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

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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