Understanding Faith Formation: Theological, Congregational, and Global Dimensions
REVIEW FORMAT:
Introduction (1 paragraph): Briefly introduce the book’s purpose and author. Biographical information (education, training, experience) should be included only as it demonstates the author’s competency to write the book.
Summary (1 page): Briefly provide a minimal summary of the books content. Address the author’s primary thesis and summarize the main points or arguments by which the author defends his/her thesis.
Critical Evaluation (2-3 pages): Carefully weigh the author’s claims and the arguments used to support them. Avoid bland endorsements, blanket dismissals, and trivial criticisms (like typographical mistakes). Engage the main points that relate to the author’s thesis, and use specific examples. You might consider the following:
Are the claims and arguments well supported? What are the strengths and weaknesses in the author’s argumentation? Assess the arguments biblically and theologically.
Does the author approach the subject with any overall perspectives or biases that condition his or her conclusions? Here may be theological, experiential, philosophical, denominational, or cultural. Do these perspectives limit or enhance the value or applicability of the book?
How does the author’s presentation fare when compared to similar books? How successful is the book at accomplishing its own goals?
Conclusion (1-2 paragraphs): Give your overall evaluation of the book, in light of its strengths and weaknesses. How is the book valuable for your own research? How can the book be improved? At the bottom, include 2-3 discussion questions that might prompt health classroom conversation.