Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 38:2 (Jun 1995)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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JETS 38:2 (June 1995) p. 241

Book Reviews

Pilgrim Theology: Taking the Path of Theological Discovery. By Michael Bauman. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992, $14.99 paper.

This volume is aimed at the beginning theological student and intends to be a companion volume to the study of theology like H. Thielicke’s A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Bauman’s stated purpose is to “teach students how to theologize and how to recognize nonsense in all its forms.” He writes “to forestall young theologians from grasping at things which are not securely tied to the shore of reality.” In light of this purpose he attacks systematic theology as a discipline, arguing that, as usually practiced, the discipline locks the student into a mindset that claims to know, present and guard truth but in reality hinders personal theological growth. Our theology, he argues, should act as a compass to guide us in further discovery rather than a fortress to protect us from those whose journey has led them to a different place than our own. We are to be primarily seekers of truth, not merely its guardians.

While the systematization of theology may not be dangerous, and is in fact “necessary for controlled navigation,” there is very real danger that, as it is practiced, the system itself becomes the theological method, thereby truncating any new insight. Rather than Scripture standing as judge over the system, the system becomes the hermeneutic, placing blinders upon the eyes of the theologian, keeping him from perspectives other than those with which he is familiar.

Methodologically Bauman argues that we should be Biblical, objective, skeptical and tolerant. He recognizes that theology is a human endeavor, a response to revelation. He argues for a theology of minimums, minimums of which we can be certain. Quoting V. Havner, he reminds the reader: “It’s better to believe a few things for certain than a whole lot of things that ain’t so.” Bauman walks the tightrope between truth and openness, drawing the crucial distinction between truth and understanding: “This does not mean that the truth ever changes, only that our understanding of it can change and perhaps should change.”

The book consists of fifteen chapters divided into seven major sections: theological method; theology proper, Christology and spirituality; hermeneutics; political theology; ethics; history; eschatology. The essays are devoted to themes related to the subjects noted rather than being doctrinal expositions on the various topics.

As an author, Bauman is a delight to read. He is a master of metaphor. He carefully crafts his images to paint vivid verbal pictures for his reader. While a book discussing theological method could be dreary and boring, especially to ...

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