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Theological Foundations Revised Edition

Concepts and Methods for Understanding Christian Faith
ITEM # 7035
ISBN: 978-1-59982-101-6
Size: 7.25 x 9.125
Type: paperbound
Pages: 366 pages
Print: $37.95

Introduces students to the basics of Christian theology, covering its development through the ages and across cultures

Theological Foundations: Concepts and Methods for Understanding Christian Faith, Revised Edition is a thorough, concise, and comprehensive introductory theology text that has been revised with customer requests in mind. This prominent book on theology begins with a new introduction that centers the text on the Mystery of God. Its twelve body chapters unfold Christian theology by exploring its roots in the sacred scriptures; discussing the New Testament and other early Christian literature; and interweaving Christology and ecclesiology with the signs, symbols, and seven sacraments of the Church. Social justice issues figure prominently in the text, as does Catholicism’s relationship with Judaism and Islam. Sub-disciplines of Catholic theology also address the Church’s mission in the world, as well as moral issues. Ultimately, the text describes the changing contours of Christianity in the modern era, with an emphasis on Protestantism, Evangelicalism, and Fundamentalism.

An important advantage to this text is its instruction for students in conducting valid theological research. To help students understand terms, concepts, and vocabulary, as well as the development of the tradition through the ages and across cultures, the book incorporates a significant library research component that introduces students to basic research skills.


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"There are two things that I particularly like about this book, and that raise it above the average Intro to Theology book. First, the book invites students to use the library and find the sources for further research. I think that this is especially needed in a time in which students are not willing to rise from their seats and computer screens, thinking that everything can be found through the internet. Second, it broadens the horizon of the students by including chapters on Judaism, Islam, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context."
-Dr. Pim Valkenberg
Loyola University, Maryland
"This text fills a real need for a challenging introductory text in Catholic Theology. It is beatifully conceived, well written, inviting, and full of splendid resources rarely, if ever, found in comparable texts. I have used it with success and recommend it highly."
-David Gentry-Akin
Associate Professor of Theology
Saint Mary's College of California, Morraga, CA
“I believe the Text is well suited to the needs of our students given the diverse background of our Student Body at St. John's University, Queens, New York. Our students bring a great deal of Cultural and Religious diversity to the classroom, so it is important to have a Text that can introduce Christianity to them in an objective manner.”
-James J. Hannan
Adjunct Professor of Theology
Theological Foundations proved to be precisely the text I needed for my course, REL 334: Understanding the Christian Faith.  My class is primarily dialogue and Theological Foundations provided the background necessary for the students to become involved in research and discussion.  A big plus was the section 'From the Reference Librarian.'  I asked the students to pick a topic from the assignment for the week, to follow the Reference Librarian’s prompts, and to write a one page essay based on their research with a second page explaining how they used  the research skills and the sources they found.  Without that section, the students would have used Google or, with my insistence, JSTOR, but perhaps would not have entered the physical library or turned in a printed page.  To help with this, I scheduled two sessions in the library with our reference librarian.  The students profited from this training in research and our discussions were lively and well-informed.  Thanks to the editors and contributors and especially the Reference Librarian for an outstanding teaching resource."
-Jill Raitt, PhD
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Endowed Chair in Catholic Thought
Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO
"Theological Foundations is a welcome addition to the textbook market as it takes seriously the importance of critical theology within the Catholic purview and the application of this theology for traditional and non-traditional undergraduates. The author invites the learner to consider a variety of systematic perspectives, including a brief survey of a few interfaith and ecumenical traditions, yet he consistently remains faithful to the Catholic tradition. This is a remarkably accessible and appropriately challenging introductory theology text, particularly for students who are new to this discipline."
-Fr. Kevin M. Scalf, CPPS
Professor of Religious Studies
Calumet College of St. Joseph
"This text is an excellent introduction to undergraduate theology.  The scholars chosen for each section understand that most undergrads have never studied theology and are entering a new realm of knowledge.  The material is thorough but written in language that the novice can readily understand.  The reference librarian sections of each chapter are invaluable.  If you need one text for an introductory course, this is the one."
-Daniel McGuire
Assistant Professor of Theology
University of Great Falls
Theological Foundations deals with the BIG questions: ‘Why am I here?’ and ‘What is worth living for?’—inviting college students to the approachability and necessity of theology and its relevance to real life. The perfect book for introducing the building blocks of theology!”
-Br. Armond Alcazar, FSC
Lewis University
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