Who Needs Theology? An Invitation to the Study of God
By Stanley J. Grenz, Roger E. Olson
Reviewed by Michael Ferrigno
Audience: Stanley J. Grenz and Roger E. Olsen’s book entitled, Who Needs Theology? An Invitation to the Study of God is exactly what the title suggests—a discussion of what theology is and why it is necessary and relevant for today’s Christian. The book is pitched to students, church study groups and individuals looking to enrich their Christian walk through employing the rigors and tools that theology offers.
Topic: The book begins with a basic discussion of how everyone is living by a theological framework. The authors categorize these frameworks into groups varying in sophistication, from the most simplistic and unreflective or “Folk Theology” to the highly speculative or “Academic Theology.” The crux of the book hinges on the authors defense for theology and the American Christian’s need for it. The authors contend that while many people are suspicious of theologians, without a valid theological framework, the church will “fall back into folk theology in which everyone believes whatever seems right in his or her own eyes and Christianity loses persuasive force and influence.” After giving their defense for the necessity of theology, the authors provide an introduction to practicing theology and discuss the tools used by theologians, including the relationship between the Bible, church history, and culture. The book concludes by calling upon the American Christian to reject sloppy thinking and embrace a life of reflective and thoughtful Christianity.
Conclusion: With the constant use of Peanuts’ comic strips as introductions to chapter topics and definition heavy discussions, it is quite apparent that both authors are theology professors with a blend of quirky intellectualism. Also, despite the bore of the first few chapters, I would recommend this book to Christians who struggle with self examination or who blame the pulpit for not providing enough substance on Sunday morning. Rather than give Christians the next 5 step program to “Extreme Christianity,” the authors encourage us to reflect upon what the Bible and church history say in response to an ever changing culture.
Great review, Michael. I read Who Needs Theology in preparation for our Theology 101 class last summer and really enjoyed it. The more I read of Grenz, the more I like him!
Heather Z
February 19th, 2008