The Simple Pastor
Simplicity & Generosity
The early church: unbelievably generous: I’m reading Henry Chadwick’s history The Early Church and there are some ... http://bit.ly/a5CIUn 11 hrs ago
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 from voices present features 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 us, I succumbed to the dangers perhaps even before arriving at university and I’d certainly feel more competent as a leader had I paid more attention or been 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.
I believe Jesus when he said 'life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions'. I believe he offers something better. This blog is mostly about that search.
I'm also a church pastor, a bookshop owner, a husband, a father, a keen runner, reader, and motorcyclist. These and a few other things make guest appearances from time to time.
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