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The Trials Of Theology: Becoming A 'Proven Worker' In A Dangerous Business
Students of theology can find themselves strengthened and renewed while they study, but it can also be a time of trial. This reader shows how to navigate such trials as we study for and then engage in Christian ministry. It includes wisdom from voices past: Augustine; Martin Luther; C. H. Spurgeon; B. B. Warfield; Dietrich Bonhoeffer and C.S. Lewis. Several modern authors also show how to navigate various aspects of theological study successfully: D. A. Carson (Biblical Studies); Carl Trueman (Church History); Gerald Bray (Systematic Theology); Dennis Hollinger (Christian Ethics); and John Woodhouse (Seminary life). The book shows how we can move from being 'lost among words' as we study of theology, to being 'lost for words' in praise of God.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
14 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Andrew J.B. Cameron
3 books1 followerRev. Dr. Andrew J.B. Cameron (Ph.D., University of London, Kings College) was the Bruce Smith lecturer in ethics, philosophy and apologetics at Moore Theological College, Sydney, before becoming Director of St. Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra, Australia.
With his wife Mary-Anne, he has two adult children, Amy and Thomas. He also has been involved with the Centre for Christian Living and the Social Issues Executive.
With his wife Mary-Anne, he has two adult children, Amy and Thomas. He also has been involved with the Centre for Christian Living and the Social Issues Executive.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 23, 2024
Another hand me down from a college student. No longer required, but thought it'd be helpful and it was!
Loved the combo of older and modern writers. Spurgeon's advice to "think as well as read", "it is no great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus"
John Woodhouse manifesto on college was also great. His summary: "We are here to know and love God. We participate in something that began as his idea, not ours; indeed, we are here because we are known by God. Our knowledge and love of God is more than mere fact-gathering, yet it does in- clude a proper apprehension together of the truth. We are here through Jesus, having access in one Spirit to the Father, and so we are a fellowship in Christ. As we proclaim Christ and him crucified, we are partners in the gospel. We hold firmly to the word of the cross, which constitutes the nature of our scholarship. And as we teach and study and learn, we give thanks to God for those who uphold our organisation and make possible the conditions of our study and learning."
Loved the combo of older and modern writers. Spurgeon's advice to "think as well as read", "it is no great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus"
John Woodhouse manifesto on college was also great. His summary: "We are here to know and love God. We participate in something that began as his idea, not ours; indeed, we are here because we are known by God. Our knowledge and love of God is more than mere fact-gathering, yet it does in- clude a proper apprehension together of the truth. We are here through Jesus, having access in one Spirit to the Father, and so we are a fellowship in Christ. As we proclaim Christ and him crucified, we are partners in the gospel. We hold firmly to the word of the cross, which constitutes the nature of our scholarship. And as we teach and study and learn, we give thanks to God for those who uphold our organisation and make possible the conditions of our study and learning."
February 15, 2022
This is an excellent introduction for anyone considering preparation for theological studies, biblical studies, and other areas of study related to the Scriptures and the church.
May 4, 2012
A brief book, which pulls essays from men of the past and the present to address some dangers of theological study. It is primarily directed at students of theology who are in seminary or a similar setting. But it has much value for the pastor as well. I especially enjoyed Augustine's short letter about needing more time to study and pray, Warfield's essay on the religious life of theology students and Carson's essay on the dangers that come with studying the Bible. I still think Helmut Thielicke's book "A Little Exercise for Young Theologians" is a little bit better.
April 13, 2016
A simple, accessible book to hearten theologians in their task by providing a legacy of theological excellence from which theologians can be reminded of the dangers and delights of the theological enterprise.
January 14, 2012
There are a number of jobs that can accurately be described as dangerous. Jobs like crab fishing, coal mining, oil drilling and being a police officer. In fact there are jobs that are considered so dangerous that those who perform them receive ‘hazard’ pay. Certain positions in the military receive this as well as the linemen who hang and maintain electrical wires by means of a helicopter. But have you ever considered that signing up for a lifetime of biblical studies could be deemed dangerous?
This is the very idea put forth in the recently published book The Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business edited by Andrew J. B. Cameron and Brian S. Rosner. The Trials of Theology seeks to address some of the dangers that are inherent in the life of theological students. As the front cover indicates this book is a reader. The first section is a collection of chapters or essays from great theologians and Christian thinkers who have passed. It is here that the reader of this book gains wisdom from men as far back as Augustine and as recent as C.S. Lewis. The second section of the book compiles wisdom and direction from theologians of the present day. Men like D.A. Carson, Carl R. Trueman and Gerald L. Bray share with us what they have learned in their lifetime of theological studies.
Each chapter in this reader offers wisdom, insight and direction from godly men of the Christian faith in regards to areas of the theological students life that can prove to be spiritually challenging in light of the nature of their work. Space does not permit a chapter by chapter summary so I will highlight some of the chapters that stuck out to me the most.
In regards to the student/minister’s books both Spurgeon and Warfield had some fitting things to say. In the scope of two sections Spurgeon addresses the topic of books and the ministers tools or ‘equipment’ as he calls them. He warns that while our books are our tools and we must keep them “in a good state of repair”, we must also more so realize that “we are, in a certain sense, our own tools, and therefore we must keep ourselves in order (p. 35).” Too often the minister neglects themselves for the sake of their tools. We can readily spend more time and money into the investment of our tools and forget about the most important tool God has already given us – ourselves. Further, he warns us to be careful with how many books and tools we do acquire. He charges us to “master the books we do have” and that though there are many books we should read “make the Bible the man of your right hand, the companion of every hour, and you will have little reason to lament your slender equipment in inferior things (p. 39-40).” The mastery of our books about the Bible can never replace the mastery of the Bible itself.
Along the same lines but from a little different perspective Warfield offers some interesting advice when it comes to ones books, ability to teach and spiritual growth. Warfield believes that if one is to fulfill the requirement of being “apt to teach” then you must read books. When asked whether or not more time reading books or more time praying is more important Warfield famously replies, “What! is the appropriate response, than ten hours over your books, on your knees? (p. 51).” Warfield is fighting the notion that reading books somehow turns one away from God and therefore you must severely limit your time in them and in turn spend more time praying. Warfield rightly states, “Why should you turn from God when you turn to your books, or feel that you must turn from your books in order to turn to God? (p. 51).” Warfield wanted to point out that the totality of ones work, whether in prayer or books, contributed to their work and spiritual growth and that the two can be done together.
The chapter by C.S. Lewis, Inner Circles and True Inclusion, will strike at the heart of anyone who is bold enough to be honest about the desires of their own hearts. In this chapter Andrew Cameron lays out Lewis’ walk through his own desire to be accepted while at Oxford and draws some very penetrating application to the theological student. Lewis walks the reader through his desire to belong with the Oxford crowd during his journey as a Christian apologist. He desired to be accepted by those whom he worked with and yet felt the pain of being an outsider because of his Christianity. It is this desire to belong to certain groups just out of our reach that Cameron draws parallels to when it comes to biblical studies. There is always a temptation to identify those in a group that are just a step above ourselves, whether in experience or intellectual ability, with whom we want to belong. We want to work our way to the ‘next level’ or ‘circle’ of acceptance. This is a spiritual danger. Lewis warns, “Unless you take measure to prevent it, this desire is going to be one of the chief motives of your life, from the first day on which you enter your profession until the day you are to old to care (p. 85).” It is not the desire for natural human relationships that are wrong but the desire for them to fulfill a void in your life that they cannot and only Christ can.
It might be fair to say that it was unfair to put a chapter in here by D.A. Carson because everything he writes is good and, at least in this reviewers mind, will naturally rise above anything else put next to it. Carson’s chapter, The Trials of Biblical Studies, mimics the books title and brings out some of the most convicting statements in the entire book. There are a number of well-crafted statements that Carson makes which need no explanation for they carry their impact on their own:
Aim not only to be learned but also to be godly. There must be an integration of knowing what texts mean, and following them;…….What shall it profit biblical scholars to become experts on Greek aspect theory and on the relationship between Jude and 2 Peter, and lose their own soul (p. 112).
You are studying the Word of God, and unless your study is integrated with faith, obedience, godliness, prayer, conformity to Christ, rising love for God and for his image-bearers, you are horribly abusing the very texts you claim you are studying (p. 112-13).
If, then we are by temperament somewhat perfectionist, it is not difficult, with such a vast array of data-rich fields before us, to become workaholics. And a true workaholic is unlikely to be a good souse, and godly and wise parent, a faithful Christian. Work, intrinsically a good thing, easily becomes an idol (p. 115).
We do not always recognize that the mark of true growth in the study of Scripture is not so much that we become masters of the text as that we become mastered by the text (p. 117).
I find that last statement to be the most challenging in the entire book.
Each of the contributors in the Trails of Theology brings to the table their own gems of wisdom as hammered out in the context of a lifetime of theological studies. A common theme among each contributor is the importance of watching over ones spiritual life amidst the work aspect of their daily activities. One must fight the temptation to see a dualism within the work of theological studies. What each author wants the reader to see is that their work is a spiritual discipline that has dangers of its own. A life dedicated to the study of Scripture has job hazards of its own.
I readily recommend The Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business to anyone interested in entering into the study of the Bible as their life’s work. This book should be recommended reading for any first year theology student. It serves as an encouragement to push forward and a warning of what lies ahead from those who have been there.
This is the very idea put forth in the recently published book The Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business edited by Andrew J. B. Cameron and Brian S. Rosner. The Trials of Theology seeks to address some of the dangers that are inherent in the life of theological students. As the front cover indicates this book is a reader. The first section is a collection of chapters or essays from great theologians and Christian thinkers who have passed. It is here that the reader of this book gains wisdom from men as far back as Augustine and as recent as C.S. Lewis. The second section of the book compiles wisdom and direction from theologians of the present day. Men like D.A. Carson, Carl R. Trueman and Gerald L. Bray share with us what they have learned in their lifetime of theological studies.
Each chapter in this reader offers wisdom, insight and direction from godly men of the Christian faith in regards to areas of the theological students life that can prove to be spiritually challenging in light of the nature of their work. Space does not permit a chapter by chapter summary so I will highlight some of the chapters that stuck out to me the most.
In regards to the student/minister’s books both Spurgeon and Warfield had some fitting things to say. In the scope of two sections Spurgeon addresses the topic of books and the ministers tools or ‘equipment’ as he calls them. He warns that while our books are our tools and we must keep them “in a good state of repair”, we must also more so realize that “we are, in a certain sense, our own tools, and therefore we must keep ourselves in order (p. 35).” Too often the minister neglects themselves for the sake of their tools. We can readily spend more time and money into the investment of our tools and forget about the most important tool God has already given us – ourselves. Further, he warns us to be careful with how many books and tools we do acquire. He charges us to “master the books we do have” and that though there are many books we should read “make the Bible the man of your right hand, the companion of every hour, and you will have little reason to lament your slender equipment in inferior things (p. 39-40).” The mastery of our books about the Bible can never replace the mastery of the Bible itself.
Along the same lines but from a little different perspective Warfield offers some interesting advice when it comes to ones books, ability to teach and spiritual growth. Warfield believes that if one is to fulfill the requirement of being “apt to teach” then you must read books. When asked whether or not more time reading books or more time praying is more important Warfield famously replies, “What! is the appropriate response, than ten hours over your books, on your knees? (p. 51).” Warfield is fighting the notion that reading books somehow turns one away from God and therefore you must severely limit your time in them and in turn spend more time praying. Warfield rightly states, “Why should you turn from God when you turn to your books, or feel that you must turn from your books in order to turn to God? (p. 51).” Warfield wanted to point out that the totality of ones work, whether in prayer or books, contributed to their work and spiritual growth and that the two can be done together.
The chapter by C.S. Lewis, Inner Circles and True Inclusion, will strike at the heart of anyone who is bold enough to be honest about the desires of their own hearts. In this chapter Andrew Cameron lays out Lewis’ walk through his own desire to be accepted while at Oxford and draws some very penetrating application to the theological student. Lewis walks the reader through his desire to belong with the Oxford crowd during his journey as a Christian apologist. He desired to be accepted by those whom he worked with and yet felt the pain of being an outsider because of his Christianity. It is this desire to belong to certain groups just out of our reach that Cameron draws parallels to when it comes to biblical studies. There is always a temptation to identify those in a group that are just a step above ourselves, whether in experience or intellectual ability, with whom we want to belong. We want to work our way to the ‘next level’ or ‘circle’ of acceptance. This is a spiritual danger. Lewis warns, “Unless you take measure to prevent it, this desire is going to be one of the chief motives of your life, from the first day on which you enter your profession until the day you are to old to care (p. 85).” It is not the desire for natural human relationships that are wrong but the desire for them to fulfill a void in your life that they cannot and only Christ can.
It might be fair to say that it was unfair to put a chapter in here by D.A. Carson because everything he writes is good and, at least in this reviewers mind, will naturally rise above anything else put next to it. Carson’s chapter, The Trials of Biblical Studies, mimics the books title and brings out some of the most convicting statements in the entire book. There are a number of well-crafted statements that Carson makes which need no explanation for they carry their impact on their own:
Aim not only to be learned but also to be godly. There must be an integration of knowing what texts mean, and following them;…….What shall it profit biblical scholars to become experts on Greek aspect theory and on the relationship between Jude and 2 Peter, and lose their own soul (p. 112).
You are studying the Word of God, and unless your study is integrated with faith, obedience, godliness, prayer, conformity to Christ, rising love for God and for his image-bearers, you are horribly abusing the very texts you claim you are studying (p. 112-13).
If, then we are by temperament somewhat perfectionist, it is not difficult, with such a vast array of data-rich fields before us, to become workaholics. And a true workaholic is unlikely to be a good souse, and godly and wise parent, a faithful Christian. Work, intrinsically a good thing, easily becomes an idol (p. 115).
We do not always recognize that the mark of true growth in the study of Scripture is not so much that we become masters of the text as that we become mastered by the text (p. 117).
I find that last statement to be the most challenging in the entire book.
Each of the contributors in the Trails of Theology brings to the table their own gems of wisdom as hammered out in the context of a lifetime of theological studies. A common theme among each contributor is the importance of watching over ones spiritual life amidst the work aspect of their daily activities. One must fight the temptation to see a dualism within the work of theological studies. What each author wants the reader to see is that their work is a spiritual discipline that has dangers of its own. A life dedicated to the study of Scripture has job hazards of its own.
I readily recommend The Trials of Theology: Becoming a ‘Proven Worker’ in a Dangerous Business to anyone interested in entering into the study of the Bible as their life’s work. This book should be recommended reading for any first year theology student. It serves as an encouragement to push forward and a warning of what lies ahead from those who have been there.
March 5, 2019
This is rediculous sparse and to be brutally honest with you, the nuggets of truth in here are things you should already know. As is the case with all practical books for pastors and seminary students that I've read save some older classics which mind you, this book is just a scrapbooking if you will of bits and pieces of those classics. People keep telling me that there's a place for this kind of thing. But really, I truly think if you don't know what these men have to tell you here and you're in seminary you really should have been prepared better before you stepped into that. The content is good though. Nothing false in it. But there's not much in it. By nature of only being a hundred pages that's not shocking it's a short read.
July 23, 2023
Excellent book. I just entered a masters program at RTS.EDU (Reformed Theological Seminary) and this is required reading for my first class. Very good read.
It is a series of short writings from various theologians including Augustine, Martin Luther, Spurgeon, Warfield, Bonhoeffer, C.S> Lewis, D.A. Carson, Carl Trueman, and others; covering a variety of topics related to being a student of theology and the challenges to come.
It is a series of short writings from various theologians including Augustine, Martin Luther, Spurgeon, Warfield, Bonhoeffer, C.S> Lewis, D.A. Carson, Carl Trueman, and others; covering a variety of topics related to being a student of theology and the challenges to come.
November 26, 2025
A solid and short work ideal for those in the business of doing theology. It's one thing to know the subject matter, and another thing entirely to have a godly and wise attitude towards the various disciplines of theology. The excerpts from Spurgeon, Warfield, Woodhouse, and Carson are all well worth your time.
May 16, 2019
A helpful collection of essays for those embarking on a theological journey; some excellent chapters on the potential pitfalls of theological studies.
As good as the chapters from “voices present” were, those from “voices past” were far better, notably Luther, Spurgeon, and Warfield.
As good as the chapters from “voices present” were, those from “voices past” were far better, notably Luther, Spurgeon, and Warfield.
July 20, 2022
Great read! Would highly recommend for anyone in full time ministry or those curious about diving into theological or biblical studies. Refreshing takes from theologians past and present. Would love to hear a female voice among these one day, but alas. I’m not sure that those books exist just yet.
April 26, 2018
A book well worth a slow read before embarking on theological study. Don’t skip the afterword or you will miss the grand point of each contributing author.
September 1, 2019
Good collection of essays on theology, largely geared towards working pastors.
July 1, 2020
Excelent read for beginning theological students
December 10, 2020
A collection of writings and essays on the study of theology & seminary life. Really good stuff to consider.
May 24, 2016
The Trials of Theology: Becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business is a collection of essays from voices past and present aimed at keeping the student of theology in touch with the God who is the both the object and subject of our study.
With contributions from Augustine, Luther, Spurgeon, BB Warfield, Bonhoeffer and CS Lewis the first part alone makes this book both readable and worthy of purchase. They cover the heart and soul of the student, why we depend on God's grace, why devotions and worship matter to the theology student, why community matters and some dangers to avoid.
The dangers are clear that our understanding and adoration of God can be 'lessened' not heightened by greater knowledge, that we can depart from faithfulness and spiritual vitality. We can become empty vessels devoid of treasure who have mistaken their role as clay for that of potter.
The second half has voices from the present featuring contributions from John Woodhouse (Moore Theological Seminary, Sydney) on the trials of being at theological college, Don Carson on Biblical Studies, Carl Trueman on Church history, Gerald Bray on systematic theology and Dennis Holliger on Christian ethics.
I found this section harder going, Carson's essay aside, and found it less vibrant, a bit more wordy and sluggish. However, I would have been very grateful if someone had given this to me before I set off to study theology and even more grateful if they'd taken the time to see if I'd read it and taken it in.
Studying theology is a wonderful privilege and one I didn't make the most of. I'd certainly feel more competent today as a leader had I paid more attention or been more inspired by the voices from the past.
Recommended reading for all those about to begin theological training and study, and a good reminder for those of us who still dabble.
With contributions from Augustine, Luther, Spurgeon, BB Warfield, Bonhoeffer and CS Lewis the first part alone makes this book both readable and worthy of purchase. They cover the heart and soul of the student, why we depend on God's grace, why devotions and worship matter to the theology student, why community matters and some dangers to avoid.
The dangers are clear that our understanding and adoration of God can be 'lessened' not heightened by greater knowledge, that we can depart from faithfulness and spiritual vitality. We can become empty vessels devoid of treasure who have mistaken their role as clay for that of potter.
The second half has voices from the present featuring contributions from John Woodhouse (Moore Theological Seminary, Sydney) on the trials of being at theological college, Don Carson on Biblical Studies, Carl Trueman on Church history, Gerald Bray on systematic theology and Dennis Holliger on Christian ethics.
I found this section harder going, Carson's essay aside, and found it less vibrant, a bit more wordy and sluggish. However, I would have been very grateful if someone had given this to me before I set off to study theology and even more grateful if they'd taken the time to see if I'd read it and taken it in.
Studying theology is a wonderful privilege and one I didn't make the most of. I'd certainly feel more competent today as a leader had I paid more attention or been more inspired by the voices from the past.
Recommended reading for all those about to begin theological training and study, and a good reminder for those of us who still dabble.
September 17, 2015
The Trials of Theology is a collection of essays to help students of theology/biblical studies to go about their way in a way that leaves them in awe of God. It includes essays from the past, written by Spurgeon, Warfield, and C. S. Lewis (sort of). And voices from the present; Carson and Bray.
Overall, the book is helpful for students who are looking to enter theological studies. It will help them prepare themselves to fight pride and futility in their discipline. But also, these essays work to help students enjoy their work as well. Or, more precisely, enjoy God.
The only drawback is the essay by C.S. Lewis. I wrote, "sort of" above because it really isn't his essay, but a summary. It just seemed out of place given the fact that all the other essays were from the author's themselves. The essay was a summary of Lewis' essay. There may be several reasons for this entire essay not being included, but it would have been nice to see the essay in the work.
Overall, the book is helpful for students who are looking to enter theological studies. It will help them prepare themselves to fight pride and futility in their discipline. But also, these essays work to help students enjoy their work as well. Or, more precisely, enjoy God.
The only drawback is the essay by C.S. Lewis. I wrote, "sort of" above because it really isn't his essay, but a summary. It just seemed out of place given the fact that all the other essays were from the author's themselves. The essay was a summary of Lewis' essay. There may be several reasons for this entire essay not being included, but it would have been nice to see the essay in the work.
June 22, 2010
This is a fairly quick read about some pretty important subjects and the dangers involved in studying them. The book pulls from voices past (though the C.S. Lewis chapter is more of an exposition of his work than actually his work) and voices present. I definitely recommend.
January 10, 2011
Essays from theologians of the past and theologians of present on guarding the heart in ministry. Best essays include: Warfield on religious life of theological students; D. A. Carson on biblical studies; and C. S. Lewis on the desire for the inner ring (this is excellent and convicting).
Want to read
August 8, 2012
April 19, 2010
This is a solid and encouraging read for young men pondering theological studies for ministry.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews