Theological Method: A Guide for the Perplexed is a book that introduces the reader to the practice of doing theology. It provides a historical survey of key figures and concepts that bear on an understanding of difficult methodological issues in Christian theology. Beginning with a description of philosophical themes that affect the way theology is done today, it summarizes the various theological methods deployed by theologians and churches over two millennia of Christian thought. The book uncovers patterns in the theological task of relating biblical texts with beliefs and doctrines, according to historically conditioned theological and cultural priorities.

The book's highlights include a discussion of Augustine's epoch-making De doctrina Christiana. Also receiving close attention is the relationship between philosophy and theology during the Middle Ages, the meaning of sola scriptura for the Protestant Reformers, the methods of key interpreters of doctrine in the nineteenth century and the theological priorities of the 'Radical Orthodoxy' movement.

Introduction

1. Paul: Kerygma and Ecclesia

2. The Patristic Era: Understanding the Word of God

3. Augustine: Reading for Conversion

4. The Medieval Period: The Bible and Natural Theology

5. Sola Scriptura or Scripture and Tradition

6. Early Modern Theology: History and the Rise of Explicit Methodology

7. Modern Theological Methods as Diffuse Hermeneutics

8. Modern Theological Methods as Wisdom

Appendix, Excerpts from one or two classical texts

Bibliography