Reading Theologically

Back Cover

R E A D I N G T H E O L O G I C A L LY CULTIVATING MINDSETS TOWARD TEXTS— Reading Theologically brings together eight seminary educators from various backgrounds to explore reading in a seminary context—reading theologically. Reading theologically is not just about academic skill building but about the formation of a ministerial leader who can engage scholarship critically, interpret Scripture and tradition faithfully, welcome different perspectives, and help lead others to do the same. This volume emphasizes the vital skills, habits, practices, and values involved in reading theologically and is a vital resource for students beginning the seminary process and professors of introductory level seminary courses. Praise for Reading Theologically “Reading Theologically comes as a great gift to students at seminaries and divinity schools. The thoughtful essays in this collection will help students develop deeply rooted practices of reading— gracefully, mindfully, attentively—that will position them to be more engaged interpreters of religious texts and traditions and more effective guides for the people they will serve. Written in a very accessible style, this book will be a first read for many theological students.” Gail R. O’Day, Wake Forest University School of Divinity “This book is an excellent resource for persons thinking of preparing for seminary, seminarians, or for lifelong learners. Each chapter incrementally teaches us to delve deeper into reading for personal growth, understanding, thinking critically, and for appreciation of others. It is reading for formation, reading to meet God in our lives. I have never before read a book so beautifully written on how to enter the ambiguities and polarities of thoughts and theories so that we can hold the tensions with the purpose of holding those who think differently with grace so as to cultivate not only our minds but our relationships with persons, for creating community and for deepening our spirituality. As one who has been in theological education for over twenty years, I knew I had found a treasured resource in this reading even for myself and for my students. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Eastern University “Reading Theologically reframes reading as a Christian practice through which we cultivate a faithful way of being in an increasingly complex world. It encourages theological students to take seriously the role of reading in their formation as Christian leaders, thinkers, and citizens. Designed as a dialogue among diverse theological educators, this book also calls us to revisit the nature and purpose of the peculiar enterprise we call theological education. This is a book I wish I had when I started seminary. The serious seminarian should not begin without it.” Matthew Wesley Williams, Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) Eric D. Barreto is associate professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and was ordained by Peachtree Baptist Church (CBF) in 2006. He is the author of Ethnic Negotiations: The Function of Race and Ethnicity in Acts 16 (2010) and co-author of New Proclamation, Series C, Easter through Christ the King, 2013 (Fortress Press, 2012) as well as a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, WorkingPreacher. org, and EntertheBible.org. RELIGION / MINISTRY / THEOLOGY ...