Types of Theological Writing Seminar in Theological Research

Types of Theological Writing Seminar in Theological Research (Courtesy of Mrs. Sally Shelton )

Book. Review/Critique • “a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)” (M-W); • “an evaluative account of … a newly published literary or scholarly work, usually written and signed by a qualified person, for publication in a current newspaper, magazine, or journal. The account can be descriptive, reportorial, comparative, or critical or serve as a vehicle for a lengthy essay in which the reviewer discusses several recently published works (omnibus review) or a broader topic for which the works reviewed serve as a springboard” (ODLIS).

Puff • “immoderate praise of a book or other creative work, usually in the form of a review or advertisement written by the publisher, author, or a copy writer, intended to influence opinion and promote sales. In book publishing, a puff is usually printed on the dust jacket or included in an advertisement in a review publication. A preliminary puff is written prior to publication for the use of sales representatives” (ODLIS)

Word Study • Select the word(s) in English • Use Concordance to look up word(s) & organize verses of word usage • Use Lexicon/Theological or Biblical Dictionary to look up words in Original Language • Make Observations: frequency of use; who uses word(s); genre? ; definition of word(s); immediate/universal contexts of word(s); practical application to Christian life today

Exegesis • “refers to the process of interpreting a text. It is to be distinguished from translation on the one hand from inquiry into the principles of interpretation, or hermeneutics, on the other” (Irving Hexham's Concise Dictionary of Religion); “scholarly explanation or interpretation of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage in a written work, based on close study and critical analysis of the text, especially to clarify an obscure point in the Bible or some other sacred work” (ODLIS).

Eisegesis • “the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas” (M-W)

Academic / Scholarly • “of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning, ” “of or relating to performance in academic courses, ” “based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning, ” or “conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy” (M-W); • “having or showing knowledge, learning, or devotion to academic pursuits” (Ask. Oxford. com); • usually takes an objective, reasoned approach, carefully considering various viewpoints; includes citations/ references to other scholarly works; not written in isolation • Dialogue, conversation

Theological Issue Paper • Define/describe the topic • Present a brief biblical presentation • Compare/Contrast at least two primary theologians or theological systems • Present and defend your view with Bible, History, and Theology • Insure proper documentation of sources (footnotes/bibliographic citations) • Insure Paper is grammatically correct & proper use of Form & Style

Biblical Issue Paper • Address Introductory Matters of the Text (authorship, audience, genre, & dating) • Address the text within context (both immediate and universal) • Expound on the text (taking into account: grammatical issues, key word studies, textual problems, compare/contrast similar passages or theological issues) • Make appropriate applications • Insure proper form, style, & documentation of sources (footnotes & bibliographic citations)

Popular • “fit for, adapted to, or reflecting the taste of the people” (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4 th ed. )

Apologetics • “systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine)” or “a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity” (M-W); • purpose: to defend a belief against attempts to discredit it; • reasoned arguments defending a theory or doctrine (Compact Oxford English Dictionary)

History • “a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes” (MW); • an account of past events based on primary sources

Biography • Includes autobiography • the history of a person’s life

Quantitative Research • gathering statistical data, often through the use of a questionnaire

Teaching • to give a class lecture, a Sunday school class; • to present organized information and/or lead in activities for the purpose of informing or instructing; • to assist in learning a skill or set of skills; purpose is primarily didactic; • primarily appeals to the mind

Meditation/Devotional • a usually short “discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation” (M-W)

Sermon / Homily • “a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part of a worship service” (Merriam -Webster); • primary purpose is to inspire or exhort, to rouse to action or faith; • often contains an appeal to the emotions