Author Description
A Theology in Outline: Can These Bones Live? began with an undergraduate course taught by Robert W. Jenson at Princeton University in the spring of 2008. Based on a series of twenty-three course lectures, it offers a concise and accessible overview of Christian theology while retaining the atmosphere of Jenson's classroom. Much as does Jenson's Systematic Theology, A Theology in Outline treats a standard sequence of doctrines in Christian theology--God, Trinity, creation, humanity, sin, salvation, church, among others. However, its organizing principle and leitmotiv are less traditional. Reflecting his recent interest in theological interpretation of scripture, Jenson frames the whole of Christian theology as a response to the question posed to the prophet Ezekiel: "Son of man, can these bones live?" For Jenson, to ask this question is to ask whether Christian theology itself is a pile of dead bones. Can the story that God lives with his people be told today? From first to last the chapters of this book proceed under the impelling pressure of this question. They thus comprise a single sequence of illustrative conversations for the purpose of introducing beginners to Christian theology.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates whether Christian theology remains a living, coherent narrative capable of addressing the modern world, using the prophet Ezekiel's question, "Can these bones live?" as its central inquiry. Robert W. Jenson, a prominent theologian, draws upon his extensive academic career and his 2008 lecture series at Princeton University to synthesize complex doctrines into an accessible format. He argues that theology must be understood as a dynamic response to the divine story rather than a static collection of abstract propositions.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A systematic overview of core Christian doctrines including the Trinity, creation, humanity, sin, and salvation.
- A pedagogical framework structured around twenty-three distinct lecture topics.
- An interpretive approach that prioritizes the theological reading of scripture.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide an exhaustive historical survey of all theological schools of thought.
- It does not engage in detailed comparative religious studies outside the Christian tradition.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently note that this text serves as a highly accessible entry point into Jenson's broader, more dense systematic works. Experts highlight the book's success in maintaining the conversational, engaging tone of a classroom environment while preserving rigorous theological depth.
Page Count:
150
Publication Date:
2016-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190494034
ISBN-13:
9780190494032
Religion
Philosophy of
Christianity
Theology doctrinal
Christian Theology
Systematic Theology
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