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Discover a conversational guide to theology in the postmodern context and in the emerging church that will help you shape, understand and live out practical Christian theology.
Description:
Theology should breathe life and unity among God's people, but today’s culture creates a barrier of ignorance and misunderstanding in the study of God. Author Ed Cyzewski seeks to build a method for theology that is rooted in a relationship with God and thrives on dialogue.
Other Links of Interest:
An interview with author Ed Cyzewski.
Listen to Ed's Neal Boron Live radio interview
Watch a video of Ed discussing his book with a small group.
Coffeehouse Theology
ISBN-13:
9781600062773
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.25
Cover: Paperback
240
Pages
$14.99
Percentage Discounts for Bulk Purchases of Single Items
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Downloadable
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Part of a Series
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Available in Spanish
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Customer Reviews
Coffeehouse Theology
Much like “As Is” by Krista Finch, Ed Cyzewski’s “Coffeehouse Theology” seeks to illuminate God in the commonplace or, as Krista puts it, “unearthing commonplace glory;” however, their approaches are different. While Krista seeks to provide almost anecdotal stories about how God is reflected in Life, Ed takes a more academic approach to provide the reader with the context (both past and present) and the tools to analyze that commonplace glory. I think it’s fair to say that Ed’s provides the meta-analysis by which one could read “As Is.”
What I mean by this is, Krista’s book involves the refreshing, insightful musings of one who experiences God in the “commonplace,”
“Coffeehouse Theology” would provide you with the tools to properly understand Krista’s musings (although, granted, Krista does do a little contextual theology of her own throughout her book). For example, Krista’s observations regarding the young men and women at the gym, one might be curious about where those thoughts and ideas have come from. What happened in Krista’s life that made her respond (initially and subsequently) to those individuals? Or, even before that, how has God interacted with the world and the world with God up until this point that has helped shaped the cultures she is a part of.
That is the tool that Coffeehouse Theology provides. It first analyses the centuries which have shaped and formed not just the theology that Krista may or may not hold but also the culture in which she lives, the customs of which she is a part, the gender roles that were a part of her responses, and on and on.
One thing that I appreciated most by both his and Krista’s book is reminding the readers that God is present in all things, the mundane and the commonplace, and man can understand it in their own context. It reminds the reader that God permeates existence and experiences. God is omnipresent in man’s surroundings and within. And one of the better parts of Ed’s book is the reminder of the various lens through which one can analyze experiences and culture: gender, ethnicity, class, region, country, race, etc. It reminds me a little of my undergrad studies
On a little more critical note, I felt like, at times, this book was a little too much like a primer to be used in a classroom or other academic setting. I felt like this is just a little ironic especially given it’s emphasis on contextual theology. The context of this book being read is probably not a classroom. It could have just been toned down a bit. That being said, this was a wonderful, thorough book.
Posted by
Warren Wade
on
9/19/2010 2:29:40 PM
book review
“Coffeehouse Theology” represents an attempt to bring knowledge of and perspective on the study of God to the marketplace, for use by the average person. For the reader short on time, I will say briefly that the attempt was not successful and I would suggest you find another book to read. For those interested in why I have this impression, read on.
It took me a long time to read this book because it did not seem to be written for me. From the outset, it is not clear who the intended audience is. The author shows little insight into the needs or perspective of the average reader. The plethora of seminary jargon and failure to translate the need for the information presented into the context of the average person makes this read like a term paper that only others taking the class could understand or appreciate. There is some useful information buried deep within its pages, but honestly, I would never have made it that far without obligation. “Coffeehouse” implies information of interest to the average person. “Theology” is a topic primarily of interest to those in seminary. The title fits this book which fails to connect the two.
Posted by
Curtis Snook
on
2/6/2010 3:56:29 PM
Great Contextual Theology Book!!!
Book Review: Coffee House Theology by Ed Cyzewski
Coffee House Theology is a wonderful book that engages a conversation with the postmodern Christian mind in asking questions about theology. I felt it was more of an introduction to contextual theology than an in-depth study. It left me wanting more depth from this writer. The book gave a clear description of what contextual theology is about… I love this statement “Our local settings and cultural values-in other words, our context-influence how we read God’s Word.” Pg. 19 The Global viewpoint of our view on God and scripture was insightful. On pg. 62 Ed raises an important point about culture, “Every culture has opportunities and challenges.”
The author Ed Cyzewski (MDiv Biblical Theological Seminary, BA Taylor University) is a freelance writer and speaker who has contributed to numerous magazines and book projects. He blogs at the Christian Post, as well as his personal blogs on writing (www.edcyz.com) and theology (www.inamirrordimly.com).
My favorite chapter was Chapter 3 titled “Mission why the church needs theology” by far is worth the price of the book. I love this excerpt taken from pg 34--“Instead of asking how we can get people to church, mission asks how we can get church to the people.” It would be great for the author to write a book using only Chapter 3!
To compare The Andy Griffith Show to the Real World on MTV was a great analogy of how modern and postmodern viewpoints exist and clash. I was challenged to reinvent the way I dialogue with nonbelievers in this new postmodern world. I appreciated his clarity in that sometimes the Word of God will be prophetic and go against the grain of culture. The goal as stated on pg. 101 was to be relevant and prophetic. I had to repent from this truthful statement “We can’t hope to keep the church precisely like its early predecessors anymore than we can keep bell-bottoms or togas in style.”
Being a conservative orthodox Christian I had concerns over several liberal ecumenical undertones. Chapter 11 dealing with catholic and charismatic experiences was for me extrabiblical. I would not discount the book for this as I believe the church needs to begin dialogue in a postmodern world today more than ever! This book begins that needed discussion. The end of every chapter had a web link to the author’s blog to further study that chapter out…that is just too cool!
Jason Rigby
http://northwestpastorjason.blogspot.com/
Posted by
T. Jason Rigby
on
7/6/2009 10:30:21 PM
Great Contextual Theology Book!!!
Book Review: Coffee House Theology by Ed Cyzewski
Coffee House Theology is a wonderful book that engages a conversation with the postmodern Christian mind in asking questions about theology. I felt it was more of an introduction to contextual theology than an in-depth study. It left me wanting more depth from this writer. The book gave a clear description of what contextual theology is about… I love this statement “Our local settings and cultural values-in other words, our context-influence how we read God’s Word.” Pg. 19 The Global viewpoint of our view on God and scripture was insightful. On pg. 62 Ed raises an important point about culture, “Every culture has opportunities and challenges.”
The author Ed Cyzewski (MDiv Biblical Theological Seminary, BA Taylor University) is a freelance writer and speaker who has contributed to numerous magazines and book projects. He blogs at the Christian Post, as well as his personal blogs on writing (www.edcyz.com) and theology (www.inamirrordimly.com).
My favorite chapter was Chapter 3 titled “Mission why the church needs theology” by far is worth the price of the book. I love this excerpt taken from pg 34--“Instead of asking how we can get people to church, mission asks how we can get church to the people.” It would be great for the author to write a book using only Chapter 3!
To compare The Andy Griffith Show to the Real World on MTV was a great analogy of how modern and postmodern viewpoints exist and clash. I was challenged to reinvent the way I dialogue with nonbelievers in this new postmodern world. I appreciated his clarity in that sometimes the Word of God will be prophetic and go against the grain of culture. The goal as stated on pg. 101 was to be relevant and prophetic. I had to repent from this truthful statement “We can’t hope to keep the church precisely like its early predecessors anymore than we can keep bell-bottoms or togas in style.”
Being a conservative orthodox Christian I had concerns over several liberal ecumenical undertones. Chapter 11 dealing with catholic and charismatic experiences was for me extrabiblical. I would not discount the book for this as I believe the church needs to begin dialogue in a postmodern world today more than ever! This book begins that needed discussion. The end of every chapter had a web link to the author’s blog to further study that chapter out…that is just too cool!
Jason Rigby
http://northwestpastorjason.blogspot.com/
Posted by
T. Jason Rigby
on
7/6/2009 10:09:16 PM
Tired of Systematic Theology books? Read this.
Recently a friend pointed me to NavPress suggesting that I might write a review on a new book they published called, Coffeehouse Theology. The last thing I wanted was to read another systematic theology book, but as I looked closer I recognized that this was a book about the study/need/role of theology in our lives, and not another book full of it. I thought it might provide me the opportunity to process some of my systematic angst so I asked them to send me a copy. The book has helped me process, so has the author.
What I want, maybe need in my journey more than authoritative experts are people that will be sincere, honest, and humble. I found that the author, Ed Cyzewski, fit this description. We have had several discussions about what he wrote, what he didn’t write, and what others have written down. This book really does a good job at helping a student understand what has already taken place in the study of God and lays out hope for a healthy steps moving forward.
One of the best things this book offers its readers is the chance to understand contextual theology, of really coming to terms with how the environment impacts a readers understanding of scripture. Ed also does a fantastic job of walking through the major cultural changes throughout history and explains in a simple way of how those shifts have impacted our theological understanding and practices. Finally, Ed ends the book with great examples of how we need conversation, diversity, and love permeating our study. Without it we just have dogma, and I think that study has taken us just about as far as it can.
Grab some friends, a few copies of the book and get yourself out to a coffee shop today. Ed’s given you some great food to digest as you fellowship together.
Posted by
Chad Estes
on
7/1/2009 10:24:26 PM
Great Overview of Contextual Theology
I was really prepared not to like Ed Cyzewski’s Coffeehouse Theology, Reflecting on God in Everyday Life. I don’t even really know why. I guess I just wasn’t in the mood to read a theology book. Theology literally means “words about God.” Theology books come in two main types: books that tell you words about God and books that help you with a framework for your own words about God. This is the latter. I wasn’t expecting that and I have to say I was pretty impressed. The author has not broken any new ground in this book, but he does a pretty amazing job of introducing the concept of contextual theology in a way that I believe is understandable to the average lay person.
Contextual Theology makes some people nervous. They believe that it has to do with changing the message of the gospel and scripture to match the current context. Cyzewski clearly points out that we can’t help but contextualize our understanding of God. We all see God through some “cultural lens” and if we better understand that lens, we are better equipped to understanding how it shapes and/or distorts our image of God.
Many of us want to read and trust scripture as it is, but we fool ourselves if we don’t believe that our understanding of God and our reading of scripture is affected by the fact that we are Americans living in 2009. If we truly want to do justice to what God is trying to teach us; if we really want to do theology, we need to come to terms with what we bring to the table. We can’t just expect to leave who we are behind while we enter God’s presence and then pick it up on the way out. “Christians who claim to be separated from culture face the danger of not noticing its influence on their thinking.” (p.122)
I don’t know if the author would agree, but I see his methodology as very Wesleyan. As United Methodists, we believe that we bring three things to the table when we study scripture: tradition, experience and reason. Cyzewski speaks instead of a “web of beliefs.” (p 104.) He mostly focuses on the tradition part and experience and reason, in his model, become context. The main point of agreement here is that we never do theology or study scripture in a vacuum. Theology is a conversation with voices past and voices present.
There is a discussion guide available for the book. I think that would be a fantastic group study. Theology is a conversation. This would be a great conversation starter.
Posted by
Will Rice
on
5/4/2009 7:18:49 AM
Great Resource !
When I was asked by the author to read this book, I kind of was expecting a stuffy, dry theology textbook. What I read instead was an extremely enlightening book explaining the concept of Post Modernism and then Contextual Theology in terms almost everyone will understand. Cyzewski explains that we are all theologians, and that anyone who studies the bible, reads religous literature, listens to a sermon, discusses God or Faith, or just prays is a Theologian. Theology is understanding God and his relationship to our world and ourselves. I loved this aspect of the book because sometimes I think we get very hung up on titles and the average person feels like religion is above him. (No pun intended!) Coffeehouse Theology would be a wonderful resource for someone just beginning on his walk with God and also for the experienced Christian. To understand how we came to our beliefs about God we have to understand where the beliefs came from, and to do this we have to understand the context in which each of those interpretations were made. The book does an excellent job of walking the reader through a thorough understanding of contextual theology and how it helps to form our beliefs. I truly hope that everyone has a chance to read this book. I think it will expand your knowledge and help in your walk with God. Ed Cyzewski writes in a way that almost everyone will understand and learn from. I'd recommend this book to everyone who wants to explore their faith a little further and learn a little more about understanding each other rather than being divided.
Posted by
Marta
on
3/18/2009 11:36:23 AM
I Understand What I Saw Now
I stumbled on Contextual Theology purely by accident. While in seminary, in 1977, my wife and served as chaperons for a group of high school students who were holding Vacation Bible Schools for eight weeks in the upper Midwest of the United States. On the Sunday morning we were invited to attend Sunday School at the church scheduled for next week's program. One question caught my attention, “What are the problems of cities?” Having lived in cities all my life, I expected answers such as “pollution”, “crime”, or “isolation”. But the answer that was agreed to by most in attendance that day was “the destruction of prime agricultural land.” It was Contextual Theology, except I did not know it until I read Ed Cyzewski's book Coffeehouse Theology.
Coffeehouse Theology explores the implication of Contextual Theology for the church today. The author recognizes that each person who reads scripture does so from their own perspective. They bring to the scripture their own biases, their own history, their own successes, hurts, and desires. Those things that make us unique can influence how we read and study scripture. By balancing our understanding of scripture with our interaction with Christians from different cultures and different eras, allows them to help us grow. Then we can better understand the God who loves all mankind. Ed Cdyzewksi provides resources and tools allowing us to do just that.
The book comes with a strong recommendation to those who have not read previously on this subject.
Posted by
Floyd Johnson
on
3/16/2009 5:56:30 PM
Murky Coffee
Ed Cycewski is concerned that in doing theology we admit to our own cultural conditioning. We each have a perspective that we bring to the table. That much I agree with. However, I am going to be pretty critical of this book.
At best this book argues that we need other Christians from other perspectives to help us realise our own blinkers. At worst this book suggests that though there may be truth intended by God in inspired Scripture, it is essentially unknowable, and we are merely bobbing around at the mercy of the swift-moving current of culture.
In the end I felt like I was reading the recipe of a liberal on how to "just get along". It reminded me of these awful Lent study groups that I have participated in where people are more interested in their own opinions than in what God the Spirit has given us in the text of Scripture. But "it's lovely that we're meeting together". There is much practical advice about accessing resources in this book but little discernment about what is good.
And there is the rub. The issue is not really that everyone has their own perspective. It is whether we really believe that when God spoke in Scripture he really meant what he was saying and that he meant us to understand it. There may be many perspectives, but we must believe that God was single minded in authoring Scripture. I have met too many Christians in study groups where they seem incapable of examining the text before them. I understand from missionaries that this is a common problem amongst Christians in other cultures. There is much talk of the Lord speaking and leading, but little interaction with the text before them.
Unfortunately, this book does not help. It is muddled in its fundamental premise. Hence it is of extremely limited value to the believer eager to know God.
Posted by
Stephen Dancer
on
3/13/2009 4:06:22 AM
Coffeehouse Theology Makes You Think
I received this book as part of NavPress' free book for review program. But I would have picked it up for myself anyway just because of the title.
Cyzewski presents a paradigm for Christians to "work" and "live" their theology in the post-modern world. I first heard the word "post-modern" from Len Sweet, who wrote a blurb for this book, and you can see Sweet's influence here.
I also should – sheepishly – admit that it took me a lot longer to read this book than I originally thought it would. But I think that’s a testament to the meat of Cyzewski’s writing more than anything else. This isn’t a “fluff” piece by any stretch.
“Coffeehouse Theology” made me think about my faith in the context of the world I live in. For a very long time I lived my Christian faith without giving much thought to other Christians or other people.
“Contextual Theology” as a concept reminded me of something I learned about during my own seminary days, although we didn’t call it that. It’s the concept of “sitz im leben” or “setting in life.” It is an idea that, when taken too far, removes God as the immediate author of Scripture. “Coffeehouse Theology” doesn’t do that. Instead, it takes the idea that the Bible was written in a specific time and place and presents it as an important part of how Christians live their lives in their own “specific time and place.”
After I closed the book when I finished reading, the first thought that came to mind was that I hope all Christians will develop contextual theology. We live in a very diverse world and if we are going to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with other people, we need to know something about other people and we’re going to need lots of help from other Christians.
Another thought came to mind as I was reading - “why re-invent the wheel?” It would be presumptuous boarding on arrogance to think that we as Christians today are in a unique situation. But what Solomon said is still true today – there isn’t anything new under the sun. We can learn something from what the people of God were dealing with in the past. It helps us understand Scripture and it will help us formulate the words of our message of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
Posted by
Ed Blonski
on
3/12/2009 2:34:37 PM
Theology for Everyone
I have been trying to challenge the way I process my thoughts about my faith. Not necessarily challenge my faith but just how I view the scripture and how I see God in my life. Coffeehouse Theology by Ed Cyzewski has been a great read for me to learn new ways to challenge how I think. In this book Ed addresses how we can and sometimes need to view scripture and God with in the context of our lives today. He eloquently describes how that can change the way we interpret God through our everyday lives.
Don't be scared by the fact this is a book on Theology. Ed puts everything in terms for anyone to understand. He uses great examples from life that you can follow along with easily. I was scared that this would be a postmodern rant about the church but it embraces thoughts from everyone and just challenges you to see things in a different light. I found it to be a refreshing look at the way God is apart of our lives and in everything that we do. It also makes a good argument why theology is not a negative part of our faiths and isn’t just for scholars. Theology can be for everyone. Start you study in theology with Coffeehouse Theology by Ed Cyzewski.
Posted by
Randy Waters
on
3/11/2009 8:40:40 PM
An anthropological look
I was not really sure what to expect when I picked this book up to read. Seems like recently I have read several books that look like this one. When I started the introduction I was pleasantly surprised by the vantage point this book was written. Recently I became quite interested in anthropology (the study of cultures) and this book talks about understanding the culture to understand their interpretation of the Biblical text.
In recent history I can not think of a book that talks about the Bible in a context of cultural understanding. Two people from two different church backgrounds are going to interpret the same scripture very differently…which if you take a step further and say people from different cultures, say an middle-class American vs. the poorest African, are going to read the text of the Bible VERY differently.
The basis of this whole book is set in the mindset of an anthropological context which, to me, makes this an immensely valuable book to read and keep in your collection.
Posted by
reba Baskett
on
3/4/2009 10:25:54 AM
Coffeehouse Theology
In "Coffeehouse Theology" I found a book that combines the depth of a theology textbook with the relevance of a conversation among friends. He takes the depth of scripture and applies it to our daily lives, our daily struggles and the ethical/moral issues we face in a postmodern world. "Coffeehouse Theology" is a great tool for college students and young adults who are searching for ways to apply the faith they trust with the world they see. With text that is clear, illustrations that are relevant and words that cut right to the truth, this is a perfect tool for a book club or study group... but only if you want to take your faith to a very real and challenging level. This text addresses scripture, culture, the world near and the world far, our traditions and the many different influences that affect how we develop our belief system.
Posted by
Julie
on
3/2/2009 11:47:26 PM
Grab a Great Cup of Coffee
Theology is a heavy topic for most people, but at the same time we all practice it at some level. Ed Cyzewski reminds us that everyone deals with theology in their own culture. He encourages Christians to "reflect on God" in their everyday situations by dialoguing with the scripture, with historical tradition, and with Christians across the globe. Good advice. Pick up a copy of the book and a cup of coffee and reflect on God with your friends. (For a closer look at Coffeehouse Theology visit http://benjobooks.blogspot.com/2009/02/coffeehouse-theology-ed-cyzewski.html.)
Posted by
Benjamin Potter
on
2/20/2009 12:12:14 PM
Bad coffee, good theology
You can read Coffeehouse Theology and never fully understand what the title has to do with the content. And you can read it and wonder why author Ed Cyzewski spent so much space restating points he’d already made. But don’t miss what the book really is: A welcomed addition to the discussions about Christian theology in a postmodern world. The talk about the “emergent” church in the “postmodern” era often drifts into heretical, anything goes, all roads lead the heaven belief systems that, in the end, have little to do with Jesus. Cyzewski brings much-needed balance by arguing that students of God can practice contextual theology without abandoning certain fundamental beliefs. So what if he never establishes the “coffeehouse” metaphor and doesn’t use the analogy as a thread to bring the reader along? And so what if he beats a few horses to death? Perhaps a few overly rigid theologians will read this work and approach God with more of an open mind in light of other viewpoints. And perhaps those who are sliding down the slippery slope of relativism will read it and recognize the value of dropping a few anchors. There are dangers to Cyzewski’s approach, primarily that personal experience will edge out the Bible and the Holy Spirit as the ultimate authority on understanding God. But there’s much to be gained by listening to theologians from different cultures and different points in history and from acknowledging our own biases. Cyzewski’s sees this never strays from the most important aspect of theology, to know God and make Him known. We can never hear that too often.
Posted by
Stephen Caldwell
on
2/16/2009 9:00:56 PM
Read this book!
Reading Coffeehouse Theology was definitely worth it. I had previous knowledge of contextual theology, but Ed gave me a greater appreciation for it and has fused its importance in my mind. So, if you like theology, I think you should read this book. Coffeehouse Theology clears away some of the mistakes we make, brings the reader to theological humility, and jump-starts the Christian into a better, more unified relationship with Jesus Christ and with other Christians elsewhere.
Read more in-depth reviews at: http://tinyurl.com/d94yst and http://tinyurl.com/aebzvw
Posted by
Evan Curry
on
2/9/2009 6:56:32 PM
Is It Still Coffee?
I recently heard a former member of my church characterized as the kind of person who would run into the presence of God and loudly denounce him as a liberal. It is this brand of arrogance that caused the Pharisees to go toe-to-toe with Jesus. I even remember, as a much younger man, my horror at discovering that some in the church were not sure that Jesus was a real historical person. It is precisely this mindset that piled wood on the fires of postmodern thought. However, in seminary, I wondered how to best reach a postmodern thinker with the undeniable truth and irresistible love of God.
In his book Coffeehouse Theology, Ed Cyzewski bridges the gap between a theology that declares absolute truth and a philosophy that asserts no truth is possible. Ed encourages his readers to shift their theological focus from manmade distinctives, back to the study of God. He relives his own encounters with the theology of others and their ability to make him consider an alternative point of view without embracing all that it represents. Far from a call to neo-ecumenicism, Coffeehouse Theology, invites the reader to consider that despite the different flavorings and variations available at your neighborhood coffeehouse, what is served is still coffee. In other words, we Christians should follow the biblical admonition in Acts 17:11, “examining the Scriptures daily {to see} whether these things were so.”
Posted by
Mike Wade
on
2/9/2009 8:43:23 AM
Actionable Postmodern Perspectives
The bookstores are crammed with titles focusing on Christianity and its application / role in a postmodern culture. I just finished reading Ed Cyzewski’s “Coffeehouse Theology” (NavPress, 2008) and was pleased to take away many nuggets of insight applicable to both day-to-day church ministry as well as personal applications for all believers. Cyzewski effectively defines the meaning and critical importance of a well-rounded personal contextual theology in this postmodern world. On page 49 he writes “When we form a ‘coffeehouse theology’ that explores God’s perspective on contemporary issues, we can more effectively share the gospel with the world and cling to our God.” Taking the time to explain the main points of past historical contexts, the importance of global (aka non-white-American-male) contexts, and in community with our local brothers and sisters in Christ, we can “put to the test” our personal understandings of God – our personal contextual theologies, if you will – which every believer develops and modifies throughout our individual faith journeys. The book includes Cyzewski’s narrative of his own personal theology path helping the reader understand the influences (both positive and negative) each of us grapple with in our search for deepening faith. “Coffeehouse Theology” is a valuable read that will challenge any believer to recognize and re-evaluate the lens through which they grow and live out their faith in an ever-changing world. Check out Cyzewski's blog at: www.inamirrordimly.com .
Posted by
R.W. DeVries
on
2/5/2009 8:56:04 AM
God is Central
In "Coffeehouse Theology", Ed Cyzewski pulls together a number of spheres of knowing that seldom touch, but should, for our mission from God to be effective. Rather than take in life as a movie, with us as the central star, Cyzewski, makes it more possible for followers of God to realize we are the one’s in God’s Story. God is the star. C.T. helps demystify the process of knowing and loving God, by seeing the primacy of Scripture, tradition, and dialogue needed to keep learning and growing. Cyzewski triumphs most by effectively showing that God (not doctrine) is the center of the Bible, and central to the Christian faith.
It's great for groups and book clubs too. There are lots of good questions he brings up for discussion, and further reading resources he offers to dig deeper.
Don't let this one get away!
Posted by
Lisa Colón DeLay
on
12/19/2008 10:13:25 AM
Theology For Today
This is a book about theology, but it’s not a big, fat, scary one. Rather, it’s a book that explains how to “do” theology in simple, straightforward ways. As an M.Div student myself, I first began to read this book thinking that it would be a book for new Christians, or Christians who may not want higher theological training or perhaps that new fangled “emerging church” group. And I do think it’s a great book for those audiences. But I also think that it’s a good read for those with a theological background, because Cyzewski writes this book for now, for this time, for this culture in America, and for this generation that is just emerging into the faith.
Christians must be able to speak about their faith clearly and with their audience in mind and this book is a great aid for that. The audience is front and center at all times for Cyzewski – and the audience is just whoever happens to amble on into any given coffeehouse. In other words, no matter where one is at in their Christian walk or search for truth, this book will be a useful aid at teasing out the right questions to consider and think through. Cyzewski’s ‘contextual theology’ provides a way of thinking about the Christian faith that is not just academic, but takes into account our culture and our relationships.
Cyzewski has clear views about the Bible and the person of Jesus and the church. But he also understands the enormous influence that our culture plays in the search for truth. He is not merely dismissive of other ideas and faiths but seeks way to talk about Christianity within that context - - all the while pointing to Christ from wherever ones starting point may be.
For those who read this book and want to dig into some of the ideas at a deeper level each chapter has a great list of further reading full of all the standard big, fat, theology books. But Coffeehouse Theology is exactly what the title implies – it’s the sort of book to spur on discussion among friends hanging out.
In addition, the two guides that go along with the book are each useful. The Bible Study guide is perhaps slightly better for personal use, whereas the Discussion Guide is, as the tile implies, better suited for group discussion. Each veers slightly away from the book and offer new insights, topics and questions to tackle.
Coffeehouse Theology is a book that is written to people today, to people searching for truth, and to people trying to understand how our culture and our faith can inform each other and not create more divisions.
Posted by
Esther
on
10/13/2008 5:18:09 AM