Theological Method

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