Many see aspects of orthodox theology as speculative, irrelevant to authentic Christianity and to personal spirituality. Why do these ideas matter? They don't really seem to fit with the Bible, and they don't relate to modern life, so the question that many have is this: orthodoxy, who cares? But what if you could see how theology is relevant and foundational to the church? Rather than being speculative, it arises from the story of the Bible. Rather than being irrelevant, it speaks to the questions and realities that we face in the modern age. Rather than being merely intellectual, it shapes our spiritual lives. Engaging Theology is an introduction to theology that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. The book treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance: 
<ul>
<li>Story: Each chapter begins with a brief and engaging account of the historical situation out of which the doctrine arose or where it played an essential role in the development of the church. You get a view on why theology matters and get to know many of the key theologians in the history of the church.</li>
<li>Doctrinal Exposition: The heart of the chapter is exposition of key elements of the doctrine, highlighting core and debated elements where people go wrong. Each chapter includes biblical, historical, and contemporary views on the issue and notes key figures in the debates and their influence.</li>
<li>Theological Relevance: While theological relevance is clear throughout each chapter, this section highlights relevance to contemporary concerns, including interaction with major world religions. It points to wider issues the church is facing and different perspectives that Christians bring.</li>
<li>Spiritual Relevance: Since theology has a direct influence on one's own spiritual formation and practice, each chapter concludes with practical encouragements and discussions about how each doctrine can be integrated in one's life.</li>
</ul>
Engaging Theology is ideal for students and everyday people living in a post-Christian era to help them seriously engage with the Christian faith.

Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction

Blackwell, Ben C.

Hatchett, R.L.

Religion & Spirituality

Zondervan Academic

Our contemporary context increasingly views Christian faith and practice as irrelevant. When people talk about theology, they increasingly wonder, “Who cares?” But the ancient church believed the biblical narrative held significance for the crucial realities of life. 
Engaging Theology Video Lectures is an introductory theology series that grounds a treatment of standard systematic topics in the wider context of life and practice and shows the relevance of each doctrine to the church. It treats the essential doctrines of Christian orthodoxy by following the pattern of story, doctrinal exposition, theological relevance, and spiritual relevance. 
Engaging Theology Video Lectures is ideal for helping students and everyday people living in a post-Christian era engage seriously with the Christian faith. 
Session Titles and Runtimes: 
1 - Introduction (26 min) 
2 - Theological Method: How to Do Theology (25 min) 
3 - Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (25 min) 
4 - Revelation: God Reveals Himself (27 min) 
5 - God and the World: Creator and Creation (26 min) 
6 - Jesus the Christ: The Incarnate Messiah (27 min) 
7 - Holy Spirit: The Lord and Giver of Life (22 min) 
8 - Humanity and Sin: Human Flourishing and Failure (21 min) 
9 - Salvation: Participating in New Creation (26 min) 
10 - The Church: The People of God (26 min) 
11 - Eschatology: New Creation and the End (23 min) 
12 - Conclusion (18 min)

Engaging Theology Video Lectures: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction

Amid increasing interaction between Eastern and Western theologians, several recent biblical interpreters have characterized Paul’s soteriology as theosis, or deification, harking back to patristic interpretations of Paul. In this book Ben C. Blackwell critically evaluates that interpretation as he explores the anthropological dimension of Paul’s soteriology. Blackwell first examines two major Greek patristic interpreters of Paul — Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria — to clarify what deification entails and to determine which Pauline texts they used to support their soteriological constructions. The book then focuses on Paul’s soteriology expressed in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthians 3-5 (with excursuses on other passages) and explores how believers embody Christ’s death and life, his suffering and glory, through the Spirit. Blackwell concludes by comparing the patristic view of deification with Paul’s soteriology arising from the biblical texts, noting both substantial overlap and key differences.

Christosis: Engaging Paul's Soteriology with His Patristic Interpreters

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Utilising the Wirkungsgeschichte of the Pauline letters, Ben C. Blackwell reassesses Paul's soteriology expressed in Romans 8 and 2 Corinthinas 3-5 (and other texts) by comparing it with Greek patristic notions of theosis, or deification, represented by Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament 2 No. 314

Christosis: Pauline Soteriology in Light of Deification in Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament 2.Reihe)

Mohr Siebeck

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Blackwell, Ben C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Blackwell, Ben C.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Blackwell, Ben C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Engaging Theology: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction

Engaging Theology Video Lectures: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Introduction

Christosis: Engaging Paul's Soteriology with His Patristic Interpreters

Christosis: Pauline Soteriology in Light of Deification in Irenaeus and Cyril of Alexandria (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neuen Testament 2.Reihe)