Book Thoughts--Coffeehouse Theology by Ed Cyzewski

At seminary, while I learned much from my systematic theology classes, I probably learned more theology through my cultural anthropology and missions classes. I realized in those classes that theology is not static. Previously, I thought you learned theology then applied it to your life. As I studied the history of the Church, missions, and the global Church, I realized that theology is a conversation between God and humanity, and because humanity changes and is limited by culture, the shape of the conversation changes.

This is not to say that Truth changes or that God changes, but if theology is the study of God (for the most simplistic definition), and how we study changes, then theology changes.

Of course, as we dialogue, we do so not only with our culture, not only with present global cultures, but with the historic church, which gives us a stronghold, or, if you will, allows us to stand on those giant's shoulders.

You see, culture shapes the questions we ask. Look at the creeds. They answered specific questions raised during specific times. But that doesn't limit their truth to that specific time.

We continue to ask questions. We continue to learn how we're limited. So we continue to do theology.

As I Iearned this, I ate up books by authors such as Kevin Vanhoozer, Paul Hiebert, N.T. Wright, John Franke, and the like.

Which brings me to Coffeehouse Theology: Reflecting on God in Everyday Life by Ed Cyzewski. Ed's book (and I must from here on call him Ed because I keep second guessing the spelling of his last name) offers a great introduction for lay people on contextual theology, or the study of theology with your context (or culture) in mind and with the context/culture of the writers of the Bible in mind.

I found I have a lot in common with Ed--our approach to theology, growing up in Jersey, and, of course, the Phillies (one win away from the title!). We'd probably both describe ourselves as pomo, although he goes to an emergent church and I don't. And he gave his wife a Mac, something all husbands should do (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).

In the book, Ed covers a broad history of the West, specifically, how modernism affected Christianity and how postmodern affects Christianty. From there, he talks about how we as Christians need to approach theology and culture in order to know God better and be a prophetic voice in our culture (both aspects of transforming theology--my term, not his--transformative in us and through us in culture). He approaches cultural studies understanding that all cultures can negatively and positively affect Christianity, a view I appreciate. This look at history and present-day culture gives us the context in which theology is done (and has been done).

After looking at Western history and how it's affected our theology in the past and present (with considerations of epistemology and language theory), Ed tackles the sources of revelation and how we can evaluate them and discern God's mission for the Church from them. He begins at the center--God. God initiates the process or conversation and empowers us to participate. This is a great perspective as we look at the task of discovering Truth, knowing it's far more infinite than we can know.

He moves to Scripture and the study of Scripture. This is a great section for those who wish to study their Bibles seriously but aren't sure how to begin. Ed gives suggestions and tools for the job. As we study the Bible, we need to understand the culture in which the original authors wrote in order to better understand their intent. Another thing Ed asserts (and I amen!) is, "The Bible is more than theological truths or a book of rules on how to live. In the broadest sense, the Bible tells the alternate story we all search for, a story with ramifications that dramatically revamp how we live. It presents us with God's story: hie pursuit of humanity throughout history in spite of disobedience and heartbreak" (p. 143).

He also stresses that while individual study is a good thing, we can't forget communal study. We approach this Book as the body of Christ, and we need each other's perspectives.

Which brings me to the next sections: the historical church (or tradition) and the global church as perspectives and voices in the discussion.

These are two things I'm passionate about. Ed notes that we don't blindly accept anything and everything, but we have to realize that this isn't my discussion. While we need to be relevent to our culture, we need to be mindful of the perspective of the universal church. We all wear cultural glasses that affect our views (sometimes clarifying, sometimes distorting). I need the universal church in my study.

This book is informative, helpful, and personal. Ed shares his journey of learning about the process of theology.

Only a couple of minor weaknesses: as he describes Western history, while he says he believes all cultures have good and bad (and lists both good and bad of modern and postmodern cultures), his tone implies a more disparaging view of modern culture and hopeful view of postmodern culture. Can I fault him for this, really? Since often I do the same? I think the problem is he views Christians in modernism as merely tagging along and keeping up (which doesn't pay proper homage to the giants of theology from that period) while Christians in the postmodern period seem to be more interactive. I don't think Ed would say this out-and-out. It's just something that came through a tad bit.

Also, in his study of history, which is understandably broad given the purpose and time-constraints, I would've liked to have seen more direct sources--thinkers, theologians, philosophers of the times of which he spoke rather than relying more on present-day historians. And in speaking of postmodern times, I would've liked to have seen a few more case studies. I think there were a couple of times that were almost repetitive and would've allowed for these developments instead. He does have some case studies in the global church section, mostly his personal experiences.

But those are extremely minor weaknesses and mostly personal preferences. They don't stop me from whole-heartedly recommending this book. I think it's a must-have for lay leaders who teach Sunday schools, lead small groups, and disciple others. It would also make a great book discussion for small groups. (He has a companion Bible Study and Discussion Guide, although I haven't looked through either of those.)

You can taste some of Ed's writings and beliefs at The Ooze, on Emergent village, and at his blog, In a Mirror Dimly.