Theology as Discipleship - by Keith L Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

In this fresh and engaging text, Keith Johnson examines how the discipline of theology not only leads to discipleship, but is itself a way of following after Christ in faith. Unlike other introductions that overview doctrines according to the Apostles' Creed, Johnson presents theology by describing the Christian life--being in Christ, hearing God's Word and sharing the mind of Christ.

Book Synopsis

First Things' Year in Books

For many people, the word "theology" evokes something dry, academic, irrelevant and disconnected from the everyday concerns of life. We surely would not say that about God, so why is our talk about God any different?

In this engaging and accessible introduction, Keith Johnson takes a fresh look at theology. He presents the discipline of theology as one of the ways we participate in the life of the triune God. Without suggesting it should be removed from the academy, Johnson argues that theology has to be integrally connected to the traditions and practices of the church. If academic theology is to be genuinely theological, then it has to be carried out in obedience to Jesus Christ and in service to the church.

Unlike other introductions, Theology as Discipleship avoids the usual overview of doctrines according to the creed, which traditionally move from the Trinity to eschatology. Johnson instead explains the content of theology by describing the Christian life--being in Christ, hearing God's Word, sharing the mind of Christ. Theology not only leads to discipleship, but is itself a way of following after Christ in faith.

Review Quotes

"Theology as Discipleship is an excellent work that will help thoughtful students beginning theological studies."

--Justin L. McLendon, Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, Vol. 2, Issue 1

"In Theology as Discipleship, Keith Johnson invites readers to inhabit a rich theological landscape as followers of Christ. Johnson's book overflows with wisdom and joy as he shows how Christians of all vocations are called to live in union with Christ, being reshaped by God's Word through the Spirit. This refreshing book is a wonderful theological companion for disciples of Jesus Christ."

--J. Todd Billings, Gordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed Theology, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI

"It is difficult to correctly articulate the importance of Theology as Discipleship by Keith L. Johnson. Not only is the book well-written and engaging, but the content is challenging and intentionally aimed. In fact, to say that this book is necessary for the contemporary church would run the risk of being an understatement. Johnson has produced a timely and important volume that exemplifies a personal pursuit of faithfulness in the discipline of theology. "If you are a Christian educator, pastor, or simply a Christian seeking to live faithfully in all aspects of your life, Theology as Discipleship is a must read book--sooner than later."

--John Kight, Sojourner Theology, December 30, 2015

"Johnson has given us a gift with this work. I highly commend it both to theological educators looking to introduce their students to the theological task, as well as those looking to be reminded of their own call to discipleship."

--Derek Rishmawy, Themelios, August 2016

"The heart of Johnson's thesis is that theology is vital to discipleship because it trains us to rightly hear, understand, and use words about God which inevitably influence our religious practices. . . . He closes the book with a gem: a list of nine ways that theology must be practiced in order to serve the church and act as a practice of discipleship. If I were the dean or chair of a confessional school, I would have this list framed in the office of every theologian I employed."

--Mike Skinner, Cruciform Theology, December 1, 2015

"This fine, little book would be ideal for undergrad theology courses, as well as congregational adult classes and book-study groups. It would also be quite fitting and beneficial to hand a copy of Theology as Discipleship to the ministerial candidates in your church, your favorite seminarian, and your pastor. And while you're handing out copies, snag one for yourself. You'll be glad you did!"

--Michael Philliber, Deus Misereatur, January 16, 2016

"This is theology that is saturated with Scripture, humbly centered on Christ and the gospel, and earnestly intended for God's people. This is theology for discipleship, and it is truly theology as discipleship. I learned much from reading it, and I was edified and challenged by it. It is a gift to us all."

--Thomas H. McCall, associate professor of biblical and systematic theology, director, Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

About the Author

Keith L. Johnson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of theology at Wheaton College. He is the author of Karl Barth and the Analogia Entis.