Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Paul: Kerygma and Ecclesia

2. The Patristic Era: Understanding the Word of God

3. Augustine: Reading for Conversion

4. The Medieval Period: The Bible and Natural Theology

5. Sola Scriptura or Scripture and Tradition

6. Early Modern Theology: History and the Rise of Explicit Methodology

7. Modern Theological Methods as Diffuse Hermeneutics

8. Modern Theological Methods as Wisdom

Appendix, Excerpts from one or two classical texts

Bibliography

Promotional Information

An upper-level undergraduate introduction to 'how to do theology' in an academic context.

About the Author

Dr. Paul L. Allen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.

Reviews

A stimulating and thought-provoking addition to the Guides for the Perplexed series. It will be particularly useful for those who have already completed some theological study and wish to go deeper into questions of method.
*Theology*

Allen deserves much credit for this achievement . . . I'll likely find a way to incorporate this helpful methodological and theological book into my classes
*Theologische Literaturzeitung, vol 139*

Notably detailed for a short introduction ... This is the most successful feature of the book: rather than making one reliant on the text, it acts as a catalyst to read the works of the theologians themselves with the themes brought up in mind ... For those beginning explicit study in theological method, this is a book well worth reading.
*Modern Believing*

Paul Allen offers an illuminating set of example to display—rather than try to explain—how theologians proceed to negotiate the set of questions with which revelation inevitably leaves us. This approach should entice readers to explore one of the exemplars he offers, and so taste themselves how theologians actually operate. The best way to introduce a discipline.
*David Burrell, C.S.C., McCauley Formation House, Nairobi Kenya*