By Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph C. Humper (COR; GCOR)
The Book “Essential Theology for Today” is coming out at a time when the quest for fuller understanding of the general teachings of the many religions of the world is urgent. An in-depth study and reading of the Book would unravel hitherto unexpected areas of the subject of Theology.
In an era when proponents of Religious Supremacy find themselves on the war path to crediting themselves of being the only exponents of TRUE Theology, this piece becomes very handy. Its importance lies in the fact that it embraces the most important religions of the world.
The uniqueness of the Book lies in the fact that the Author painstakingly navigated and assembled in one Book various subject matters encompassing Theology. Moreover, the Book affords both the Religious leaders and Lay religious people the platform to engage one another with a view to understanding the theological viewpoints of persons who may not subscribe to their traditionally held theological beliefs. It affords an opportunity for constructive engagement.
Knowledge acquired from the Book would ultimately make those who profess to have the last says on religious matters to be humble and submissive to the dictates of the Holy Spirit.
Here the ‘credibility of the Bible’ as well as those of other Religious Documents are well documented and meticulously handled with ‘reservation’. Issues of the Truine God and the contention or rather claim to “my religion being the ONLY religion” are addressed and readers whose interests have been whetted to engage in further exploration of the quest for “the truth” only limited to human understanding.
Furthermore, the uniqueness of the Book lies in the attempt of the Author to incorporate in one volume subjects transcending Religious supremacy. They touch on practical matters, various experiences from antiquity to modern times. The Book offers sources of inspiration, accumulation of knowledge, entry point for in-depth argument about the meaning of life and the all-encompassing knowledge of God. The Book affords the lay person as well as religious leaders the context to share in the understanding of Christian ceremonies including “Baptism and Confirmation; Baptism in the Holy Spirit; the Status of Confirmation; and when is a member qualified to receive the Holy Communion”.
A practical understanding of “Roman Catholicism” in relation to Luther’s Reformation Era, which gave birth to “Protestantism” are captured in the Book in a way that lay people in particular and young pastors could expand their horizon and or understanding of the subject matter, leading to an appraisal of a general overview of the varied religious denominations in our country.
Most certainly among the illuminating aspects of the Book is its heavy-laden informative material specifically relating to how people should conduct their lives. It is a resource of reference, a guide and a compass for exploring relevant issues appertaining or rather bordering on “Why do people do things in the way they do them? Where to find help when in any state or condition of life? What is the secret of meaningful living and living spirit-filled life?”
It entails both introspective and retrospective perception of life and one’s struggle for meaningful living. In sum this Book contains materials of months and years of research by the Author. There is yet no known material assembled in one volume which captures such essential material very necessary and vital for Religious leaders and Lay persons. It is therefore, a must for reading for relevant information and Library preservation.
To fortunate readers, I commend this pregnant, all-embracing as well as reader-friendly piece of both academic and practical work for the 21st century generation.
(C) Politico 26/02/14
