Expressing theology: A guide to writing theology that readers want to read

Abstract

The authors' first chapters dwell on defining theology, engaging it by coming to the realization that one really is a theologian, then spending time reading sources-the Bible, tradition, and research materials-and exploring ways to engage one's audience. [...]they quote many good writers and theologians in this book, perhaps a few too many for this reviewer's taste, but they have done their research.

Book Details Roach, J., & Dominguez, G. (2015). Expressing theology: A guide to writing theology that readers want to read. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 167 pages, $21, paperback, ISBN: 978-1-49820870-3.

Synopsis and Evaluation

These two authors, one a practical theologian (Dr. Jonathan Roach) and one an academic librarian (Gricel Dominguez), took a chance on writing together in order "to spark a revolution" (p. 1), even though Dominguez had no theological background at all. The revolution they hope this small volume will spark is one that will light a fire under students of theology, a fire to read and write theology well, not just grammatically correct theology, but theology that is interesting, exciting, thought-provoking, and informative.

One of the most valuable words of advice the authors give the student of theology comes at the very beginning of the book: Write. And then write some more. Keep a journal, write poetry, reflect, and ask yourself what theology really is, or create your own definition. At the end of each chapter, there are questions for reflection, a valuable tool not only for students of theology but also for their professors, for pastors, or for any of us who have been in the theological field for years.

There is a focus on reflection all through this volume that is important as well as a stress on "doing theology." One of my disappointments, however, is the lack of truly concrete examples with many of their very good suggestions, like this one: It is one thing to tell the student reader to "share your insights with the people around you" (p. 19) but quite another to suggest ways in which they can really do it. Students, in particular, can be timid creatures when they begin their theological journeys, and experience may tell us that they need some gentle or not-so-gentle coaxing to get them to share their thoughts with others. The authors' first chapters dwell on defining theology, engaging it by coming to the realization that one really is a theologian, then spending time reading sources-the Bible, tradition, and research materials-and exploring ways to engage one's audience.

It is not until Chapter 5 that the authors get a little more specific with grammar and writing techniques. Here, they begin with a good quote from writer Anne Lamott about first drafts. In fact, they quote many good writers and theologians in this book, perhaps a few too many for this reviewer's taste, but they have done their research. The authors certainly stress the importance of doing many drafts of essays, and I heartily concur. They also discuss the importance of prewriting, but don't fuss over it; rather, they seem to feel that if the writer can't get started in the prewriting stage, he or she needs to find another idea.

Chapter 5 is their strongest and most specifically useful one, the most helpful for the beginning writer of theology, and a good one for those who have been in the field awhile and need a jump-start for new ways to bring excitement to their work. They take the reader and writer from prewriting to controlling ideas to planning to first draft and on and on until the final draft stage that many students fight against, and which may take many rewrites. The authors tell us why rewrites are so important, using quotes from well-known and popular authors like Stephen King, among others. They stress the importance of varying and adding to vocabulary to "energize" and make writing "snappier," and even give some grammar lessons on proper usage of pronouns.

In Chapter 6, their list "Revising and Rewriting in Ten Easy Steps" is succinct and well done. I hope that in a revised edition, they would include a few good student papers as examples of good writing-the writing is a little dense and specific example papers would break it up and make the points more forcefully. But in all, this is a good addition to a market that is sadly lacking resources that will interest students of theology and help them, with humor, presented through an interesting perspective.

In the Author's Own Words

"Before you begin to break the rules, I encourage you to learn them first. Master the English sentence. Study writing: creative writing, business writing, non-fiction, composition, poetry. Study all forms and techniques of writing. Listen and ask. Get feedback and re-write. Avoid anyone who wants you to write as they write" (p. 17).

"My second piece of advice is to read. Read economics, read biology, read old novels, read postmodern thrillers, read poetry, read the Bible. Always keep a book with you, whether print or digital. I feel what novelist Stephen King argues is very true: 'The more you read, the less apt you are to make a fool of yourself with your pen or word processor'" (p. 17).

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To Cite this Review

Capitani, D. N. (2015, Fall). Review of Expressing theology: A guide to writing theology1 that readers want to read, by J. Roach, & G. Dominguez. Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 7(3), 87' 89.