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.