Theology as a Way of Life

“This is the book I wish I could have read when I started teaching theology over thirty years ago. Ironically, much literature on theological pedagogy these days is woefully bereft of theology. Every page of this book takes its ultimate cue, materially and formally, from the Christ-shaped gospel itself—in all its disturbing and heart-wrenching glory. At the same time, the text is jargon-free, utterly honest, and obviously born out of years of classroom experience. It is simply superb.”—Jeremy Begbie, Thomas A. Langford Distinguished Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School

“Adam Neder has written a beautiful book. It is also a profound book, one which will reward multiple readings. What comes to expression here is the ‘impossible possibility’ of teaching theology, and the kind of theological existence the teacher must herself reflect if she wants her students to know that this human impossibility is nonetheless, by God’s grace, possible. This is a book that stands in favorable comparison with Barth’s Evangelical Theology. Surely, a book for our times—and for all times.”—Bruce McCormack, Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary

“Neder’s book has as its central claim that you cannot know Jesus from a safe distance. Yet as he makes clear, theologians are tempted to make it safe to follow and think with Jesus. Neder does not make that mistake, which is why this is such a challenging and constructive book.”—Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law, Duke Divinity School