As you'll learn in The How-to Book of Catholic Theology: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You, theology at its core is about encountering God's self-revelation in Christ through the Church. In his clear, conversational style, theologian Father John Cush offers a comprehensive overview of Catholic theology, making it both approachable and actionable. In this complete guide you'll learn:
- Models (or styles) of being a theologian
- What you need to start your study of theology
- How to form a theological method
- How to use the tools of theology
- How to reconcile differences in theology
- How the study of theology leads to holiness of life
The How-to Book of Catholic Theology also includes points to remember, recommended reading, and advice for building your personal theological library.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Father John Patrick Cush is a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Ordained in 1998, he earned the Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, with a specialization in fundamental theology. Father Cush currently serves as academic dean and as a formation advisor at the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City-State. He is an adjunct assistant professor of theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University and an adjunct professor of Church History at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, both in Rome, Italy. Father Cush writes regularly for the National Catholic Register, The Tablet, The Evangelist, and Homiletic & Pastoral Review. He has served as a parish priest, high school teacher, and a Censor of Books for his diocese. This is his first book.
"Everyone's a theologian, because everyone believes something about God, even those who reject him. So, the question is not whether we have a theology but whether that theology is true. And that's what makes this excellent book by Fr. John Cush so needed and helpful: It guides us in forming a true theology. From principles on how to develop our theological beliefs to a background on the sources and history of Catholic theology, this primer boils down several years of theology classes into a smart, clear overview. The bonus Appendices, which offer book lists for building a Catholic theological home library, are worth their weight in gold! I highly recommended this book to the beginning theology student, educated layperson, or anyone wanting their views about to God to be well-formed and aligned with the Church." -- Brandon Vogt, author of Why I Am Catholic and Content Director at Word on Fire Catholic Ministries
"Unlike most theology texts today, Father Cush knows that to understand anything about the divine, one must be properly intellectually, ecclesially, and even mystically conformed to Jesus Christ as encountered through his Mystical Body, the Church. These clear and concise pages outline precisely what that means, to love God by seeking him truly." -- Fr. David Meconi, S.J., Director, Catholic Studies Centre, Saint Louis University and Editor, Homiletic & Pastoral Review
"This little gem provides a fine introduction to the content and methodology of Catholic theology, as well as an understanding of how the study of theology can lead to an increase in personal holiness. Fr. Cush keeps the reader engaged through frequent reflections on his own background and experience in pastoral ministry throughout the book. Whether you are a seminarian, college student, or adult learner, you will surely find this book to be illuminative and enriching." -- Dr. Mark J. Zia, Professor of Sacred Theology & Director of Academic Enrichment Programs, Benedictine College
"Father John P. Cush has provided a comprehensive, well-organized guide to the basic principles needed for studying theology. The reader benefits from the unbiased selections and wide variety of solid teaching presented, which is so necessary for beginners in theology. With scholarship, humor, and style, Father Cush is able to inspire the reader to love theology. This book will be a gift for students and professors alike for Fundamental Theology courses, as well as anyone simply interested in theology as a field." -- Sister Mary Angelica Neenan, O.P., University of Dallas
"Father Cush has achieved a marvel: a short, extremely friendly 'how-to' manual for the study of theology for any Catholic who believes in Jesus Christ and wants to know and love him more. He offers the reader not only the 'nuts and bolts' essential to a rock-solid Catholic theology, but he does so while modeling the right spiritual disposition with which a Catholic should undertake theology. I heartily recommend this book for anyone beginning informal or formal theological study or theological teaching." -- Matthew T. Gerlach, PhD, Dean of the Institute for Lay Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
