What's Theology Got to Do with It? Convictions, Vitality, and the Church
Anthony B. Robinson
Top Ten Books of 2006, Academy of Parish Clergy
Theology can be a loaded word for mainline Protestant congregations. It often suggests the dogmatic or implies fault lines for conflict. But when unleashed from its narrow academic sense, “theology” offers a powerful way to get at many of the issues that impact the health and vitality of congregations.
Anthony Robinson carefully defines theology as the “core convictions” that help members of a congregation understand their common perspective and shared identity. Theology is the foundational Christian experience, the wisdom that both forms and transforms lives. Rather than avoiding theology, congregations should openly express their beliefs and values to clarify their purpose, argues Robinson. Instead of trying to define the boundaries of belief, a “center-set” congregation will zero in on a reasonably clear core faith.
He examines the problems that occur when congregations are reluctant to focus on theology and are unsure of their beliefs. They risk having a weak identity with nothing at stake. They risk being little more than an exclusive social club. Absent core convictions, structure replaces Spirit, indirection replaces healthy dialogue, and agendas replace leadership.
Central to the book is the notion that Christianity is a revealed religion apart from our own personal preferences. The Bible as Scripture offers a doorway to God and a critical unifying narrative. The Trinity, as a powerful metaphor, provides a balanced approach to fulfilling a congregation’s purpose. Core convictions about God as creator, the person and work of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are crucial to a congregational vitality.
Too many mainline Protestant churches are theologically “underfunded.” Congregations are strengthened when what they believe backs what they do. Indeed, theology, it turns out, has everything to do with it.
Links to Reviews
“What a helpful, inspiring, wise book this is. Tony Robinson has issued a clarion call for the church to reclaim its identity as disciples rooted in the very life of God. Each chapter explores a fundamental teaching of Christian faith and then demonstrates how relevant and necessary it is to shaping the church’s daily life. Creation, sin, community, end times—Robinson shows these to be not abstract ideas, but the heartbeat and lifeblood of the church. What’s Theology Got to Do With It? returns theology to the center of pastoral ministry.” —Samuel T. Lloyd III
“Nobody should need to remind the church that theology matters, but we need reminding, and Robinson has the nerve to do it. With wit and encouragement, he reminds the contemporary church that we don’t need to reinvent the theological wheel, but rather join that cloud of witnesses in putting our shoulders to the old wheel that makes all things new.” —Lillian Daniel
About the Author
Anthony B. Robinson was senior minister of Plymouth Congregational Church (UCC) in Seattle, Washington, from 1990-2004. Today, he travels throughout the nation speaking, teaching, preaching, and working with congregations and church leaders on congregational renewal and transformation and is the President of the Columbia Leadership Network in Seattle.
ISBN# 1-56699-320-2
Alban No. AL310
paper, 238 pages
2005
In stock
$18.00
($14.40 for members)
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