Written by: Richard Volzke on October 18, 2013

Ford, in his book Theology: A Very Short Introduction, calls us to look at theology in a holistic context with regards to our entire lives and the world around us. The author asks, “what is distinctive about our own period as a setting for doing theology?”[1] Ford answers to this question is, “the pace, extent, and multifaceted nature of the transformations that are occurring.”[2]

Ford goes on to use the concept of “modernity” to describe theologies impact in today’s world, and then he outlines the historical timeline for events starting from the Renaissance time period into modern-day life.

I believe that basic theology hasn’t changed throughout human history, however Ford presents the idea that it changes over time.   If it weren’t for the fall of man, we wouldn’t need theology.  The relationship with Christ would negate the need for theology. The questions we are asking about theology and our world around us are the same questions that many have been asking since the time of Adam and Eve. The situation, time period, and experience may be different, but theology is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

A significant thing that I gained from this book is Ford’s use of the term dogma. The word dogma comes from a Greek and Latin word meaning “that which is held as an opinion” and may also denote “a doctrine or body of doctrines of theology and religion formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.^[3] I have come to understand that everyone has a “dogma”. Whether you believe in God or another higher power, or in no higher power at all, you have a belief about something. This is the basis for which your theology or theology of the church is built upon.

I appreciate how Ford touches on doctrine disciplines such as, systematic theology, dogmatic theology, doctrinal theology, or constructive theology[4]
when it comes to the basic Christian doctrine of salvation.  While the author does not go into great detail about each one of these disciplines, he does introduce us to these terms and concepts for the purpose of getting us to ask questions about our theology and different ways to look at it.

About the Author

Richard Volzke