Writing Theology Well 2nd Edition: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers

by Lucretia B. Yaghjian

A working guide for students conducting theological writing and research on theology and biblical studies courses, this book integrates the disciplines of writing, rhetoric, and theology, to provide a standard text for the teaching and mentoring of writing across the theological curriculum.As a theological rhetoric, it also encourages excellence in theological writing in the public domain by helping to equip students for their wider vocations as writers, preachers, and communicators in a variety of ministerial and professional contexts.

This 2nd Edition includes new chapters on 'Writing Theology in a New Language', which explores the linguistic and cultural challenges of writing theology well in a non-native language, and 'Writing and Learning Theology in an Electronic Age', addressed to distance learning students learning to write theology well from online courses, and dealing with the technologies necessary to do so.

Genres: Writing, Theology

472 pages, Paperback

First published August 13, 2015

Reviews

[Jeremy Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just took over responsibility for running the Writing Center at our school of theology this summer. Having never been formally trained as a writing instructor, I was desperate to find any resources that would help me help students write their best theological work. Luckily, our curriculum librarian pointed me to this book – the perfect answer to all my (and future students’) writing questions. Professor Yaghjian combines clear and concise exercises with deep research and thoughtful theological reflection. I am sure I will use her guidelines and her invitations to deeper thought for years to come.

Writing Theology well is divided into four parts, each with its own thematic aim. Part One, “Writing Theological Rhetorics Well,” examines how theological writing shares elements in common with all writing, but also has its unique characteristics. Yaghjian surveys theology as God-talk from Scripture through Aquinas and Augustine up to Martin Luther King and present-day feminist theologians like Rebecca Chopp. She then provides concrete outlines and practices for writing the theological reflection paper, in its shorter and longer versions as well as its pastorally-oriented and more academic versions. Chapter 3 focuses on developing an argument, including a strong thesis, while chapter 4 focuses on the project of theological construction specifically.

Part Two, “Writing Theological and Biblical Research Well,” examines the whole writing process of research to revision, including strategies for rewriting and editing. Chapters 7 and 8 also look at how Biblical exegesis differs from theological construction. Part Three, “Toward a Theological Style and Voice of Your Own,” is perhaps the most abstract but also the most fresh contribution to the “how to write” genre. Yaghjian provides illustrations of varying forms of theological writing and exercises on how to recognize and sharpen one’s own theological style and voice. Finally, Part Four, a new addition to the second edition, helpfully provides exercises for ESOL students to learn how to write theologically in their own voice in another language. The last chapter thinks about how digital writing differs from traditional theological research and writing, including email etiquette, online class discussions, and blogging. It also provides a list of specific online resources tied to various theological tasks.

Simply put, this is a stellar resource. Yaghjian shows her decades of experience working with theology students to help their writing in both form and content. She provides concrete examples of writing from a vast range of historical theologians. The exercises in the book would work equally well in a private writing session, a theology class, or a Biblical Studies seminar. The only slight downside might be that Yaghjian is explicitly Christian and uses Christian theology, but she is quite forthright about her location and actually exemplifies what it is to write theologically from one’s own convictions. Non-Christian students of theology need not be put off by the Christian material – the argument and the work of the book remains solid. I enthusiastically recommend this book for seminary and theological school students, for writing instructors, and for professors alike. I am sure I will spend weeks with this as a primary tool by my side.

[Walt Kasmir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing Theology Well serves as an indispensable guide for those who wish to articulate theological and biblical concepts with clarity and depth. The book is a masterclass in the art of rhetoric, tailored specifically for theological discourse. It delves into the nuances of language, structure, and argumentation, providing a comprehensive framework for aspiring writers in the field. What sets this edition apart is its updated content that aligns with the evolving landscape of theological studies, making it a relevant resource for both students and seasoned scholars. The book doesn't just teach you how to write; it teaches you how to think critically about complex theological issues and convey them in a manner that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible.

Writing Theology Well is more than just a writing manual; it's a toolkit for effective theological communication. It equips you with the skills to navigate the intricate relationship between language and theology, ensuring that your writing resonates with both scholarly rigor and spiritual insight. Whether you're a seminary student, a minister, or a seasoned theologian, this book offers invaluable insights that can elevate your writing to a level of academic and spiritual excellence.

[Shahin Azad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book with lots of good footnotes and references to other good books for writing.