Exercises in New Creation from Paul to Kierkegaard - A Theological

In this review the reviewer finds Exercises in New Creation from Paul to Kierkegaard to be a thoughtful, practice-oriented work for readers interested in theological formation that engages scripture, philosophy, and ecology. Its biggest reason to buy is its sustained emphasis on reading and writing as concrete practices that reshape selves, communities, and habitats; the book reads less like abstract system-building and more like a set of disciplined exercises for spiritual and civic formation. The tone is scholarly but accessible, making it useful for graduate students and ministers seeking an applied philosophical theology.

Key Features

• Practice-centered approach: Focuses on the care of the self, the city, and creation so readers can adopt concrete exercises that shape character and communal life.
• Scriptural engagement: Uses 1 Corinthians as an extended exercise in reading and writing, offering specific interpretive moves that change relationships and capabilities.
• Interdisciplinary conversation: Moves between Paul, Derrida, Kierkegaard, and figures like Origen and Augustine to situate theological practices within continental philosophy and political ecology.
• Ethical and ecological orientation: Connects wisdom of the cross to responses to injustice and ecological catastrophe, making theology relevant to contemporary public concerns.
• Transformative reading and writing: Treats literary and devotional acts as creaturely practices that can alter communities and even habitats, not merely intellectual exercises.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at readers who want a philosophical theology grounded in practice: graduate students in theology, ministers and pastors looking for ways to integrate reading and writing into formation, and scholars interested in intersections between scripture and continental thought. It suits those who appreciate careful engagement with Paul and continental thinkers rather than quick applications.

Readers seeking a straightforward devotional or a basic introduction to ecology without philosophical depth should look elsewhere; the book presumes familiarity with theological discourse and a willingness to follow sustained argument across diverse authors.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers a clear practice-oriented framework that makes reading and writing actionable for formation.
• Integrates scriptural exegesis with continental philosophy to broaden theological resources.
• Addresses urgent ethical and ecological concerns, giving theology a public-facing orientation.

Cons

• The scholarly tone and range of interlocutors may feel dense for casual readers or those seeking a simple devotional manual.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Exercises in New Creation is a valuable, practice-driven theological study for those who want to move beyond abstract theology into disciplined habits of reading and writing that respond to injustice and ecological crisis. It is good value for graduate students, pastors, and scholars seeking a sustained, interdisciplinary approach that connects scripture, philosophy, and political ecology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book focus on scripture or philosophy?
The book blends both, using 1 Corinthians as a scriptural anchor while conversing with continental philosophers and theological predecessors.

Is this suitable for lay readers?
It is best for readers comfortable with academic theology; lay readers seeking light devotional material may find it dense.

Does it address ecological concerns?
Yes, it explicitly links theological practice to responses to injustice and ecological catastrophe.