Endorsements for A Practical Primer on Theological Method
“A Practical Primer on Theological Method flouts the proverbial social wisdom not to discuss religion during dinner and instead encourages us in table God-talk. Theology is discourse about God, and a good conversation will include voices from a number of disciplinary fields, each of which has a seat, and voice, at the table. Doing theology also requires table manners, virtues that keep the conversation appropriately critical and constructive. So, pull up a seat as Glenn Kreider and Michael Svigel set the table for a nourishing meal. Watch and learn as they serve up the various sources, norms, and tasks—the main courses of which the feast of theology consists. Listen in to the various Knights of this Round Table—Knights of Faith like Interpreter, Philosopher, Scientist, Minister, Historian, et. al.—as they discuss from their respective perspectives the God of the gospel and the gospel of God.”
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“A Practical Primer on Theological Method is no dull look at how we do theology. It is an entry way into the multi-dimensional conversation that is at the heart of reflecting on theology with clarity. Bringing a tone of humility and conversation to the task, it will lead you to reflect on how you think about God, Scripture, culture and the fullness of the creation we live in and invite you to enjoy the table of voices it takes to help us grow in our appreciation of God and his world.”
Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director of Cultural Engagement and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“Theology matters for every Christian. In recognition of this basic tenet of the faith, A Practical Primer on Theological Method offers an approach to biblical teaching and Christian belief that is both fresh and sound. Blending lively prose with robust doctrine, this volume is one I will recommend widely and enthusiastically for years to come.”
Karen Swallow Prior, Professor of English, Liberty University, Author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books, Founding member of The Pelican Project
“This well-crafted handbook is full of solid, wise, and practical Christian guidance for Christian students in theology. I hope and pray that it will encourage many earnest disciples of Christ to pursue, study, and practice the knowledge of God in His Word and in His world.”
Douglas A. Sweeney, Dean and Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
“Kreider and Svigel have achieved that almost impossible via media, a primer that is neither too technical nor too easy, a theological text in which all strands will find welcome. With visual signposts and digestible prose, they invite readers into the broad and beautiful world of theological method. This text prepares students to enter theological conversation with knowledge that cultivates confidence and breadth that encourages humility. I’m eager to put this into the hands of the burgeoning theologians in my classroom.”
Amy Peeler, Associate Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College
“There are many books of systematic theology, but not many that could be considered genuinely appropriate for a beginning student. This book fills that need by introducing the study of theology in a way that is accessible, interesting and winsome. It does not come from an eccentric viewpoint, but tries to be open to many streams of orthodox, Christian theology. This means it will be useful to students who don’t even know yet what tradition they should identify themselves with. And there are many such students even in today’s Bible colleges and seminaries. If you are looking for a book to give a young, aspiring theological student, this would be a wise choice.”
Craig A. Carter, Professor of Theology, Tyndale University College
“A Practical Primer on Theological Method is an accessible and well-informed introduction to the study of theology. Though designed as a text for introductory courses in theology it could profitably be read by adults in a Sunday education program as well. It will be particularly useful for students in Christian colleges who often wonder how the study of Scripture and their faith relates to all the other subjects they are studying.”
William A. Dyrness, Senior Professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Theological Seminary, Author of Modern Art and the Life of a Culture: The Religious Impulses of Modernism (2016) (with Jonathan Anderson)
“Theological investigation often fails to reflect on the methods utilized and acknowledge participants in the pursuit. For those considering theology anew, Kreider and Svigel provide a much needed reminder that God’s pervasive revelation compels discourse from all corners of creation. Even more, their strategic metaphor of fellowship around the Table casts a vision for how this discussion can be constructive by drawing on the strengths of multiple perspectives. This book is a gift to the guild, and every aspiring and practicing theologian needs this text as a (re)orientation to the foundational ideas of sound theological method.”
Mark M. Yarbrough, Ph.D., Professor of Bible Exposition, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dallas Theological Seminary
“This book concerns a critical subject—how to think through the wildly different theologies on offer today. It shows the perils of thinking that sola scriptura could be solo scriptura where we ignore the weight of the Church’s consensus on doctrinal and moral issues. To the extent that this book points toward that Great Tradition, I recommend it.”
Gerald McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School
Endorsements for RetroChristianity: Reclaiming the Forgotten Faith
“As the Evangelical church in America muddles its way into the 21st century—aimless, adrift, and uncertain about its identity—Michael Svigel wisely taps us on the shoulder and reminds us, ‘Look to the past.’ His advice couldn’t be more astute. Now more than ever, the church needs to find its way forward by locating its roots in RetroChristianity.”
Bryan Litfin, Professor of Theology, Moody Bible Institute
“Many evangelicals are recovering their pre-Reformation roots in the early apostolic church and patristic studies. Michael J. Svigel has shown how pastors and churches can begin to implement this recovery and how to think about it. This is a wise and helpful book that will be exceptionally valuable to those who engage in this revitalization.”
Thomas C. Oden, Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Theology and Ethics, Drew University, General Editor, The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture
“Reading Michael Svigel’s RetroChristianity is like a visit to your physician for an annual exam. It’s uncomfortable. It’s embarrassing. It’s necessary. And, if you follow his instructions, it’s healing. His diagnosis of contemporary Evangelicalism is tough to swallow. But, if we take our medicine prescribed by Dr. Svigel, Evangelicalism can be revived.”
D. Jeffrey Bingham, Dean of the School of Theology, Professor of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary