"Walking the Theological Life" (Timothy R. Gaines)

TITLE: Walking the Theological Life: Discovering Method for Theology in the Lives of Biblical Characters
AUTHOR: Timothy R. Gaines
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Academic, 2024, (216 pages).
 

Mention the word "theology" and one will might see people roll their eyes. Some prefer to leave theology to the theologians, scholars, pastors, and seminarians.  Others might think it is simply an ivory-tower exercise with minimal practical use. Still, some people deem the study of theology as plain boring. This might have to do with some places that put too much stress on methodologies. What if theology is an invitation to ponder upon the revealed narratives in the Bible? What if it is to cultivate a sense of wonder from the lens of God? In this book, author Timothy Gaines invites us to ponder and wonder on how God leads 12 Bible characters through their ups and downs of life. Allocating a chapter for each character, Gaines unearths from it theological virtues and how God knew these people intimately. In Jeremiah, we learn about the mutual intimacy of God and Jeremiah in knowing each other. Sometimes addressed as a "weeping prophet," his humble life witnesses for God. In Jacob, we learn the theological virtue of wrestling, especially in times of grief and pain. Sarah is an interesting character. Gaines highlights her laughing incident as a way to learn of theological humour. Often painted in a negative light, Gaines expands our understanding of laughter as an act to trigger a reaction. I have heard people saying "Do not take life too seriously" as a way to lighten up or relax. It is tempting to view Sarah's laughter negatively. Gaines tells us to consider a broader theological perspective of the use of laughter in life. Moses has often been credited with the authorship of the Pentateuch, the receiver of the laws of God in the Old Testament. Here, Gaines links morality and ethics with the giving of the Law of God. It is the ancient reference for discerning right from wrong. Using "theologically virtuous ethics," we learn to discern morality from legalism. He adds that morality is not simply about following the Law. It is acknowledging the presence of God as we obey His Word. Following the description of Moses, the author turns to his wife Miriam, designating her as a symbol of courage. From the parting of the Red Sea, she sings a song of courage, on how God brings salvation to baby Moses and God's people. We learn the difference between and "end" and a "fulfilment." The former is when we quit and the latter when we complete. When the odds are against us, courage is required to overcome doubts. On Isaiah, the author begins with his magnificent encounter with God that reveals his utter helplessness. Gaines shows us from the example of Isaiah how God can undo our past presuppositions and replace them with new perspectives. "Being undone" is about how we react against idolatry in life and replace them with the spirituality of being made new in the image of God. Mary is an example of pondering in observation and silence. John the Baptist's character exudes humility and self-awareness. The woman who anointed Jesus reflects a posture of love and affection.  Thomas the disciple is seen as more than mere doubter but one courageous enough to ask hard questions of faith. The way to grow is to learn how to ask questions that lead us to deeper faith. From the lives of Martha and Mary, we learn theological virtues of grieving. In times of grief, we can deepen our awareness of the presence of God to know that God is with us. Gaines ends with a description of Nicodemus, highlighting the theological virtues of leadership and theology done "in the dark." Throught his life, Gaines asserts that "theology does not apply to ministry" but the "practice of ministry is theology in flesh." In other words, theology is not theoretical but practical. 

My Thoughts
Outside Bible schools and seminaries, the word "theology" has often been treated with disdain. People think of it as a dry subject that is all talk and no action, theory without relevant practice. In writing this book, author and professor Timothy Gaines tries to clear up this misunderstanding to show us that theology is wholly practical and highly spiritual. Using the lives of 12 biblical characters, he first underlines the theological virtues that we can glean per character before showing us the evidence. He then links theological virtues back to practical ministry. Let me offer three thoughts about this book.

Firstly, it is a commendable attempt to change the negative tide among laypersons with regard to all things theology. By using the 12 characters as examples to highlight his theological method, he bridges theology with biblical figures in the hope that modern readers can do the same. Like the familiar method of Bible studies using biblical characters, readers will be able to identify pretty quickly with what Gaines is trying to do. At least it lowers the guard among those who do not like the word "theology." After gaining that attention, Gaines injects the theological virtues into the chapters to bring out the essentials of theology in the realities of life. 

Secondly, this book is more than simply character studies. In character studies, we tend to focus on the do's and don'ts of each character in question. We try to draw out ethical concerns from each person's acts and behaviour on the basis of modern understanding. Here, Gaines helps us be contextual aware so that we do not apply the Bible out of context. Instead of focusing on just one action, he takes us through a list of character examinations and the theological virtues behind the acts. For example, in writing about Thomas, many people tend to dismiss him off as a doubter who lacked faith. Gaines shows us that is not necessarily the only way to understand Thomas. In fact, the way Thomas asks Jesus can very well be a way toward cultivating a deeper faith by addressing honest doubts honestly. Like the wise schoolteacher who says to us that there is no such thing as a stupid question, we can remind ourselves not to be afraid to ask difficult questions. God can more than defend himself. More importantly, we can let our questions help us grow in the knowledge of God.

Finally, this book is an invitation to theology for all. It is about bringing theology to life so that we can see its relevance and practical usage. By demonstrating that theology is altogether practical, it is hoped that readers will be excited about building good theological foundations. There has been so much said by professors, theologians, pastors, and scholars about the importance of theology that some might have been put off by that very word. Without experiencing the theological truths as advocated, it is hard to change the skeptic's mind. Gaines's approach is quite innovative as it not only tells us what the theological virtue is, he also shows us with actual characters and applications. Pastors can apply Gaines's methods as they preach their weekly sermons. Professors can tweak the way they deliver their lectures and teachers can make their lessons more vibrant. Indeed, there are many more characters that one can apply the theological method on. If one has the stamina to go through all 12 characters in this book, one might have a mental framework of how to apply the same method to the other characters of the Bible.

Timothy R. Gaines (PhD, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary) is an associate professor of religion at Trevecca Nazarene University, where he teaches theology and ethics and directs a graduate program in theology and biblical studies. He has authored and co-authored several books, including Christian Ethics, Following Jesus: Prophet, Priest, King, Kings and Presidents: Politics and the Kingdom of God, and A Seat at the Table: A Generation Reimagining Its Place in the Church. He also serves as a pastor at Trevecca Community Church and has co-hosted the Sermon Studio podcast. He lives in Nashville with his wife and children, where he enjoys running, aviation, and photography.

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of IVP Academic via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.