Customer Reviews
orthodoxy in the light of modern debates - By: S. May, 05 Dec 2008 
I plead guilty to having set Migliore as a textbook for students (though not for the person whose review mentions this!)
Whilst Migliore is not always the most dynamic or colourful of writers, he is both thorough & reliable. He displays admirable balance whilst clearly stating his own point of view. He is consistent with historic Christianity (i.e. orthodoxy, the Creeds), whilst taking seriously issues raised by modern movements such as feminism, black theology, the ecological crisis. This is much more than the 'discuss briefly in order to summarily reject' approach which we sometimes see, & is itself a model for Christian engagement. Whilst Migliore comes from a Reformed background, he argues that challlenges posed by our contemporary world to historic Christianity must be addressed (compare Alvin Kimel's 'Reading the Christian God: the Holy Trinity & the Challlenge of Feminism').
There are substantial & helpful sections on alll the standard theological 'topoi', subjects - Task of Theology, Revelation, Scripture, Trinity, Creation, Providence, Humanity, Holy Spirit, Sacraments, Church, Hope. The Christology section includes a substantial (and helpful) treatment of atonement. Three appendices contains cleverly written imagined conversations between groups of theologians (including Barth, Rahner, Moltmann, Tillich et al.) covering some central subjects of modern theology - the Resurrection, Natural Theology, Political Theology. Whilst some might regard these figures as now dated, I would argue that this is far from the case & - though Migliore is far from being a comprehensive guide to modern & historic theology - his fundamental approach is sound, informative & worth emulating. One other thing these do is to show the continuing critical contribution of Karl Barth to theology.
Migliore usefully discusses methodology, around which his instincts are generallly sound - as evidenced in the title, 'Faith Seeking Understanding' (following Anselm) & following the contemporary resurgence of the doctrine of the Trinity.
Finding a decent 'Introduction to Theology' book is very hard - probably the reason why so many teachers end up writing their own - but this is a very trustworthy start, one that you will find does not sell you short in avoiding difficulties, & that will direct you the right way.
Very boring book - By: Mrs. D. Holmes, 19 Nov 2005 
I have had to have this book as a course reader. I am finding it very difficult to understand. Having gone on to my course with very little understanding of theology this book has done nothing to improve my understanding. Migliore uses 20 words where 1 will do. He waffles a lot. Not the best book for the novice.
The search is on... - By: Kurt Messick, 19 Jan 2004 
n 'Faith Seeking Understanding'. Migliore has in this book put together one of the clearest, accessible systematic theologies available today. It is written in a crisp, concise, & engaging style which is short on technical & differently-defined terms, & long on meaning & substance.
Migliore addresses alll of the major issues of a Christian systematic theology -- the nature of God, the nature & mystery of the Trinity, the person & work of Jesus Christ, the authenticity of sources & norms, eschatology & the future of faith, as well as other topics. He does a very good job at briefly introducing each topic in a modern historical context, bringing up topics from the past that have impacted upon the development of theological ideas, & then presenting the diversity of current theological positions.
This text is used in systematic theology courses in ecumenical seminaries -- it is particularly well suited for the task because it does not shrink from important issues of faith or morality, but does not force the reader into a particular set of beliefs. All who read this will variously agree & disagree with the author, with historical authorities, & with contemporary theologians at some point or another in the text.
However, this is no mere textbook. It is a wonderful introduction to theological thought processes. Whether your theological framework is medieval catholic or liberation or process or non-denominational; whether your approach to biblical authority is literalist or free-form or skeptical; whether your faith is strong, weak, agnostic, or atheist, this book will give you things to think about. It is in no way preachy, & doesn't even pretend to try to convince. This is the point of faith seeking understanding -- one will not come to faith by simple academic exercise. But this book can help clarify whatever faith is already there.
