Reading response questions for how to think theologically from page 1 to 25

How to Think Theologically Affiliation How to Think Theologically Introduction Christianity as a religion has grown over the years, but not without challenges. Religious studies have for considerable time span aided in the deeper understanding of this religion. ‘ How to Think Theologically, is one of the greatest theological publications, which since its introduction has been instrumental in a concise understanding of theology with respect to Christianity (Stone and Duke, 2013).
Q1. As it puts, all people are theologians. How possible is this? Closer consideration of this gives us a deeper insight especially on realizing that theology is all about faith seeking and understanding. As such, all Christians find themselves theologians by seeking vivid comprehension of the religion after believing and having faith in it. Getting a firm grasp on this requires a little more understanding of theology as a concept and matters related to it.
Theological Reflection
Q2. Theological reflection is perpetual conversation that involves the current Christian generation and their predecessors. As such, it is not something to be invented, personalized or even put to perfection by an individual. All that one can do is perform his best based on who and where he is in as far as Christian theology is concerned. Consequently, the church as an institution should give Christians the opportunity of thinking for themselves without necessarily channelling their thoughts towards one direction if the whole idea of Church theology is to materialize.
Q3. Besides the usual view, the whole idea can also be drawn from oral religious tradition. As portrayed in the grandmother’s version, the whole concept can be vividly understood in a more or less similar manner to the renowned church theology concept (Stone and Duke, 2013). With this, it implies that several approaches can be taken to arrive at almost similar conclusions. However, it is not many people who are aware of the other option, the oral theological tradition which is equally of essence in the eventual understanding of theology.
Faith Seeking Understanding
Q4. As we are made to understand, the whole idea of theology involves better understanding and trust in God, and that goes hand in hand with faith. Christian theology to be accurate cannot be deemed complete without the comprehension of God’s will, nature and that of His son Jesus Christ alongside the Holy Spirit.
Q5. The belief in question can be in two significant ways; as intellectual assent or as interpersonal relationships. Depending on one’s perception and relationship with God, none of the above can be considered superior to the other. This is often because different Christians tend to understand and relate with God in different ways.
Q6. The church’s call for emphasis on righteous belief is what is known as orthodoxy (Stone and Duke, 2013). Closely related to this is orthopraxy that expresses the church’s emphasis on correct practice. It is clear from this point that the whole idea of faith seeking understanding is relevant for the spiritual development of Christian’s life especially in terms of his or her faith.
Chapter 1
Faith, Understanding and Reflection
Embedded Theology
Q1. This is the other critical component of theology that the book touches on. We are made to understand that this is the typical theology that Christians encounter in their daily lives; be it at the church or homes. As such, it originates from the preaching and practices of the church together with its members. This concept is very vital as it turns out to be the primary factor behind the world’s scepticism and indifference regarding the Christian faith (Stone and Duke, 2013).
Q2. If the practices and embedded theological testimonies of church members portray unlikely characteristics, people shy away from the church and the entire concept of faith. This is quiet agreeable as you don’t expect similar methods to work better for you if they produced parallel results with the other believers.
Deliberative Theology
Q4. Deliberative theology, on the other hand, involves understanding of faith emerging from the process of carefully reflecting upon embedded theological convictions. It comes after close analysis of this concept and eventual drawing of reliable conclusions.
The Challenge of Thinking Theologically
Q7. Many churches in the contemporary society tend not to value the priceless practice of a thinking faith (Stone and Duke, 2013). As evident with most churches, Christians tend to echo familiar phrases whenever called upon to state their theology as a result of lacking their precise explanations to give out.
Reference
Stone, H. W and Duke, O. J. (2013). How to Think Theologically. New York: Fortress Press