Perhaps at first sight the suggestion that theology is a ‘dangerous business’ might not seem the best marketing ploy, but this is one of these books which is both frankly realistic and of the greatest practical benefit. The editors assemble six ‘voices past’ and five ‘voices present’ who address a wide and imaginative variety of aspects of theological study, demonstrating priceless lessons that will enable the reader to avoid common pitfalls. One common theme throughout is that theology is far more than a body of knowledge that can be studied with detached neutrality; it is a discipline that must engage the whole person.

Consequently, each of the chapters has a warm pastoral character. The eleven theologians, most of them virtual ‘household names’, gather us into their studies, light the fire, sit us down and treat us to the wisdom of their experience. The editors have ‘thought outside the box’; the inclusion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer may raise a few eyebrows, and the book concludes with a chapter by Dennis Hollinger on The Trials of Christian Ethics – do we sometimes locate ethics outside the sphere of ‘theology’? Nevertheless, it is the timeless advice of C.H. Spurgeon that lingers longest in the memory: ‘Set small store by present rewards; be grateful for earnests by the way, but look for the recompensing joy hereafter’ (p.48). This book will be of great use to all involved in theological study, including seasoned pastors.

Paul Yeulett