Invitation to Theology: A Guide to Study, Conversation Practice Paperback – January 26, 2001

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Review ------ "Michael Jinkins has provided us with an accessible and readable theological primer. His lively introduction to the central doctrines of the Christian faith is born of a conviction that theology matters deeply not merely for a small professional group but for the whole people of God. This book is likely to be used and valued by many, particularly within the Reformed tradition." (David Fergusson, Professor of Divinity, New College, University of Edinburgh, Scotland) "I heartily endorse Michael Jinkins's Invitation to Theology. Eminently readable, Jinkins provides a fresh, even elegant, articulation of core doctrines of the faith in a lively and engaging style. His imaginative analogies and helpful penchant for interrelating doctrines breathe an energizing vitality into theological reflection. Jinkins portrays doctrinal issues in ways both savvy to historical context and also engaging of readers 'where they live.' Most attractive to me is the trinitarian/christological lens through which all key doctrines are viewed. At last we have a survey that regards the Trinity not merely as an addendum or a part of the chapter on the doctrine of God but as integrally woven into the whole fabric of the theological tapestry, giving refreshing cohesion to every doctrine. I have long awaited such an unapologetically trinitarian-angled book for use as a text in my Christian doctrine classes." (Jeannine Michele Graham, Assistant Professor of Religion, Whitworth College) "Michael Jinkins is offering much more than a basic theological text book on the Creed; he is presenting an approach to theology and theological learning which comes out of his experience as a teacher of adults in seminary and Sunday school. I warmly commend this exciting resource for group learning and agree with Jinkins's conviction that doing theology is a community activity with a practical end. Those who immerse themselves in this course, in the conversations with great thinkers of the past, and in the creative thinking and exploration that is encouraged can hardly fail to have a clearer understanding of the fundamentals of their faith. As the course is designed to be done as a community activity, the hope and expectation is that with a renewed grasp of the gospel, there will be a fruitful renewal of the life of the church. Read as a text by individuals, the attractive prose and clarity of presentation should inspire group use and collaborative learning. Dr. Jinkins's book deserves to be widely read and used." (The Rev. Canon Dr. Vincent Strudwick, Director of Theology Programmes Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Fellow of Kellogg College) "Michael Jinkins's invitation to theology is lively, fresh and reader friendly. Centered on the trinitarian love of God as source of new life in communion with God and others, Jinkins's book ties together Christian doctrine, worship and service, and helpfully exposes the destructiveness of modern individualism in both church and society. An excellent choice for a first course in theology!" (Daniel L. Migliore, Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary) "I'm glad that I accepted Michael Jinkins's invitation to study theology with him. Jinkins makes good on his promise that theological study will come alive when it helps us to see our world--and our own lives in that world--through the reality of the living Christ." (Richard J. Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary) "Jinkins here invites us to participate in both the joys and the challenges of the theological task. With the expectancy of a colleague proposing a new approach to an old question, he draws us into conversation with the figures, themes and problematics of the Christian tradition. With the guiding hand of a good teacher, he reminds us that the work of theology should not be undertaken lightly. Students and laypeople new to the discipline will especially benefit from Jinkins's creative balance of 'lectures' and 'homework assignments,' all geared to train us to be theologians--to better know and bear witness to the character of God." (Cynthia L. Rigby, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary) "Michael Jinkins has the rare gift of making complex theological doctrines accessible to laypeople and beginning theological students without 'dumbing down.' In this book he interprets Christian doctrine with the cheerful and joyful good humor that is appropriate for a theology that has to do with the good news of God in Jesus Christ. An especially helpful feature of the book is the way it encourages teachers and students to learn together to relate the implications of the Christian faith for everyday life." (Shirley Guthrie Jr., Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary) Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) About the Author ---------------- Michael Jinkins is President and Professor of Theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Previously he served as Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Pastoral Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, after having served as pastor of several congregations. His books include Called to be Human (Eerdmans); Letters to New Pastors (Eerdmans); Invitation to Psalms (Abingdon); Christianity, Tolerance and Pluralism (Routledge Press); The Church Faces Death: Ecclesiology in a Postmodern Context (Oxford University Press) and In the House of the Lord: Inhabiting the Psalms of Lament (Liturgical Press). Read more ( javascript:void(0) )