Description
Why does bad theology happen to good people? Is it even possible for theology to go "bad"? On the one hand, the answer ought to be 'no'. It comes from God, so how can it be bad? Yet theology is predominately human construct, and as a result, humans can influence their theological conclusions with their own desires and beliefs. The result, more often than we care to admit, is 'bad theology'. Drawing on a careful definition of 'bad theology' as theology which denies human flourishing, avoids self-reflection and doesn't seek justice and equality, Leah Robinson offers a series of penetrating case studies which show what bad theology can look like when put into action. As we look at how theology can be bad, she argues, we might begin to understand how it might be better.
About the Author
Rev. Dr. Leah E. Robinson is Associate Professor of Religion and Practical Theology in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has previously served as Lecturer in Practical and Pastoral Theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland as well as Lecturer in Practical Theology and Peacebuilding at the University of Glasgow, Scotland
Reviews
"The question of what bad theology is and what it looks like should certainly concern us more than it often does. It does seem strange that we practical theologians tend to think of theology as inevitably good, when it is often obvious that this is not inevitably the case. In this book Leah Robinson takes us on an important journey into the nature of practical theology and what happens when theology moves from good to bad, and importantly, what we should do about it. This is a fascinating and important book that serves as an important reminder that theology can have a dark side." -- John Swinton
"Leah Robinson has crafted a deceptively clever and simple book - namely to outline the major characteristics that define 'Bad theology'. Numerous scholars and academics (yours truly included) have invested a great deal of time and effort crafting what we believe is 'good theology'. Not many writers have spent time alerting us to the very real dangers of 'bad theology'. 'Bad Theology' is a bold and necessary exploration of the dangers of the kind of theologies that have caused misery, mayhem and even death. It is for this reason, the real consequences on real people in the world, that this book is a must read!" -- Anthony G. Reddie
"What do the leaders of the KKK, Jonestown, apartheid South Africa, & the Massachusetts Bay Colony have in common? A Christian theology they lived out. It may be ugly, repulsive, and vile, but it was theology nonetheless. In this timely and poignant new book, Leah Robinson refuses to set aside these oppressive visions of God as theological exceptions. They must be addressed! As a practical theologian, she reminds us that all theology, the good and the bad, the oppressive and the salvific, is a human work and has consequences. By expanding the narrow boundaries of practical theology as a field, she pioneers new ground and demonstrates how stimulating this new vision can be." -- Tripp Fuller
Book Information
ISBN 9780334061052
Author Leah Robinson
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint SCM Press
Publisher SCM Press
About the Author
Rev. Dr. Leah E. Robinson is Associate Professor of Religion and Practical Theology in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has previously served as Lecturer in Practical and Pastoral Theology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland as well as Lecturer in Practical Theology and Peacebuilding at the University of Glasgow, Scotland
Reviews
"The question of what bad theology is and what it looks like should certainly concern us more than it often does. It does seem strange that we practical theologians tend to think of theology as inevitably good, when it is often obvious that this is not inevitably the case. In this book Leah Robinson takes us on an important journey into the nature of practical theology and what happens when theology moves from good to bad, and importantly, what we should do about it. This is a fascinating and important book that serves as an important reminder that theology can have a dark side." -- John Swinton
"Leah Robinson has crafted a deceptively clever and simple book - namely to outline the major characteristics that define 'Bad theology'. Numerous scholars and academics (yours truly included) have invested a great deal of time and effort crafting what we believe is 'good theology'. Not many writers have spent time alerting us to the very real dangers of 'bad theology'. 'Bad Theology' is a bold and necessary exploration of the dangers of the kind of theologies that have caused misery, mayhem and even death. It is for this reason, the real consequences on real people in the world, that this book is a must read!" -- Anthony G. Reddie
"What do the leaders of the KKK, Jonestown, apartheid South Africa, & the Massachusetts Bay Colony have in common? A Christian theology they lived out. It may be ugly, repulsive, and vile, but it was theology nonetheless. In this timely and poignant new book, Leah Robinson refuses to set aside these oppressive visions of God as theological exceptions. They must be addressed! As a practical theologian, she reminds us that all theology, the good and the bad, the oppressive and the salvific, is a human work and has consequences. By expanding the narrow boundaries of practical theology as a field, she pioneers new ground and demonstrates how stimulating this new vision can be." -- Tripp Fuller
Book Information
ISBN 9780334061052
Author Leah Robinson
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint SCM Press
Publisher SCM Press
