At long last, Theological English is out on the market! We’ve used this textbook for several years in Westminster Theological Seminary’s Mastering Theological English program. In addition to receiving unparalleled support from my supervisor, I was blessed to have the additional insight of Megan Reiley on this textbook. The result, I hope, is a blessing to the global church. Below is the synopsis that P&R wrote for the book. I’ve also included the endorsement that my friend and teacher, John Frame, was kind enough to offer.
Are you a non-native English speaker who plans to study theology in English at an advanced level?
With thirty lessons covering the major genres of theology (apologetics, biblical studies, church history, systematic theology, and practical theology), Theological English invites you to develop your English skills while actively putting them to use.
Build your skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing English
Reinforce your skills through relevant tasks and activities
Explore answers to important biblical and theological questions
Drawing on the latest language-acquisition research, Theological English provides practical and effective activities in a Reformed theological context. Shaped and validated by student feedback over years of use, it is a sure guide to a complex subject—and one that will take you far in your studies.
From John Frame:
Most theological seminaries seek to train students in the use of theological language, particularly in writing academic papers and in their preaching and teaching in the church. Pierce Hibbs has helped lead the program at Westminster Seminary to help those students who have special needs in this area. In his book Theological English, he deals not only with the details of English speech and writing, but also with the theological foundations of language itself. He shows how we are able to speak and communicate with each other, because God himself is a speaking being, communicating among his three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From this theological perspective, the book moves seamlessly to the details of good speech and writing. In his development of this teaching, Hibbs makes good use of Christian linguists and theologians like Kenneth Pike and Vern Poythress. I have enjoyed my own communication with him over the years, for his friendship and his clear-eyed perspective on theological issues. This book is much needed, not only for students to whom English is their second language, but for all who seek to understand language itself as the wonderful divine gift that it is.
