BOOK REVIEW: YOU ARE A THEOLOGIAN (JEN WILKIN & JT ENGLISH)

Many people feel intimidated by theology. The overwhelming, stuffy terminology might feel like something to be avoided in

order to stay out of intense debates or divisions within the church. This book, however, might be able to offer us a potential way

to dive into theological topics, without it feeling scary or dangerous.

As the title of this book suggests, we are all theologians - we all believe in something and operate out of that belief. The

introduction says, “The question is not whether we are theologians but whether we are good ones or bad ones.” The rest of the

book seeks to help readers become better theologians by explaining the main foundational doctrines of Christianity. While this

book has two authors, they write in one voice and explain complex and deep topics in succinct chapters.

The chapters address the following doctrinal areas: the doctrine of the Trinity, attributes of God, Scripture, doctrine of humanity,

sin, Christology, atonement, justification, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eschatology. The book seeks to introduce readers to

each of these categories of theology, guiding them through each in order to help establish a complete theological worldview.

While many books on theology can seem intimidating and lengthy, this book is not that. Jen Wilkin & JT English provide a

thorough explanation of each doctrine without making you feel like you need to have been to seminary to understand. I found

this to be a very approachable introduction to these theological concepts. Time is not wasted on unnecessary secondary or

tertiary issues. Instead, the authors hone in on what each doctrine is, where the doctrine comes from in the Bible, and why it is

important. At the end of each chapter, discussion questions and a prompt for prayer are provided. This book also seeks to not

just inform the reader, but to help disciple. As the reader grows in the knowledge of each doctrine, they are then guided

toward appreciating and loving God more through that understanding.

This is a book I wish I had when I was new to understanding my faith. It is a perfect book for someone who is a new Christian,

one seeking better understanding, or one striving to better explain the main tenets of Christianity. This book could also be used

in a small group or discussion setting, due to the structure of the discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Even a

“seasoned theologian” will appreciate its readability and approachable style. This book certainly has much to offer all manner of

people within our church body.