Encountering theology for the first time is exciting, but it can also be daunting. Some struggle to connect with doctrinal discussion they perceive to be abstract or abstruse. Others may find the scope of theology, and the cross connections between different theological issues, dizzying. In order to address these difficulties and sustain initial excitement A New Introduction to Theology offers a range of accessible, practical, experiential and interactive encounters with the major elements of academic Christian theology. The book's guiding motif is the claim that theology is embodied thought. The phrase "embodied" shows both the richness of the experience of theology, and its nature as a thoroughly embodied encounter with ways of knowing God and God's ways with the world. The book therefore draws upon a range of innovative and interdisciplinary elements found in contemporary theology: theology through the arts, sexuality and the body, the nature of the church's everyday life (from sacraments to mission), mystical theology and spirituality, political action and ecology, among others.
Working imaginatively with the five senses (seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling), loving and resting, each chapter provides a range of activities, guided discussions and reflections on key theological texts, authors and issues. The book is adaptable for individual reflection, classroom work, or flexible and distributed learning.