Introduction to Theology

by Owen C. Thomas, Ellen K. Wondra

An accessible primer to theology through the prospective of Anglicanism. Organized around the topics of systematic theology, Introduction to Theology begins with an exploration of Scripture, then moves through history and tradition to contemporary debates and reconstructions. As a textbook for introductory courses in seminaries of the Episcopal Church, this book also includes references to The Book of Common Prayer, which Anglicans consider a primary source for theology. This edition pays detailed attention to the many developments in theology since its last the emergence of new perspectives such as womanist, mujerista, narrative, and post-modern theology; the shift in theological methods to incorporate the human sciences, recent critical philosophies, and recent developments in the physical sciences; the ongoing revisions of The Book of Common Prayer and resultant shifts in Anglican identity; and the globalization of theological education, specifically the focus on the Episcopal Church as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Genres: Theology

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Dan]

The function and task of theology is to test, criticize, and revise the language that the church uses about God, to test it by its norm--namely, God's self-disclosure, to which the Bible gives testimony. This testing is necessary, because the church's language about God is fallible and can fall into error and confusion. This testing is possible, because God has promised that the Holy Spirit will preserve and lead the church into all truth. Furthermore, the church's understanding of God and the gospel is always being expanded and deepened. Finally, human language itself is constantly changing in meaning and thus must be revised regularly in order to maintain continuity. Therefore, theology is not a luxury or an academic game for those specially inclined. It is necessary in the life of the church.

Check out Owen C. Thomas' statement: "Therefore, theology is not a luxury or an academic game for those specially inclined." Having read his Introduction to Theology cover-to-cover: Au contraire, mon frère. There's an lot of esoteric parsing of church practices in this book. At times, it comes across like ivory tower inhabitants leaning out their window screaming and refuting other ivory tower inhabitants just over the hill sitting in their window. Standing on the ground below, I find it difficult to perceive the relevance or application of all the back-and-forth.

But that's the nature of theology, right? Thomas can't be faulted for exaggerating the importance of his work, for promising to convey the truth. But the truth is that theology attracts a certain kind of reader: the seminary student, the erudite parishioner, etc. It's not for lay readers.

So: For Thomas' "fit readers, though few," this work provides a working scaffold of the major issues of theology. Thomas' focus is rather narrow, though, since he favors a handful of theologians and focuses almost entirely on issues facing the Anglican Communion. As someone in school for ordination into the Anglican Communion, I liked his approach and perspective. But if you're interested in another denomination's take or more contemporary approaches (Thomas actually states, "More recently" and quotes from a book written in 1966), you may find and devour other works.

I recommend it, but I wouldn't rely on this solely for all I would ever need to know about theology. This book is part of an ongoing conversation. Thomas is interesting, but he's not the only one we should listen to.

[Adam]

I started this because I was told it was used as a textbook in Episcopal seminaries and would be a good introduction to a large variety of topics. It went through the positions on these topics very quickly, as you'd expect from a textbook. I had been hoping for more time on the various ways Christians have responded to these issues. This textbook is geared toward a largely Episcopalian audience.

[Taylor Stamps]

Pretty good introduction to Anglican/Episcopalian Systematic theology. A little lacking on Anglican theological method, but helpful for anyone wanting an introduction to main line Anglican theology.

[Benedict]

I used this as one of four possible texts for an Intro the Theology course for students at a School for Ministry for Episcopalians doing a local-training course of preparation for ordained presbyteral or diaconal ministry.

Of the four, this was the most technical and constructive in its approach. Although several students found this confusing, by the end of the course they seemed to have a new appreciation for the kind of thought and work that went into the text.

Personally, I appreciated its deeply-considered approach. The two authors were clear about points on which they disagreed, and while their major effort was to frame the primary topics of theology, they also created a very helpful constructive frame that those topics could rest on, while still managing to offer a nod to various alternatives and paths being currently explored. The authors are clearly well-read in their discipline and I found their presentation clear-minded.

[carl]

great introduction to theology from an anglican perspective, particularly the episcopal church.