How to Think Theologically
by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke
Fortress Press: Minneapolis, 1996
Reviewed by Shon Bentley

"Do you consider yourself to be a theologian? If you are like most people, you are probably saying to yourself, "A theologian, not me!" Recognizing that most Christians feel this way, your response is understandable. Theology is widely taken to be a field for experts alone, too arcane for the day to day concerns of ordinary churchgoers.

In their book, How to Think Theologically, Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke state, "All Christians are theologians … their calling makes them witnesses of faith, and hence theologians as well." I happen to agree with them, all Christians are theologians. It's not that we are born this way, but a simple fact of Christian life: "Our faith makes us theologians, whether we know it or not." Have you ever pondered who God truly is? Have you ever had to respond to an issue such as integrity in the workplace, abortion or world hunger? If so, you have done the work of theology. Simply put, anytime we reflect upon the events in our world … the events in our marriages, personal lives, family relationships … any time we reflect upon social or public policy — in light of our faith — we become theologians.

"Serious thinking about the meaning of Christian faith can and does take place anywhere," says Stone and Duke. It goes on while we are conversing, worshipping, working, resting, keeping up with the latest news, and even in the midst of weathering a major life crisis. The point is — theology doesn't just take place in the pastor's study, at the university library, or in the seclusion of a monastery. The work of theology, say Stone and Duke, is a matter of "personalized, conversational thinking," about the Christian faith in all arenas of life.

You are a theologian! We are theologians! Theologians in our workplace. Theologians in our homes. Theologians at church. Theologians … everywhere. Have fun thinking theologically!