Christ and Culture Revisited
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 64, No. 2 – Spring 2022
Editor: David S. Dockery
By Rhyne R. Putnam. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2021, xvii+336 pp., $22.99
In The Method of Christian Theology: A Basic Introduction, Rhyne Putnam gives readers a method of theology that takes Christian formation and discipleship seriously as its primary goal. Putnam notes the rationale for understanding theological method: “We are rich with information but poor in wisdom” (p. 3). In our technologically saturated culture, the need for ascertaining wisdom is greater than ever. But this wisdom, as Putnam contends, should lead to a great passion for the Lord, his mission, and to be “more effective disciple-makers in the various ministry contexts to which God calls us” (p. 4). Putnam accomplishes this goal with this volume and has produced a vital resource for students of theology, whether in the academy or the church.
Divided in four parts, The Method of Christian Theology walks readers through what Putnam identifies as the principles (part 1), preparations (part 2), procedures (part 3), and practices (part 4) of Christian theology. Thus, Putnam writes with the novice in mind. The principles of theological method (part 1) include defining theology and the various disciplines within theological studies. Here Putnam defines the task of theology for the sake of Christian formation and discipleship. Putnam asserts, “Well-crafted doctrine faithful to the message of Scripture changes the whole disciple” (p. 44).
In the preparations for doing theology (part 2), Putnam sheds light on both the affective and cognitive aspects of doing theology. Here Putnam advocates for a “gentle theology” that is not about people-pleasing, but about sharing truth in love (pp. 96–7). Alongside this gentle theology, the theologian should be one who embraces a “faith seeking understanding” posture first postulated by Augustine of Hippo (354–430) and later emphasized by Anselm of Canterbury (c. 1033–1109). Putnam notes, “We can embrace the Christian worldview in faith and still seek to understand it with our God-given powers of reason” (p. 109; emphasis original).
In parts 3 and 4, Putnam presents the mechanics of doing theology. Part 3 presents readers with how theology is done through study in the Scriptures, reflection upon tradition, conversing with philosophy, and understanding the proper role of experience. This section concludes in chapter 11 with a twelve-step procedure for studying theology that moves from the study of the biblical text, through the study of tradition, into the ways in which doctrine affects the heart. Thus, the twelve-step process seeks to take the study of theology into the life of worship and discipleship. The final section of Putnam’s work provides guidance on developing theological writing both for the academy and the church. Whether writing a research paper or a sermon, Putnam demonstrates the vitality of theological method for building up disciples of Christ. While helping readers with an introductory approach to theological method, Putnam continually reminds readers of the proper aim of theological method: more effective and meaningful Christian discipleship.
Others have presented introductory works in theological method for readers. Glenn Kreider and Michael Svigel’s A Practical Primer on Theological Method: Table Manners for Discussing God, His Works, and His Ways (Zondervan Academic, 2019) and Mary Veeneman’s Introducing Theological Method: A Survey of Contemporary Theologians and Approaches (Baker Academic, 2017) are both excellent introductory works, but they presuppose some basic theological training. The Method of Christian Theology, thus, fills a need for an introductory text with the new student of theology in mind. It also fills a gap for a book on theological method that is easily accessible to the Christian layperson.
Putnam’s hope is to present doctrine for discipleship. He is clear in his directives and encouragement towards the task of doing theology. Most appreciated is his mindfulness of the beginning reader by the way he highlights necessary terms and compiles them at the end of each chapter. Along the way he is not afraid to engage with critical voices as well as friends of the faith. This book empowers rather than overwhelms the new student of theology. While the work is aimed at new students of theology, it could easily be read by interested Christian laypersons, and even serve as a text for a theological training program in the local church. If theology is for the heart as well as the head, then Putnam’s work gives readers exactly what they need to begin their journey.
