Disciples and Theology: Understanding the Faith of a People in Covenant

by Stephen V. Sprinkle

Despite consciously avoiding formal creeds, throughout the history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), adherents have formulated their thought in distinctive theological ways. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a denomination that has recognized the need for clearer self-identification and a deeper understanding of its theological convictions. Despite traditionally characterizing themselves as indifferent to theology and avoiding the use of theological terms, Disciples of Christ have always been theological in nature. The challenge lies in articulating their distinctive theological thought and acknowledging its practical implications. A more recent period of fruitful theological thought since 1977 has paved the way for the development of a written theology that takes responsibility for covenant theology within the Disciples of Christ tradition.

The final chapter offers a constructive proposal for ongoing theological reflection that identifies current trends and focuses on the theme of a people in covenant.

Stephen V. Sprinkle is the former director of field education and supervised ministry and lecturer in practical theology at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Endorsements

“While written primarily for persons in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), there is something of value in this succinct volume for all heirs of the Stone-Campbell Movement, not the least of which is its call to articulate a systematic theology.”
—Stone-Campbell Journal