First Line Friday #15: Practicing Christian Doctrine

Thanks to Carrie at
Reading is My Superpower
for the Link-up

 

 

Title:  Practicing Christian Doctrine
Author:  Beth Felker Jones
Genre:  Christian doctrine/Theology

 

 〰First Line〰

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The word theology can be a conversation stopper.  When people ask what I teach, and I answer "theology," the most common response is a short "Oh," followed by uncertain silence.

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Synopsis:  (From Goodreads) 

This introductory theology text helps students articulate basic Christian doctrines, think theologically so they can act Christianly in a diverse world, and connect Christian thought to their everyday lives of faith.

Written from a solidly evangelical yet ecumenically aware perspective, this book models a way of doing theology that is generous and charitable. It attends to history and contemporary debates and features voices from the global church. Sidebars made up of illustrative quotations, key Scripture passages, classic hymn texts, and devotional poetry punctuate the chapters.

The first edition of this book has been well received (over 25,000 copies sold). Updated and revised throughout, this second edition also includes a new section on gender and race as well as new end-of-chapter material connecting each doctrine to a spiritual discipline.

  〰First Thoughts〰

After teaching college-level theology and doctrine for a couple of years, I wanted to research alternative textbooks for my courses.  While the current textbooks are intellectually stimulating and theologically informative, they don't seem to challenge my students to practically apply the materials.   I was trained in systematic Bible study and practical theology before I ever formally trained in what I call "egghead" theology.  A study of theology and doctrine that doesn't spark action is, to me, useless.  Yes, study is important, but so is application.  My hope is that this book will be the balance that my students need.

So, what's the first line of the book you're currently reading?