Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction

Many see aspects of orthodox theology as speculative, irrelevant to authentic Christianity and to personal spirituality. Why do these ideas matter? They don't really seem to fit with the Bible, and they don't relate to modern life, so the question that many have is this: orthodoxy, who cares? But what if you could see how theology is relevant and foundational to the church? Rather than being speculative, it arises from the story of the Bible. Rather than being irrelevant, it speaks to the questions and realities that we face in the modern age. Rather than being merely intellectual, it shapes our spiritual lives.

Engaging Theology is an introduction to theology that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. The book treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance:

• Story: Each chapter begins with a brief and engaging account of the historical situation out of which the doctrine arose or where it played an essential role in the development of the church. You get a view on why theology matters and get to know many of the key theologians in the history of the church.
• Doctrinal Exposition: The heart of the chapter is exposition of key elements of the doctrine, highlighting core and debated elements where people go wrong. Each chapter includes biblical, historical, and contemporary views on the issue and notes key figures in the debates and their influence.
• Theological Relevance: While theological relevance is clear throughout each chapter, this section highlights relevance to contemporary concerns, including interaction with major world religions. It points to wider issues the church is facing and different perspectives that Christians bring.
• Spiritual Relevance: Since theology has a direct influence on one's own spiritual formation and practice, each chapter concludes with practical encouragements and discussions about how each doctrine can be integrated in one's life.

Engaging Theology is ideal for students and everyday people living in a post-Christian era to help them seriously engage with the Christian faith.

Ben C. Blackwell (PhD, University of Durham) is associate professor of early Christianity at Houston Baptist University and is Director of HBU's Houston Theological Seminary. He previously served as the research assistant for N.T. Wright and John Barclay. He is currently working on new monograph: Participating in the Righteousness of God: Justification in Pauline Theology. He has written and edited a number of books, including Christosis: Engaging Pauline Soteriology with His Patristic Interpreters; Paul and the Apocalyptic Imagination; Reading Romans in Context: Paul and Second Temple Judaism; Reading Mark in Context: Jesus and Second Temple Judaism; and Reading Revelation in Context: John's Apocalypse and Second Temple Judaism.

R.L. Hatchett (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. Most recently he has edited the 4th edition of the popular Church History in Plain Language.