Theological Method : An Introduction

How to Be Certain That Your Understanding of God Reflects the Truth of Scripture

If we want to know the truth about God, we need a sound approach to incorporating what the whole Bible teaches. In this concise introduction to systematic theology, theologian Graham A. Cole explores how we move from Scripture to doctrine in order to shape what we believe, what we value, and how we live. He shows us the importance of having the right method: rooted in the word of God, consistent with church history, in the context of a broken world, dependent on divine wisdom, and ultimately aiming at pure worship.

The first volume in the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, this book explores what it means to do theology, why theology matters, and what it looks like to derive doctrine from God’s word―helping us understand what to believe, what to value, and how to live. Each chapter looks at 1 of 5 crucial components for constructing good theology: revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness, with case studies illustrating how doctrine is developed from each of these important sources. Readers will be left with a deeper understanding of how to make sure their theology faithfully reflects the truth of God’s word.

• 5 Crucial Elements of Constructing Good Theology: Explores revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness
• Practical: Explains how to move from Scripture to doctrine
• Accessible: Uses case studies to demonstrate the importance and elements of good theology
• Replaces ISBN 978-1-4335-5911-2: Formerly titled Faithful Theology

Graham A. Cole (ThD, Australian College of Theology) is emeritus dean and emeritus professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. An ordained Anglican minister, he has served in two parishes and was formerly the principal of Ridley College. Graham lives in Australia with his wife, Jules.

Oren R. Martin (PhD, Southern Seminary) serves as Equipping Pastor at Providence Church in Frisco, Texas, where he leads equipping, the Institute, and Ministry Residency. He also serves as associate professor of Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of Bound for the Promised Land, coauthor of 40 Questions About Biblical Theology, and contributor to numerous works including Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament; Progressive Covenantalism; A Handbook of Theology; and Confessing Christ.