Reviews for Modern Introduction to Theology: New Questions for Old Beliefs

The average rating for Modern Introduction to Theology: New Questions for Old Beliefs based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-05-22 00:00:00 Terry P. King This is a really worthwhile read. Kennedy is a good scholar, and writer. As an example, I found his explanation of hermeneutics to help me to understand the term clearly for the first time. There were only a few difficulties I had. For example, in the section on Liberation Theology he begins to sound like he's absolutely tearing down academia, without acknowledging that it is good scholarship that has trained people like himself to think critically, enter the human dialogue, and write clearly so as to inform the world of their views. He left some gaping holes that I felt should have been addressed--he did not go back far enough in his definition of the word "God," for example, going back only as far as Latin and the connection of "deus" with "day." If he'd gone back to the Hebrew sources of Christianity, he could have noted the connection between the unspoken "YHWH" as the causative form of the verb "to be" which connects with some very modern understandings of God. I wished he'd also included ideas brought forth by Paul Tillich in this regard. He does not focus enough in his conclusion on the importance of metaphor, symbol and language not just for humans understanding God, but for humans living their daily lives. (I note Lakoff's classic "Metaphors we Live By.") He does not incorporate the silence of mysticism which is also part of our understanding of God. He does not incorporate anthropological notions of ritual (including religious rites) being part of what it is to be human. He touches some of these things along the way, but in the conclusion I was surprised not to find a stronger sense of direction. This sounds like I did not like the book, but in fact I did very much. I'd read another book of Kennedy's and that one, THE TWENTIETH CENTURY THEOLOGIANS, had ended with a lot more clarity and direction. A student of mine had not liked that book until the last chapter, which suddenly brought the whole into perspective, while I felt the conclusion of this one didn't quite do the same job. His books provide a good basis for the important discussions. I suppose I just have the feeling that I have found some joy along the road along with the questions (as illustrated in *The Book of Joy* by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.) I will most likely read this book again, as the issues raised here are of ultimate importance, in or out of academia.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-11-28 00:00:00 Frank B Gibson III In theory, this book offers positive affirmations and perspective. However, it falls short of being a true spiritual guide with its lack of practical application. It serves useful for meditation or peace of mind reading.