by Miroslav Volf and Matthew Croasmun. Published by Brazos Press, 2019. Reviewed by Rocío Figueroa Alvear

The authors describe this book as a real “manifesto”. They challenge theologians and those committed to Christian education with a simple but essential question: is academic theology concerned about what matters in life? According to the authors, because theology fails to address fundamental questions of human existence it has become irrelevant. They propose expanding our understanding of the role of theology as “faith seeking understanding” to “a way of life that seeks to understand”. Provocatively this book seeks to close the gaps between theology and spirituality, reason and action, and faith and culture. Theology ought not to be merely a theoretical science remote from world. Rather theology is or should be concerned with how people can flourish and propose ways to make this world God’s home. The authors challenge theologians to explore ways to connect others with that which gives meaning to life. At the same time, they consider that the central theological task requires a certain kind of affinity between the life the theologian seeks to articulate and the life the theologian seeks to lead. While in other disciplines this affinity is not necessary, in the case of theologians it is fundamental for their credibility.

Well worth reading!

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 240 August 2019: 28