| Category: | Theology |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 128 |
| Size: | 5.25 in x 8.0 in |
| Weight: | 6.07 ounces |
| ISBN-10: | 1-4335-8081-0 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1-4335-8081-9 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9781433580819 |
| Case Quantity: | 88 |
| Published: | May 01, 2025 |
Theological Method: An Introduction
By Graham A. Cole, Series edited by Graham A. Cole, Oren R. Martin
Other Books in This Series:
Theological Method: An Introduction
By Graham A. Cole, Series edited by Graham A. Cole, Oren R. Martin
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
Author:
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.
Product Details
Table of Contents
Series Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Word of Revelation
Chapter 2: The Witness of Christian Thought and Practice: Past and Present
Chapter 3: The World of Human Brokenness
Chapter 4: The Work of Wisdom
Chapter 5: The Way of Worship: Putting It All Together in Thought and Life
Conclusion
Further Reading
General Index
Scripture Index
Endorsements
“Theological Method seeks to help new theologians get started on a sound basis. Graham Cole sets forth a theological method that is meant to be good theology—a method that, first and foremost, is itself true to the Bible and, second, shows how theologians throughout history have best used the Bible to edify the church. I am impressed with the conciseness of Theological Method. Cole has done an excellent job summarizing the basics in this short volume.”
John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary
“Graham Cole has enviable gifts of clarity and wisdom, combined with an ability to identify significant themes in theology. Theological Method is as fresh, bright, and crisp as a sun-drenched spring morning. It is as helpful for connecting the dots in Christian discipleship in the church as it is for pastoral formation in the seminary context. It is profound in its simplicity.”
C. Ben Mitchell, author, Ethics and Moral Reasoning: A Student’s Guide
“We are all theologians, and we all practice theology, good or bad. Ministers and lay people need to learn how to do theology, to think theologically, to increase our theological awareness and theological ability, and to think God’s thoughts after him. We need to do this not only to understand our past but also to work through new issues of today and tomorrow. Graham Cole writes with his usual clarity and has provided a resource that is short, deep, vivid, and thoughtful! He shows us a method of doing faithful theology. This method requires honoring and using the Bible and the insights of the past, as well as clarity of thought, an understanding of sin and frustration, humility, patience, faith, prayer, and worship. We see these features reflected in this book.”
Peter Adam, Vicar Emeritus, St. Jude’s Carlton; Former Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne
“This helpful primer provides the common sense, plain speech, biblical perspective, and evangelical commitment we’ve come to expect from Graham Cole.”
Daniel J. Treier, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology, Wheaton College; author, Introducing Evangelical Theology
“Drawing from his years of teaching, Graham A. Cole guides the reader like a pastoral sage. Theological Method offers much insightful discussion about how to wed the demand for contextual affirmation and a commitment to scriptural authority. Cole is to be thanked for illustrating how we need to do theology as pilgrims heading home.”
Andrew J. Schmutzer, Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies, Moody Bible Institute; coauthor, Between Pain and Grace