggest ache and salve may be very different from someone elses. It's important to see the world through their eyes. The book is a little dense. But very valuable. And considering it was written in the late 80's it holds up pretty well.

[Christian Hendriks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not so much "really like it," as the stars would have it, but I found the book helpful in understanding others and, to an extent, myself. Parts of it were enjoyable; parts were not so much enjoyable as informative.