Making Sense of Mystery provides a thoughtful and accessible introduction to theology by exploring the depths of lived experience. In human struggle and love, fear and hope, Markey finds hints of a mystery that is as much a challenge to faith as to doubt. On the basis of these shared experiences, Markey ably introduces the major themes of fundamental and systematic theology.

John Markey, a widely respected systematic theologian in the United States, has given us a terrific primer on how to think theologically. A perfectly framed and highly readable introduction for college students, Making Sense of the Mystery invites students to understand theology, its relation to reason, its sources, and its methodology. Drawing on important philosophers and theologians, past and present, Markey skillfully guides the reader through all the primary issues that make theology competent, accountable, and, most importantly, relevant.

Making Sense of Mystery is an excellent guide for anyone wanting to make a first foray into theological thinking. In clear and accessible prose, with pertinent examples drawn from everyday life, it draws the reader into the theological world step by step. The questions for review and discussion make it user-friendly for small groups exploring together. Ideal for the seeker who wants a sensible introduction to dealing with the profound questions that are part of human existence, this book deserves a wide readership.

Markey’s primer on theological thinking dispels some common misunderstandings of the theological enterprise. His clear and compact volume outlines basic contours of the sources, methods, and purposes of theology, highlighting its contextual, practical, and spiritual dimensions. He presents theology as one important facet of ecclesial and ordinary human life—a refreshing read that will enable theological newbies to jump into the work of engaging and doing theology themselves. For intermediate and advanced learners, this book provides a succinct reminder of core themes and principles that manifest throughout Christian theology. A great introduction to the theological project!

This excellent primer on studying theology by John Markey begins with the experience of mystery and the search for meaning, thus countering any idea that theology concerns problem-solving. Markey helpfully distinguishes “faith” (a personal relationship with God) from abstract “belief” and also refreshingly acknowledges the dynamic interplay of belief and doubt.

The book emphasizes how our contexts shape our questions. Christian theology is also fundamentally corporate with a “tradition” of central texts and thinkers. Markey outlines major theological concepts such as “God” or “revelation” and describes the classic branches of theology plus new fields such as feminist theology, liberation theology, and black theology. Each chapter ends with questions to deepen the reader’s understanding and there is a useful glossary of theological terms. Creative connections between theology and art are briefly illustrated by the famous Ghent altarpiece.

Markey encourages us to actively engage in theological reflection rather than merely to study the ideas of others. In the end, “doing” theology is personal, critical, contextual, and practical within a community of faith.