Before Theological Study
A Thoughtful, Engaged, and Generous Approach
Edited by Harry O. Maier, Ashley John Moyse and Richard R. Topping
Introduction by Joas Adiprasetya
Afterword by Janet Martin Soskice
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
Before Theological Study will orient students to the aptitudes, knowledge, spirituality, imagination, and dispositions that are appropriate to thoughtful, engaged, and generous theological study. The book has the character of a modern theological enchiridion (handbook) for engagement with the disciplines that are a part of preparation for ministry. It is characterized by the vision of the Vancouver School of Theology to prepare students for thoughtful, engaged, and generous Christian ministry practiced in a way that is alert to the multi-religious contexts and the colonial legacy of mainline Christianity. The essays in this handbook are written in a variety of registers, yet each remains accessible to the newcomer or potential newcomer to theological education. The book is not rooted in a unified orthodoxy but expresses the bandwidth of contemporary theological viewpoints.
Harry O. Maier is Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Studies at Vancouver School of Theology.
Ashley John Moyse is the McDonald Postdoctoral Fellow in Christian Ethics and Public Life at the University of Oxford and a research associate at the Vancouver School of Theology.
Richard Topping is President and Professor of Studies in the Reformed Tradition at the Vancouver School of Theology.
“Here’s wise, faithful encouragement from a diverse, experienced group of teachers that’s sure to equip those who venture theological study. The joy of thinking about Christian theology and the adventure of Christian vocation is evident in this encouraging, astute, and very useful group of essays.”
—Will Willimon, Professor of the Practice of Ministry, Duke Divinity School
“In an iridescent and multilayered telling . . . , this inspiring book beautifully connects the complexity of theological study with the ordinariness of theological questions. Instead of providing ready-made answers, the authors create intersecting spaces that allow readers to listen to familiar and unfamiliar voices through which they encounter a central task of theology: to ask relevant questions. This book is for those ready to embark on a journey of becoming a community of witnesses through studying theology.”
—Septemmy E. Lakawa, President, Jakarta Theological Seminary
“This book is a seminary student’s map to finding the treasure of serving and leading God’s church into the future God yearns it to be. It offers a firm foundation for contemporary learning within the context of a secular age, enabling the student to find the path they need to take toward a successful journey in ministry.”
—Jillian Jackson, graduate of Vancouver School of Theology
“Each chapter prepares readers to embark on a lifelong journey of becoming better lovers of God and God’s people, for the good of the world. This book is an immense gift and a must-read for any students—and prospective students—of theology. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be formed by such fine contributors in this book.”
—Samuel Andri, graduate of Vancouver School of Theology
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