Preface
By Gary Pantin
Why This Book?
I’ve always believed that we can learn a great deal from one another, especially when we share our thoughts and experiences about God and His Word.
The Bible has been read, studied, debated and discussed for centuries. Scholars, seminarians, and professional theologians have given us much to learn from. But too often in Christianity, we leave the work of understanding God’s Word to them. They do the reading, ask the questions, and discuss what they find, and the rest of us sit back and take in the conclusions. But is this the right approach? I dare say they have done their work. We still have our own work to do.
Part of that work is what I call the noble art of discussion. When we ask our own questions about what we read and try to explain what we see in it, we take an active part in understanding it. And when we listen, someone else may show us something we’ve read a dozen times and never noticed, or ask a question we’ve never thought to ask. We ought therefore to listen as carefully to the layperson theologian who has wrestled with a passage as we do to someone who has formally studied theology.
That is why I started writing The Book of Theologians and built Theologians.com. I wanted to establish a place where people anywhere in the world could come together to discuss the Word of God and deepen their understanding of Scripture and of who God is. It stems from my belief that we can all grow in knowledge and in grace through those active conversations.
We Are All Theologians
You don’t need a degree in theology to be a theologian. Neither do you need to be an ordained minisiter or to even belong to a church.
Whether you’re a scholar or a layperson, a saint or a sinner, if you’re thinking about God, asking questions about Him, or trying to understand His Word, you’re already engaging in theology. Because theology comes from to Greak words meaning God and talk.
And that’s why I believe we are all theologians. You may be an atheist or an agnostic and still have questions about God or about why others believe in Him. Those questions are welcome here too.
Some of us have spent years studying Scripture. Others may be opening the Bible for the first time. Some may have strong convictions, while others may have more questions than answers.
All are welcome here.
We may not always agree, and that’s perfectly fine. I’d like us to be able to say what we believe and why, to ask about the things we find difficult, and to give one another enough room to answer honestly. We can learn from a conversation even if we see things differently at the end of it.
A Living, Growing Book About the Bible
Despite what its name might suggest, let me make something very clear. The Book of Theologians is not a book of the Bible. It is a book about the Bible.
The Bible is the foundation of everything we explore here. Its words are the starting point for our chapters, but the thoughts, questions, and experiences we share are our own.
Every chapter begins with Scripture. We read what the Bible says, explore its meaning, and then open it up for discussion. You might have a question about something we’ve read or an experience that helps explain why a passage means so much to you. What you share might give someone else something to think about. And what they share might send you back to the passage with a fresh perspective on something you’ve long believed.
That’s what breathes life into this book and helps it grow. Some of us will contribute regularly. Others may share a thought occasionally. And some may prefer simply to read, reflect, and learn from what others have to say.
There is room for everyone. You don’t have to write a single word to belong.
When you take part in a discussion, you can return to it through your profile and see what you said and how others responded. You might read the same passage months later and see something you missed the first time, or find that a reply makes more sense to you now. If you have another thought or a new question, you can add it to the discussion and pick up the conversation where you left off. Over time, you’ll have a record of those conversations and be able to see how your understanding of God’s Word has evolved over the years.
Where We Begin
Our first chapter asks, Is the Bible the Word of God? I wanted to begin there because so much of what we’ll talk about in this book starts with what we understand the Bible to be.
From there, we will publish a new chapter every Tuesday. You’re welcome to read at your own pace and return to any chapter to pick up the conversation.
In each chapter we will read what Scripture says and give ourselves room to talk openly and respectfully about what we believe and what we still have questions about.
As we reveal new chapters, we will continue to explore the teachings of Christ, including many of His parables. We will also discuss other parts of Scripture and will try to better understand how we could respond to some of the blatant injustices in our world as we consider the advice in the bible.
Fellow Theologians, there is really no race to finish this book. In fact, my hope is that it will continue growing every week for many years to come and will become a beacon of wisdom and understanding for all. But whether that actually happens is to some extent up to you and your participation.
Our Journey Together
One of the things that makes this book different is that its story is still being written.
As new chapters are introduced and Theologians share their thoughts and experiences, the book will also continue to develop in ways that none of us can fully anticipate today.
From time to time, I’ll return to this Preface to share reflections on our progress, acknowledge contributions, and record meaningful moments in the life of the book.
In that way, this Preface will probably also grow along with the work it introduces.
An Invitation
If there’s a question about the Bible you’ve been carrying for years, you’re welcome to bring it here. If there’s something you’ve come to understand that you’d like to share, I’d like to hear it. And if you simply want to read and see what others are saying, I’m glad you’ve already come this far.
I don’t claim to have all the answers. Truth be told - I’m here to read, reflect, share, and learn alongside you.
I began this book as a work of care for you, but I don’t intend to write it alone.
This is your space to read, ask questions, share what you see, and hear what others have to say.
Welcome to The Book of Theologians.
Share a little, learn a lot.
Gary Pantin
Author, The Book of Theologians
