Introducing Theological Method: A Survey of Contemporary Theologians and Approaches

by Mary M. Veeneman

Sound theological method is a necessary prerequisite for good theological work. This accessible introduction surveys contemporary theological methodology by presenting leading thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries as models. The book presents the strengths and weaknesses in each of the major options. Rather than favoring one specific position, it helps students of theology think critically so they can understand and develop their own theological method.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Academic

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2017

Reviews

[Alex Grabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was quite readable. A good overview without too much jargon for those just starting to explore different theological approaches.

Would have given 4 stars, but the lack of more recent Pentecostal/third article theology approaches seem like a big miss to me. If the book were to be updated I would recommend adding a chapter for these methods, and maybe one for the analytic theology movement.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Mary Veeneman introduces readers to various theological trajectories and movements from the 20th and 21st centuries so that they'll have better familiarity with different trends in contemporary theology. A book like this helps students understand these various theological trends, with clear prose, and largely without editorial comment from the author—plus, under 200 pages. In this sense, Veeneman is to be commended.

That being the case, I have some small quibbles. For instance, I understand the need for brevity, but I think the book would be strengthened by starting with Schleiermacher—the first theologian to spend time discussing method before their dogmatic project—and then working through theologians like Ritschl, Troeltsch, and Harnack. Starting with Barth, with no background to these 19th c. German theologians, is a weakness in my opinion.

In addition, I was also surprised that Veeneman didn't cover the kind of "Hodge-Wayne Grudem-data selection" theology under the types of Evangelical theology. This type of theology certainly is out of vogue in many circles, but it's at least worth mentioning, even just to throw some jabs.

That being the case, I enjoyed this book and will recommend certain sections for folks to understand different types of theology that are perplexing at first glance.

[Audra Spiven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a REALLY surface-level survey of various theological schools of thought. I don't feel like I have a very competent grasp of the different schools after reading this book, but I WILL say that the chapters near the end on political theologies (South American liberation, black liberation, and feminist) made the whole book worth it. Veeneman does a good job giving a broad overview and fairly representing everyone's viewpoint (even the stupid ones).

[Aldon Hynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a theology course in seminary. It seems like an adequate introduction but I suspect there are better introductions.