The Fabric of Theology: A Prolegomenon to Evangelical Theology

As a whole, this is an enlightening and well-written book. The author is a well-read scholar and appears respectful in his fields of knowledge. The fundamental flaw of the project is the assumption that the term "evangelical" means the same thing or all people at all times.As a scholar in the field of U.S. and Latin American "evangelicos" the fact remains that there is no homgeneity in the understanding or appplication of the term. Donald Dayton had made the case that there is a clear bias in the use of the term and clear imprecision, as well.The overall contribution of the text is therefore short-changed as it is assumed that 'evangelical" means one thing, when in fact it mean almost nothing. It the term applies to such a broad band of manifestation that range from UMC, ABC, CCDOC, RCA, PCUSA, and 100s of other independent manifestations of U.S. Protestantism, then we may wonder if this term means anything helpful at all?Don Dayton was absolutely correct when he traced the breach to the old Princeton School and the Holiness movements of the "Riff-Raff" that continue to be a scandal to the power elite among those that attempt to hold captive the liberating history of the gospel.

I found Lints' The Fabric of Theology (FOT) through Timothy Keller's references to it in his book Center Church. When Keller relies on and recommends a book, my attention is sparked. Lints was not disappointing.FOT is written from a conservative evangelical perspective. Lints finds much to affirm in conservative evangelicalism but also offers helpful critiques in at least two areas.First, while upholding the traditional conservative evangelical approach to the inspiration of the Scriptures (inerrancy, authority, etc.), Lints clearly marks out a more humble path advocating that evangelicals not apply their description of the Bible to their own theology. Simply put, the evangelical's Bible is inspired and inerrant, but her theology is not.Second, without trashing systematic theology or reducing its importance in any way, Lints offers extensive helpful comparison and differentiation between systematic theology (which looks at the whole Bible in terms of specific topics) and biblical theology (which looks at the whole Bible in terms of God's unfolding redeeming of creation and humanity).FOT is a weighty evangelical voice on the work of creating theology in our time and place. Lints is worth reading and processing for evangelicals who see theological work as important for every generation.

Very long introduction to Hermeneutics.

Although I am not a lover of methodology, I've found this to be a good read. Certainly helps to adjust my biases.

excellent

This book helps you think about what you need to know before you start studying theology. It deals with the presuppositions we take to the task of theology and also helps us understand what the role of the theologian should be. It is an necessary read for anyone who is serious about systematically and holistically understanding the Bible.

A wide-ranging and comprehensive prolegomena. Richard Lints offers sane advice from historical perspectives to the intricacies of the theological make-up of the Bible itself. He seeks to challenge modernity's fragmented portrait of reality and restore a picture with organic unity and a wholeness warranted by this world being God's. Although this text is clearly evangelical in its sympathies, some scholars cited are not from within this broad tradition of thought. Nevertheless, this is an exemplary text on outlining several issues that go into a modern theological endeavor that is faithful to scripture, relevant to our culture, and historically sensitive. A worthy work, indeed.

Good discussion of preliminary issues such as the methods and sources of theology.This is a wonderful, clear-headed approach to taking the deeper things of Scripture seriously. No fluff will be found in this book!