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A Little Exercise for Young Theologians
Since it first appeared in English translation in 1962, A Little Exercise for Young Theologians has achieved classic status. In thirteen concise reflections Helmut Thielicke offers wise counsel on the difficulties—and vital importance—of maintaining one's spiritual health in the course of academic theological study.
Thousands of beginning theological students over the years have had the opportunity to eavesdrop, as it were, on a practical theology seminar by one of the twentieth century's leading Christian thinkers. More experienced pastors and theologians have also returned to this volume again and again for the valuable insights that Thielicke brings to bear on their vocation.
Thousands of beginning theological students over the years have had the opportunity to eavesdrop, as it were, on a practical theology seminar by one of the twentieth century's leading Christian thinkers. More experienced pastors and theologians have also returned to this volume again and again for the valuable insights that Thielicke brings to bear on their vocation.
80 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1961
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
April 12, 2022
“I don’t believe God is a fussy faultfinder in dealing with theological ideas. He who provides forgiveness for a sinful life will also surely be a generous judge of theological reflections. Even an orthodox theologian can be spiritually dead, while perhaps a heretic crawls on forbidden bypaths to the sources of life.”
February 1, 2018
Short and striking, a concentrated humble pill
Grateful that a class in Systematic Theology should begin with a reading that places these things in their proper place: studies under community, community under devotions, devotions under prayer, and prayer under Christ himself, the source and center of all wisdom and knowledge.
Grateful that a class in Systematic Theology should begin with a reading that places these things in their proper place: studies under community, community under devotions, devotions under prayer, and prayer under Christ himself, the source and center of all wisdom and knowledge.
January 19, 2023
This is the third time I’ve read this tiny book. I keep coming back to it because it is such a good reminder that theology should humble us. Draw us near to God and be done in his presence. And should always be done for the sake of the people in the pews.
May 15, 2011
I really wish I'd had this book in college. And seminary. And every year from seminary until now.
January 6, 2024
A good little exhortation which will be perennially helpful for those in context seeking to mold pastor-academic-theologians.
A good reminder that we are being fitted out in theological armor we haven't quite grown into. Thielicke urges young theologians to respect the instincts of lay people because even if they are expressed badly, they are often quite on the mark and are the church holding us accountable. And above all I really appreciated his emphasis, inspired by Anselm, that theology most properly is conducted as a form of prayer. It must be spiritually active.
Now some of his insights are fairly dated and the context to which he was writing is increasingly rare, all of which alienates the modern reader. In addition, as a conservative, his comfortability with the higher criticism of his presumed readers also left me with some questions about the long-term legitimacy of his advice. But all in all I would recommend this work to the student in the right circumstances.
A good reminder that we are being fitted out in theological armor we haven't quite grown into. Thielicke urges young theologians to respect the instincts of lay people because even if they are expressed badly, they are often quite on the mark and are the church holding us accountable. And above all I really appreciated his emphasis, inspired by Anselm, that theology most properly is conducted as a form of prayer. It must be spiritually active.
Now some of his insights are fairly dated and the context to which he was writing is increasingly rare, all of which alienates the modern reader. In addition, as a conservative, his comfortability with the higher criticism of his presumed readers also left me with some questions about the long-term legitimacy of his advice. But all in all I would recommend this work to the student in the right circumstances.
October 27, 2025
Thank you to Jegan for lending me this lovely short read.
August 8, 2017
Such an excellent and important short read for anyone studying theology. I was convicted several times in these 41 pages, Thielicke knows well the temptations of a student of theology and exposes them gracefully and effectively.
April 19, 2020
Humbling and encouraging all the same. It is likely I will/should revisit this annually. A helpful addition to any theological library.
April 26, 2024
The book belongs in the category of modern classics. It emphasizes the fact that theology should primarily serve the church. The author also highlights a common issue: we often get too caught up in theological debates and reflections, which can hinder our spiritual growth. This book has been incredibly helpful in clearing my thoughts and reminding me to prioritize my spirituality over mere intellectual pursuits.
May 20, 2025
Humbling—every young student of scripture and theology should probably read these reminders. I certainly needed them.
October 8, 2014
I like this little book. For me, it’s a good reminder not to use theology as a tool to shame others. I have seen (and personally experienced) too many instances of new theologians using cumbersome language and complicated ideas to silence those they don’t agree with. It is a kind of shaming that, especially when I had no understanding of the language, put me off to the idea of theology altogether. I can only imagine what it does to those who have already experienced so much shame from the church already.
The problem that I could potentially see with this book is its impact on newer theologians who have experienced harm from previous church experiences.
When I was first introduced to ideas like ‘hermeneutics’ and ‘eschatology’ it was a glorious and freeing time. For my whole life I had been stuck inside of a faith-only belief system where any kind of questioning or challenging was practically evil. When I began to realize the vast academic arena of theology, I was able to revel in a diversity of thought, and excitedly intellectualize about all the things that were once forbidden to me.
The author argues that theology should not replace faith, however, I believe that it is much more important for those newly introduced to the theological realm to play, and allow themselves to be envigorated by a newfound freedom.
But, it still feels like a valuable reminder for any experienced theologian.
The problem that I could potentially see with this book is its impact on newer theologians who have experienced harm from previous church experiences.
When I was first introduced to ideas like ‘hermeneutics’ and ‘eschatology’ it was a glorious and freeing time. For my whole life I had been stuck inside of a faith-only belief system where any kind of questioning or challenging was practically evil. When I began to realize the vast academic arena of theology, I was able to revel in a diversity of thought, and excitedly intellectualize about all the things that were once forbidden to me.
The author argues that theology should not replace faith, however, I believe that it is much more important for those newly introduced to the theological realm to play, and allow themselves to be envigorated by a newfound freedom.
But, it still feels like a valuable reminder for any experienced theologian.
June 3, 2023
A fantastic, wise, and helpfully illustrative lecture that has stood the test of time since it was first delivered in the 1950’s. I am sure that I will return to this short little book time and time again.
I typically like to provide my favorite quote or two from a book when I write a review, but for this platform, there were simply too many to choose from. So I will just share one quote of many that well-describes the premise of necessity for this lecture:
“There is a hiatus between the arena of the young theologian's actual spiritual growth and what he already knows intellectually about this arena. So to speak, he has been fitted, like a country boy, with breeches that are too big, into which he must still grow up in the same way that one who is to be confirmed must also still grow into the long trousers of the Catechism. Meanwhile, they hang loosely around his body, and this ludicrous sight, of course, is not beautiful."
I typically like to provide my favorite quote or two from a book when I write a review, but for this platform, there were simply too many to choose from. So I will just share one quote of many that well-describes the premise of necessity for this lecture:
“There is a hiatus between the arena of the young theologian's actual spiritual growth and what he already knows intellectually about this arena. So to speak, he has been fitted, like a country boy, with breeches that are too big, into which he must still grow up in the same way that one who is to be confirmed must also still grow into the long trousers of the Catechism. Meanwhile, they hang loosely around his body, and this ludicrous sight, of course, is not beautiful."
January 12, 2023
A little book I’ll return to often. Every theological discovery should challenge our faith.
July 12, 2023
This tiny book hurts.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
— Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
— Proverbs 27:6
February 9, 2022
Well, I'll be rereading this every year. Somehow in 40 small pages, Thielicke manages to blend firm conviction in the value of theological studies with stark awareness of the terrible dangers of spiritual and intellectual pride. I was not prepared for his emphasis on how theologians must recognize their need for the lay voices of their church communities to help keep them on the straight path. Especially as a young student, I needed his thoughts on the pitfalls of newly graduated seminary students bloated with head knowledge that they have not yet lived out. Also, his writing is delightful—clean and clear with some striking and occasionally hilarious metaphors.
Oh, and his references and clear indebtedness to Anselm gave me so much joy.
Theological thinking can and ought to grab a man like a passion. But passionate devotion means a way of thinking and speaking which all too consistently is borrowed from the circles in which a person has just been moving.
~
There is a hiatus between the arena of the young theologian's actual spiritual growth and what he already knows intellectually about this arena.
~
...[Ignorant Christians] bear a trace of what I should like to call the spiritual instinct of the children of God....I should like to ask you to place that instinct beside everything of a theological nature that you may perhaps be able to learn in this course, and maintain a lively—even theological— dialogue with the ordinary children of God.
~
While we are overpowered by a theological idea...we forget all too easily that we are being bewitched by the mere form of faith which comes to us in reflection. Our readiness to go along with this form of reflection and to let ourselves be swept up by it, though we understand it and are devoted to it, and are intellectually blessed, does not signify that we are carried away by fundamental faith itself.
~
The man who studies theology...might watch carefully whether he increasingly does not think in the third rather than in the second person. This transition from one to the other level of thought, from a personal relationship with God to a nearly technical reference, usually is exactly synchronized with the moment that I no longer can read the word of the Holy Scripture as a word to me, but only as the objective exegetical endeavors.
~
... a theological thought can breathe only in the atmosphere of dialogue with God.
~
He who provides forgiveness for a sinful life will also surely be a generous judge of theological reflections. Even an orthodox theologian can be spiritually dead, while perhaps a heretic crawls on forbidden bypaths to the sources of life.
Oh, and his references and clear indebtedness to Anselm gave me so much joy.
Theological thinking can and ought to grab a man like a passion. But passionate devotion means a way of thinking and speaking which all too consistently is borrowed from the circles in which a person has just been moving.
~
There is a hiatus between the arena of the young theologian's actual spiritual growth and what he already knows intellectually about this arena.
~
...[Ignorant Christians] bear a trace of what I should like to call the spiritual instinct of the children of God....I should like to ask you to place that instinct beside everything of a theological nature that you may perhaps be able to learn in this course, and maintain a lively—even theological— dialogue with the ordinary children of God.
~
While we are overpowered by a theological idea...we forget all too easily that we are being bewitched by the mere form of faith which comes to us in reflection. Our readiness to go along with this form of reflection and to let ourselves be swept up by it, though we understand it and are devoted to it, and are intellectually blessed, does not signify that we are carried away by fundamental faith itself.
~
The man who studies theology...might watch carefully whether he increasingly does not think in the third rather than in the second person. This transition from one to the other level of thought, from a personal relationship with God to a nearly technical reference, usually is exactly synchronized with the moment that I no longer can read the word of the Holy Scripture as a word to me, but only as the objective exegetical endeavors.
~
... a theological thought can breathe only in the atmosphere of dialogue with God.
~
He who provides forgiveness for a sinful life will also surely be a generous judge of theological reflections. Even an orthodox theologian can be spiritually dead, while perhaps a heretic crawls on forbidden bypaths to the sources of life.
December 26, 2021
Wow! This book is a must-read for any Christian, but specifically those that have a zeal for theology. The author explains dangers of digger deeper into theology like pride, love of theologians rather than Christ, and the necessity of Christ in all theology. He does this while maintaining the importance and beauty of theology in the life of any Christian. Really convicting.
April 13, 2020
Well, this was just terrific.
February 13, 2024
A monumental book as I consider seminary. Thielicke puts to words the temptations of the heart that seminary students face.
July 30, 2025
I randomly came across this little book and was intrigued by some of the chapter titles.
June 1, 2024
A call to humility, to taste and see, and to retain wonder and love.
December 2, 2022
all seminary students should read this at the beginning, middle, and end of their time in seminary.
August 7, 2024
Much of this book's counsel was golden - for instance that all theology should be prayer, that is, a dialogue with God, and not an intellectual exercise. However, every example Thieleke uses of young theologians speaking with "simple" Pietists features an orthodox layman being confronted with some artifact of higher criticism (questioning the veracity of miracles or the resurrection) from the theologian's mouth. Thieleke is himself orthodox but takes for granted that these are the kinds of questions (now thought passé and heterodox in most conservative seminaries) a young theologian will engage in school.
The dynamics between heterodox academia and simple German piety are going to be very different than those between orthodox if overzealous Evangelicalism (which frequently doubts rather than overvalues theological study) and the overt error found amongst Americans in our much more lay focused US church environments. I am not sure what Thieleke's counsel for my cultural context would look like, but I am reasonably sure it would be different.
The dynamics between heterodox academia and simple German piety are going to be very different than those between orthodox if overzealous Evangelicalism (which frequently doubts rather than overvalues theological study) and the overt error found amongst Americans in our much more lay focused US church environments. I am not sure what Thieleke's counsel for my cultural context would look like, but I am reasonably sure it would be different.
January 10, 2023
Concise, yet thoroughly enjoyable. I was given this book in my first year of theological education, and I now give it to all my friends who want to go there as well.
Thielicke names that in people "truth and love are seldom combined" and unfortunately in Christian circles this is sadly true. I'm grateful that he's someone who tries to draw students into love and truth.
10/10 - should read.
Thielicke names that in people "truth and love are seldom combined" and unfortunately in Christian circles this is sadly true. I'm grateful that he's someone who tries to draw students into love and truth.
10/10 - should read.
August 26, 2017
I've read through this book at least 3 times during my college and seminary experience. It has shaped my understanding of the relationship between spiritual life and academic theological study more than any other book I've read. It was crucial for my own humility and spiritual development then as it is now.
August 22, 2024
Something (along with Gregory of Nazianzus’ oration on who should study theology) I think will return to again and again to refresh myself on my role in the church as someone who currently studies theology and sees a future “career” (vocation is by far the better word, I’m sure) as a theologian, esp in academic contexts. Much wisdom here.
May 17, 2007
Talbot Course: Theological Research Method
Let me save you $$$ by telling you what this book is about in one sentence: Learning theology at the expense of your own spiritual health is never worth it.
It's an extremely short book. =)
Let me save you $$$ by telling you what this book is about in one sentence: Learning theology at the expense of your own spiritual health is never worth it.
It's an extremely short book. =)
July 17, 2024
This book is a warning to students of theology to be on guard against the temptation of allowing the study of theology to puff you up with pride in a newfound expertise or to disconnect you from the essential practice of applying what is learned to life. The faith, once for all delivered, is path we walk on and live, not a pedestal to stand on to look down on others from. To that end, theological students must anchor themselves in a consistent and authentic walk with God and engage intentionally with a community of faith. Without this grounding, knowledge gained from theological study can easily become a tool for harm rather than a source of help and healing.
What were three (or more) things you learned from reading this book?
The process of growing to spiritual maturity can often include a time of going through spiritual puberty. This analogy feels especially personal to me as my 12 year old son navigates middle school life. I saw myself p. 31
When truth and love are not combined (which can often be the case), a spiritual disease (Thilieke says it is the theological disease) occurs where truth is used as a means to defeat someone and even kill them. p.39-41
Without prayer, theological thought suffocates. A test of that prayerful approach to theology can be how second person rather than third person pronouns are used--more me and we than you--in how we teach and share what we are learning. p. 64, 67
Which chapter or section of the book had the greatest impact on you? Why?
The individual chapters were short, but I was most helped by the last third of the book where he described the marks and practices of a healthy heart in pursuing theology. While I was able to somewhat dodge the extremes of his explanations of the immaturities of theological youth, I was cut deep by his descriptions of humble orthodoxy.
What is one quote from the book that made an impression on you?
I thought this was a helpful summary: How all-important it is that a vigorous spiritual life, in close association with the Holy Scriptures and in the midst of the Christian community, be maintained as a background to theological work, and that the unformed shadows of thought always derive their life-blood from that source - all this becomes impressively clear to me particularly by the way in which historical-critical study of the Bible affects young theologians. p. 69
What is a disagreement you have with the author?
It could have been the translation or the brevity in the writer’s style, but I struggled some in following the stories and analogies. While the writing was punchy, it felt disjointed at times.
I also struggled with what seemed to be broad-brush and extreme caricatures of theological pride.
If you could interview the author, what question(s) would you ask?
What means does God use to work humility into a theologians? How did God write your story of growing to see the importance of these things?
What is your most useful takeaway from this book?
I need to be careful not to approach theology with the mindset of "how can this be used in a sermon or conversation?" Instead, I should prioritize allowing the truth to impact and transform me first. Only then can I become an authentic vessel through which this truth can be shared with others.
What were three (or more) things you learned from reading this book?
The process of growing to spiritual maturity can often include a time of going through spiritual puberty. This analogy feels especially personal to me as my 12 year old son navigates middle school life. I saw myself p. 31
When truth and love are not combined (which can often be the case), a spiritual disease (Thilieke says it is the theological disease) occurs where truth is used as a means to defeat someone and even kill them. p.39-41
Without prayer, theological thought suffocates. A test of that prayerful approach to theology can be how second person rather than third person pronouns are used--more me and we than you--in how we teach and share what we are learning. p. 64, 67
Which chapter or section of the book had the greatest impact on you? Why?
The individual chapters were short, but I was most helped by the last third of the book where he described the marks and practices of a healthy heart in pursuing theology. While I was able to somewhat dodge the extremes of his explanations of the immaturities of theological youth, I was cut deep by his descriptions of humble orthodoxy.
What is one quote from the book that made an impression on you?
I thought this was a helpful summary: How all-important it is that a vigorous spiritual life, in close association with the Holy Scriptures and in the midst of the Christian community, be maintained as a background to theological work, and that the unformed shadows of thought always derive their life-blood from that source - all this becomes impressively clear to me particularly by the way in which historical-critical study of the Bible affects young theologians. p. 69
What is a disagreement you have with the author?
It could have been the translation or the brevity in the writer’s style, but I struggled some in following the stories and analogies. While the writing was punchy, it felt disjointed at times.
I also struggled with what seemed to be broad-brush and extreme caricatures of theological pride.
If you could interview the author, what question(s) would you ask?
What means does God use to work humility into a theologians? How did God write your story of growing to see the importance of these things?
What is your most useful takeaway from this book?
I need to be careful not to approach theology with the mindset of "how can this be used in a sermon or conversation?" Instead, I should prioritize allowing the truth to impact and transform me first. Only then can I become an authentic vessel through which this truth can be shared with others.
April 15, 2024
This is a must read for anyone getting into theology, already doing theology, or has been burnt out by theology. This small and powerful book draws the readers attention to not only the heart of theology, but how we normalized the most common stumbling blocks of theology for our own human gain. I would have greatly benefited from reading this in my freshman year of college, or at any point in college.
I wish I could summarize the book better. I'll quote my favorite part in hopes that it will encourage anyone to read this:
"While we are overpowered by a theological idea -- let us say by Luther's idea of "saving judgment" (servum arbitrium), or Kierkegaard's teaching about paradox and indirect communication -- we forget all to easily that we are being bewitched by mere form of faith which comes to us in reflection. Our readiness to go along with this form of reflection and to let ourselves be swept up by it, though we understand it and are devoted to it, and are intellectually blessed, does not signify that we are carried away by fundamental faith itself.
It is possible to be bewitched by the landscape of primitive Christian thought, say by long shadows which the world's evening sunlight, the approaching judgment of the world, draws upon this landscape. Thus it is possible to become an eschatological romanticist and an apocalyptic neurotic. There actually are cases of this, dear students, although tact forbids me to name for you examples of this sort. Such a person nevertheless has not comprehended a penny's worth of what it means to live on the battlefield of the risen Lord, between the first and second coming, waiting and praying as a Christian.
The talented, visionary, enthusiastic members of an elementary class in dogmatic are the very ones who swallow easily this magic charm of thought which dispenses with any real specific weight to the substance of its faith. That is why discussions of theological students often seem weird to a man growing older. They make an impression upon him like that of a fight among shadows behind which there is no real bodily life."
You can find a wonderful copy online and read all 27 pages of this master piece of thought.
I wish I could summarize the book better. I'll quote my favorite part in hopes that it will encourage anyone to read this:
"While we are overpowered by a theological idea -- let us say by Luther's idea of "saving judgment" (servum arbitrium), or Kierkegaard's teaching about paradox and indirect communication -- we forget all to easily that we are being bewitched by mere form of faith which comes to us in reflection. Our readiness to go along with this form of reflection and to let ourselves be swept up by it, though we understand it and are devoted to it, and are intellectually blessed, does not signify that we are carried away by fundamental faith itself.
It is possible to be bewitched by the landscape of primitive Christian thought, say by long shadows which the world's evening sunlight, the approaching judgment of the world, draws upon this landscape. Thus it is possible to become an eschatological romanticist and an apocalyptic neurotic. There actually are cases of this, dear students, although tact forbids me to name for you examples of this sort. Such a person nevertheless has not comprehended a penny's worth of what it means to live on the battlefield of the risen Lord, between the first and second coming, waiting and praying as a Christian.
The talented, visionary, enthusiastic members of an elementary class in dogmatic are the very ones who swallow easily this magic charm of thought which dispenses with any real specific weight to the substance of its faith. That is why discussions of theological students often seem weird to a man growing older. They make an impression upon him like that of a fight among shadows behind which there is no real bodily life."
You can find a wonderful copy online and read all 27 pages of this master piece of thought.
January 26, 2024
A convicting handbook on theological studies. Wow.
This is perhaps one of the most pertinent books I have read. Helmut Thielicke has written such a gentle yet firm plea for students of theology. Another book given to me by my grandmother years ago, which I am only now turning to. I munched on this book and finished it within the hour, but already feel my need to go back and reflect on the content. Thielicke brought up so many gems (theological snobbery and pride, impersonal “faith”, etc.), but the need for the student of theology to be immersed in the Word of God over Luther or Calvin or Barth was perhaps one of the most pressing reminders for me at this time.
A person who pursues theological courses is spiritually sick unless he reads the Bible uncommonly often and makes the most of opportunities by which, in preaching and Bible classes, that cornerstone is made visible.
This is perhaps one of the most pertinent books I have read. Helmut Thielicke has written such a gentle yet firm plea for students of theology. Another book given to me by my grandmother years ago, which I am only now turning to. I munched on this book and finished it within the hour, but already feel my need to go back and reflect on the content. Thielicke brought up so many gems (theological snobbery and pride, impersonal “faith”, etc.), but the need for the student of theology to be immersed in the Word of God over Luther or Calvin or Barth was perhaps one of the most pressing reminders for me at this time.
A person who pursues theological courses is spiritually sick unless he reads the Bible uncommonly often and makes the most of opportunities by which, in preaching and Bible classes, that cornerstone is made visible.
July 19, 2025
I all hovedsak:
1) Pass på at du ikke anser deg til å være på Guds A-lag, og anse kristne som ikke er teologisk utdannede, til å spille på Guds B-lag.
2) Pass på at du ikke bruker språk som fremmedgjør den kristne troen for menneskene du snakker til. Selv om det er spennende for deg, og kanskje andre teologer, å snakke om den hypostatiske union eller ulike soteriologiske modeller blir konsekvensen en elitisme innenfor Guds rike - noe som igjen er uforenelig med Jesu budskap.
3) Teologisk kunnskap - kunnskap om Gud, skal ikke erstatte kjennskap til Gud. Du kan være sanntroende og ortodoks i din teologi, men ha et åndelig dødt liv. Og, du kan være svært lite teologisk belest, men ha en levende og dedikert relasjon med Jesus Kristus. Kombiner alltid teologisk kunnskap med praksis; bønn, tilbedelse, felleskap, syndsbekjennelse.
1) Pass på at du ikke anser deg til å være på Guds A-lag, og anse kristne som ikke er teologisk utdannede, til å spille på Guds B-lag.
2) Pass på at du ikke bruker språk som fremmedgjør den kristne troen for menneskene du snakker til. Selv om det er spennende for deg, og kanskje andre teologer, å snakke om den hypostatiske union eller ulike soteriologiske modeller blir konsekvensen en elitisme innenfor Guds rike - noe som igjen er uforenelig med Jesu budskap.
3) Teologisk kunnskap - kunnskap om Gud, skal ikke erstatte kjennskap til Gud. Du kan være sanntroende og ortodoks i din teologi, men ha et åndelig dødt liv. Og, du kan være svært lite teologisk belest, men ha en levende og dedikert relasjon med Jesus Kristus. Kombiner alltid teologisk kunnskap med praksis; bønn, tilbedelse, felleskap, syndsbekjennelse.
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