In this book Stone and Duke seek to help believers in the task of theological reflection. As they quite rightly state, theology is not the preserve of academics alone, but is the calling of every Christian. Their concern here, then, is to provide every believer with good tools for thinking through how their faith informs and relates to every aspect of life. The first three chapters of this book look at how we do theology, and the resources available to us in our theological formation. Chapters 4–7 examine theological method and provide a number of diagnostic tests (or questions) that we can use when developing our thinking. The final chapters look at theology in the life of the community and spiritual formation.

Although the book is aimed at the laity, rather than academic theologians or ministers, the level of engagement is somewhat advanced, making it much more appropriate for theological students. The book, sometimes frustratingly, raises more questions than it answers, and the boundaries between what constitutes good theology, rather than bad theology, are not entirely clear. I found this book helpful to a point, but for someone interested in the subject they would need to supplement it with other reading.

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