The Cathedral of Theology - (Pillars of Christian Dogmatics) by J V Fesko (Hardcover)

About the Book

What is theology and how does one do theology? Author J. V. Fesko answers these questions in the first volume of the Pillars in Christian Dogmatics series. The Cathedral of Theology: Principles of Christian Dogmatics is a work of prolegomenon that establishes principles for theology including defining what theology is, the necessary virtues for doing theology, the relationship between God's knowledge and human knowledge, the foundations for theology (natural and supernatural revelation), the relationship between faith and reason, metaphysics, biblical reasoning (or principles of interpretation), theological organization, the covenantal context for theology, the use of imagination, defining the boundaries of doctrinal truth and error, and the pursuit of beauty. Perfect for both new and seasoned theologians, this comprehensive book offers a clear roadmap for approaching theology in a way that seeks the worship of the Triune God.

Book Synopsis

What is theology and how does one do theology? Author J. V. Fesko answers these questions in the first volume of the Pillars in Christian Dogmatics series. The Cathedral of Theology: Principles of Christian Dogmatics is a work of prolegomenon that establishes principles for theology including defining what theology is, the necessary virtues for doing theology, the relationship between God's knowledge and human knowledge, the foundations for theology (natural and supernatural revelation), the relationship between faith and reason, metaphysics, biblical reasoning (or principles of interpretation), theological organization, the covenantal context for theology, the use of imagination, defining the boundaries of doctrinal truth and error, and the pursuit of beauty. Perfect for both new and seasoned theologians, this comprehensive book offers a clear roadmap for approaching theology in a way that seeks the worship of the Triune God.

The Pillars in Christian Dogmatics series is an exercise in the retrieval of classical, orthodox doctrines for the church today. Featuring well-respected theologians and scholars, the authors share a commitment to the authority of Scripture, the truth claims of the Nicene Creed, and the metaphysical building blocks that undergird the Great Tradition. Each book offers an in-depth theological study, using exegetical, historical, philosophical, and doctrinal resources to analyze major loci in Christian theology. The goal is to contemplate the triune God and his works and to show readers how the entire Christian faith intersects and must be encountered as a coherent whole.

Review Quotes

"In The Cathedral of Theology, Dr. Fesko has provided for theological students something I wish I'd had thirty-eight years ago when I entered seminary. This book on theological prolegomena covers much-needed ground. It is wide-ranging and historically aware. It harvests from the patristic, medieval, Reformation, and post-Reformation eras insights assisting twenty-first-century students so that they might do theology as it ought to be done. I commend this work to both the novice and the seasoned, and all in between."
--Richard C. Barcellos (PhD, Whitefield Theological Seminary), associate professor of exegetical theology and director of publications at International Reformed Baptist Seminary

"I love everything about this prolegomenon to the rigorous study of the Christian faith--from its architectural depiction of theological reflection as a cathedral to the emphasis on doing theology within the bounds of Reformed catholicity--from the importance of wedding theological scholarship and piety to the final chapter, on the theological endeavor as necessarily informed by a hunger for beauty. In a day when prolegomena in systematic theologies abound, I highly recommend this volume, which is especially dedicated to the foundations of all of our study of God and his ways!"
--Michael A. G. Azad Haykin (ThD, University of Toronto), professor of church history and biblical spirituality at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Sustained attention to theological prolegomena can result in profound beauty. Not merely an 'introduction, ' which gives way to more important focus on varying theological loci, the prolegomenon is vital to the task of theology and will often chart, from the beginning, where the theological journey will lead. In his latest book, The Cathedral of Theology, J. V. Fesko has served readers well as he considers the principles of theology and demonstrates how the foundation of theology impacts the cathedral of thought built on it. Fesko's treatment of prolegomena is mature and wise, treating not only the subjects readers would expect in a theological prolegomenon, such as the language and practice of Christian theology, but also neglected and needed topics, such as posture, virtue, imagination, and beauty. Together, these chapters present a wholistic understanding of what it means to engage in the daunting but glorious work of contemplating the triune God. I will be using this book with students for years to come and pray it receives the wide reading it deserves."
--Ronni Kurtz (PhD Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University

"This book is a monumental achievement. The reappropriation of the classical Reformed sources, so masterfully achieved in this book, is a moment of extraordinary promise for all Christians who seek faith's wisdom. From my own Roman Catholic perspective, I call upon Roman Catholics to read this tour de force and to be instructed."
--Matthew Levering (PhD, Boston College), the James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary

"In The Cathedral of Theology, Dr. J. V. Fesko displays the time-tested method of laying a solid foundation for systematic theology. This outstanding book covers all the traditional topics, but in a way that engages contemporary problems. It also explores rarely traveled avenues of exploration. For me, as someone who regularly teaches a class on theological prolegomena at the undergraduate level, it is a joy to read such a learned and helpful volume."
--Keith A. Mathison (PhD, Whitefield Theological Seminary), professor of systematic theology at Reformation Bible College

"Post-Enlightenment theology timidly seeks shelter in religious affections, cultural-linguistic practices, or progressive politics. In contrast, Fesko, holding himself accountable to God--who, primarily in Scripture and secondarily in nature, tells us who he is--boldly provides a sure foundation for how theology makes truth claims about God. Fesko's panoramic scope on all topics pertinent to prolegomena is breathtaking, a delight for scholars, but his delivery is down-to-earth and winsome, accessible to students and pastors alike. For those seeking a foundation for a robust Protestant theology, Fesko offers a path that has outnarrated modern subjectivism, one intertwined throughout with salient voices from the Great Tradition. His work will strengthen pastors in their preaching, teaching, and witnessing."
--Mark C. Mattes (PhD, University of Chicago), professor of theology at Grand View University

"Finally, a modern full-length treatment on theological prolegomena! I can think of few living scholars so well poised to bring his learning and wisdom to bear on so crucial a topic than J. V. Fesko. Over the years, Fesko has proven himself to be not only an authority on theoretical method but also an exemplary practitioner when handling Holy Scripture in service of theological dogmatics and contemplation. Equal parts instructive, doxological, and literarily evocative, this work defies expectations for a book on "theological prolegomena" by being a lively, page-turning enjoyment. The Cathedral of Theology delivers on the promise of its title. This is a lofty, beautiful, and inspiring work, and I suspect saints for many years will be edified by stepping into it to gaze at the grandeur inside. Its high ceilings, ancient furnishing, and iridescent windows are an irresistible draw further up and further in to the glory of our triune God."
--Samuel G. Parkison (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), associate professor of theological studies at the Gulf Theological Seminary in the United Arab Emirates

"J. V. Fesko has furnished the church with many great books that explain various topics in systematic theology. Now, he walks us through principles for doing systematic theology. What a blessing to learn from one of the true sages in the field about how to follow his example. This volume is a master class on the formation of a theologian and the theological sensibilities that we need for the task. I count it a privilege to commend it."
--Harrison N. Perkins (PhD, Queen's University Belfast), pastor at Oakland Hills Community Church (OPC)

About the Author

J. V. Fesko (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is The Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi.