How to Think Theologically

Transcription

1 Teachable Books: Free Downloadable Discussion Guides from Cokesbury How to Think Theologically by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke Discussion Guide How to Think Theologically, by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke (Fortress Press, copyright 1996) begins with the premise that Christians are theologians and then provides a framework for theological reflection to help them better understand themselves and their faith. It offers ideas on how to think theologically about real life situations and encourages listening and questioning as a means of developing a more vibrant faith. The book helps readers learn what it really means to think and act like a Christian. Permission is granted to reproduce this discussion guide. Chapter 1 Faith, Understanding, and Reflection This chapter explores embedded and deliberative theology. 1. Share why you have selected this book to read and what you hope to learn from it. 2. What does it mean to be a theologian? In what ways are all Christians theologians? 3. Give your understanding of the word faith and list some of the different ways that the Christian faith is conveyed. 4. List some issues that trigger theological reflection. 5. What is first order or embedded theology? How is it expressed? How do one s actions and practices reflect one s embedded theology? 6. What is second order or deliberative theology? What is its task? What is the relationship between embedded and deliberative theology? 7. Share a time that you struggled with a theological issue. How was it resolved? How to Think Theologically Discussion Guide 1

2 Chapter 2 Fashioning Theology This chapter looks at how theology is crafted through interpretation, correlation, and assessment. 1. How is theological reflection comparable to a craft? 2. List and discuss the three steps to fashioning theological understanding. 3. How do theological views or interpretations come into being? 4. List some of the challenges related to the correlation process. 5. How is the adequacy of theology assessed? Discuss the four common tests of adequacy. 6. What do you believe makes a theological view valid? 7. Share a time that you disagreed with a theological view and why you did so. Chapter 3 Resources For Theological Reflection This chapter examines how theological views act as a template for interpreting the world and considers the elements that go into a theological template. 1. Discuss how theological viewpoints function as a template. 2. How are templates helpful in theological reflection? How do they help sort out issues of faith? 3. What can occur when theological templates are not used or ignored? Give an example. 4. Discuss the four resources that make up a theological template. 5. How are theological templates different among Christians? What is the importance of looking at what is emphasized in a template? 6. List some the reasons why the use of Holy Scripture in theology is a hot button issue. 7. Why is tradition important? Why can t we simply accept everything in our tradition? Why must tradition always be dynamic? 8. What practical applications can be made from what you have read or discussed? How to Think Theologically Discussion Guide 2

3 Chapter 4 Theological Method This chapter examines theological method or the bases, proper ordering, and norms of theology. 1. List some of the common issues that are subject to theological reflection. What issues have you struggled with? 2. Why is the question of a starting point significant? What are the two most common starting points? What are the merits of each? 3. List and discuss the two ways the human mind deals with information. Give examples of each and how both are important for theological reflection. 4. Discuss the practice and benefits of creative thinking. 5. List and discuss the set of questions that the authors propose as the basis for a procedure for theological reflection. 6. Why do the subjects of our theological reflection have a way of choosing themselves? 7. Give an example of a starting point you utilized to consider an issue of faith. Chapter 5 The Gospel This chapter looks at how Christians apply the gospel to life issues and situations. 1. Why is our understanding of the meaning of the gospel central to our interpretation of events around us? 2. Share a time when you asked yourself, What does the gospel mean here? 3. Explain what the word gospel means to you. Is the meaning different for others? 4. Name some of the questions and issues that arise over the word gospel. 5. Share your understanding of how the gospel reaches other people. How do people receive its benefits? 6. What clues and direction does the Bible provide about sharing the gospel? 7. What questions were raised by the Tober s presentation? How to Think Theologically Discussion Guide 3

4 8. List some of the suggestions and guidelines for theological analysis. Chapter 6 The Human Condition This chapter looks at the issues of sin, salvation, and the means of salvation. 1. What do the authors mean by the human condition? Share your views of the basic problems related to the human condition. 2. Discuss the connection between how you understand the human condition and how you think theologically. 3. How do you define the meaning of sin and sinfulness? How and why might the definition of a sin be different for others? 4. List and discuss the four common Christian ways of understanding sin. 5. Share some of your views concerning salvation. What is the basis for your views? 6. List and discuss the four theological themes regarding the issue of salvation. 7. Discuss the four parallel theological clusters concerning means of salvation. Chapter 7 Vocation This chapter examines the calling of Christians and the question of Christian action. 1. Discuss what vocation means, both with respect to an individual and to the Christian community. 2. Explain what it means that a life of faith in itself is a calling. 3. Share some of your struggles regarding vocation and putting faith into action. How have you felt called by God? 4. What ingredients make an action or service a Christian activity? 5. List some of the deeds that Christians are called to perform. How to Think Theologically Discussion Guide 4

5 6. Discuss how one determines what action to take in a certain situation and why it is the Christian thing to do. What three questions do we need to answer when trying to decide upon a particular course of action? 7. Discuss because of and in order to reasons for taking an action. Why is it important to consider and answer both in theological reflection? 8. Consider the St. Andrews case study. Do you think the $5 gift was appropriate? What were some of the alternatives? What would you have done? Chapter 8 Critical Theology This chapter offers suggestions on critical thinking, spiritual formation, the community of faith, and the daily practice of faith. 1. Share a time when you utilized critical thinking to resolve a situation. 2. In your own words, explain what critical inquiry means and why it is important. 3. List and discuss the elements of critical thinking. 4. List and discuss the acts and attitudes of spiritual formation. How are they essential to theological reflection? 5. Discuss the ways that worship is a vital ingredient to spiritual life. Give an example from your own experience. 6. List some spiritual disciplines and resources that are available to help Christians deal with issues of faith. 7. How has reading this book helped you think theologically? How to Think Theologically Discussion Guide 5

6 9. How to Think Theologically Discussion Guide 6