"Howard Stone and James Duke contend that theology is not an optional, esoteric indulgence but instead a vital, practical skill by which people can make religious sense of concrete life situations and fulfill their intellectual vocations as Christians. So they have composed a successful theological primer for everyone. Again, in this third edition, Stone and Duke's lucid and lively text helps readers to probe their own theological roots and advance to a more deliberative, appreciative, and creative application of their embedded faith convictions. Addressing the how and why of theological sources, moves, and methods, Stone and Duke guide readers into major theological topics--gospel, sin and salvation, vocation, ethical discernment--through real-life case studies. The third edition is fully updated and expanded with a new format focused on study helps and calling out main themes."--Back cover.

Faith, understanding, and reflection -- Fashioning theology -- Resources for theological reflection -- Theological method -- The Gospel -- The human condition -- Vocation -- Theological reflection in Christian community -- Forming spirit -- Appendix: Christian theology labels : a quick primer.