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dwmclaurin3's review
3.0
The Trials of Theology is a collection of essays to help students of theology/biblical studies to go about their way in a way that leaves them in awe of God. It includes essays from the past, written by Spurgeon, Warfield, and C. S. Lewis (sort of). And voices from the present; Carson and Bray.
Overall, the book is helpful for students who are looking to enter theological studies. It will help them prepare themselves to fight pride and futility in their discipline. But also, these essays work to help students enjoy their work as well. Or, more precisely, enjoy God.
The only drawback is the essay by C.S. Lewis. I wrote, "sort of" above because it really isn't his essay, but a summary. It just seemed out of place given the fact that all the other essays were from the author's themselves. The essay was a summary of Lewis' essay. There may be several reasons for this entire essay not being included, but it would have been nice to see the essay in the work.
Overall, the book is helpful for students who are looking to enter theological studies. It will help them prepare themselves to fight pride and futility in their discipline. But also, these essays work to help students enjoy their work as well. Or, more precisely, enjoy God.
The only drawback is the essay by C.S. Lewis. I wrote, "sort of" above because it really isn't his essay, but a summary. It just seemed out of place given the fact that all the other essays were from the author's themselves. The essay was a summary of Lewis' essay. There may be several reasons for this entire essay not being included, but it would have been nice to see the essay in the work.
thesimplepastor's review against another edition
3.0
The Trials of Theology: Becoming a 'proven worker' in a dangerous business is a collection of essays from voices past and present aimed at keeping the student of theology in touch with the God who is the both the object and subject of our study.
With contributions from Augustine, Luther, Spurgeon, BB Warfield, Bonhoeffer and CS Lewis the first part alone makes this book both readable and worthy of purchase. They cover the heart and soul of the student, why we depend on God's grace, why devotions and worship matter to the theology student, why community matters and some dangers to avoid.
The dangers are clear that our understanding and adoration of God can be 'lessened' not heightened by greater knowledge, that we can depart from faithfulness and spiritual vitality. We can become empty vessels devoid of treasure who have mistaken their role as clay for that of potter.
The second half has voices from the present featuring contributions from John Woodhouse (Moore Theological Seminary, Sydney) on the trials of being at theological college, Don Carson on Biblical Studies, Carl Trueman on Church history, Gerald Bray on systematic theology and Dennis Holliger on Christian ethics.
I found this section harder going, Carson's essay aside, and found it less vibrant, a bit more wordy and sluggish. However, I would have been very grateful if someone had given this to me before I set off to study theology and even more grateful if they'd taken the time to see if I'd read it and taken it in.
Studying theology is a wonderful privilege and one I didn't make the most of. I'd certainly feel more competent today as a leader had I paid more attention or been more inspired by the voices from the past.
Recommended reading for all those about to begin theological training and study, and a good reminder for those of us who still dabble.
With contributions from Augustine, Luther, Spurgeon, BB Warfield, Bonhoeffer and CS Lewis the first part alone makes this book both readable and worthy of purchase. They cover the heart and soul of the student, why we depend on God's grace, why devotions and worship matter to the theology student, why community matters and some dangers to avoid.
The dangers are clear that our understanding and adoration of God can be 'lessened' not heightened by greater knowledge, that we can depart from faithfulness and spiritual vitality. We can become empty vessels devoid of treasure who have mistaken their role as clay for that of potter.
The second half has voices from the present featuring contributions from John Woodhouse (Moore Theological Seminary, Sydney) on the trials of being at theological college, Don Carson on Biblical Studies, Carl Trueman on Church history, Gerald Bray on systematic theology and Dennis Holliger on Christian ethics.
I found this section harder going, Carson's essay aside, and found it less vibrant, a bit more wordy and sluggish. However, I would have been very grateful if someone had given this to me before I set off to study theology and even more grateful if they'd taken the time to see if I'd read it and taken it in.
Studying theology is a wonderful privilege and one I didn't make the most of. I'd certainly feel more competent today as a leader had I paid more attention or been more inspired by the voices from the past.
Recommended reading for all those about to begin theological training and study, and a good reminder for those of us who still dabble.
lutheranlongaphie's review against another edition
2.0
This is rediculous sparse and to be brutally honest with you, the nuggets of truth in here are things you should already know. As is the case with all practical books for pastors and seminary students that I've read save some older classics which mind you, this book is just a scrapbooking if you will of bits and pieces of those classics. People keep telling me that there's a place for this kind of thing. But really, I truly think if you don't know what these men have to tell you here and you're in seminary you really should have been prepared better before you stepped into that. The content is good though. Nothing false in it. But there's not much in it. By nature of only being a hundred pages that's not shocking it's a short read.
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