Before You Study Theology

Donald Luck has spelled out an introduction to theology that is as engaging in its clarity as it is solid in its content. In giving a lucid and broad review of how the nature and method of theology is understood in the Christian community, he balances description with evaluation but in such a way that he does not dictate or prescribe. Although he is careful to lay out the clear, sometimes stark, differences in the way Christians understand the task of interpreting the Bible, he himself seeks a middle, mediating way. Luck insists that theologians must be able to show that the experience of Christian faith must be both practical and reasonable. Paul F. Knitter, Xavier University Donald Luck thoughtfully confronts the articulated resistance of undergraduates, seminarians, and adult lay Christians to the disciplined study of theology. Responding to their most common objections one by one, Luck practices good pedagogy and systematically builds a persuasive case for studying theology on the grounds that the discipline exemplifies loving God with all one's mind. He succeeds in the end in making it difficult, if not impossible, for students to resist his invitation to reflect critically and constructively on Christian faith. Paula M. Cooey, Macalester College