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?

First Line Friday #14: Excellence in Online Education

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

 

Title:  Excellence in Online Education
Author:  Kristen A. Ferguson
Genre:  Christian Education

 〰First Line〰

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As a Christian educator, you have likely heard arguments for and against online education.  

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Synopsis:  (From Goodreads) 

Online education offers incredible potential to reach students and their context for Christ, but doing so requires intentional implementation of a philosophy and practice of online education. As online professors and administrators seek to create a Christian community on mission, students can be transformed, and the gospel will be spread throughout the world.  Excellence in Online Education  provides an overview of the debates surrounding online Christian education, a framework for building community online, and practical advice about course design, delivery and program management.

 〰First Thoughts〰

 

I started working at Colorado Christian University (CCU) six years ago as an administrative assistant in their College of Adult and Graduate Studies--their online division.   My previous formal education has all been in-seat, so working in an atmosphere of complete online delivery of courses was a foreign concept.  Even after earning an online degree and teaching online at CCU for a couple of years, it's still a mystery to me.  How can a professor motivate students who are not always self-starters?  How does a teacher succeed in a non-synchronous environment where the only accountability consists of grades and instructor feedback (which many students ignore until it's too late)?  How can stimulating content be presented in an online forum? My hope is that this book can answer these questions, or at least point me in the right direction for the answers.  My first two years of teaching online have been painfully unsuccessful.  If I'm going to continue, I need lots of help.

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

First Line Friday #13: I Dare You

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

 

Title:  I Dare You
Author:  Joyce Meyer
Genre:  Christian Living / Self-Help

 〰First Line〰

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On December 24, 1968, while families around the world celebrated the arrival of Christmas, a quite different perspective was being seen a couple of hundred thousand miles above the earth's surface.

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Synopsis:  (From Goodreads) 

Joyce Meyer explains that a life without purpose is a life not worth living. We all need a reason to get up everyday. We all need to reach for something beyond ourselves. Over the centuries, millions of people have asked, "What am I here for? What is my purpose?" We are born; we live; and we die. We cannot do anything about being born or dying, but we can do a lot about how we live.

 〰First Thoughts〰

Joyce Meyer's books, videos, tapes/CDs and programs have been a part of my life since the mid 90s.  She has a knack for getting to the crux of practical matters of life in general, and Christian living in particular.  Because she started life in an abusive situation, it seems that her life has been one big dare.  

While I'm looking forward to this volume, I have had to change my mindset.  As many of you know, I teach undergraduate Theology and Doctrine courses.  After reading so much heavy theology, I have to readjust how I read and think through the materials.  Meyer's "heavy" is more the challenge of how to practically apply the real-life biblical lessons she teaches through her work.  For her, theology is more practice than theory--which, in my opinion, is how it should be.

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