The Cathedral of Theology

Laying the Foundation for a Classical Christian Theology

Good theology requires a firm foundation. But how can we lay a good foundation in our theological work? Moreover, what is theology and how does one do theology?

As the first volume in the Pillars of Christian Dogmatics series, The Cathedral of Theology is a work of prolegomena to establish principles for theology. This book takes an exegetical, historical, philosophical, and doctrinal approach to explore:



- what theology is

- the necessary virtues for doing theology

- the relationship between God's knowledge and human knowledge

- revelation, both natural and supernatural

- the relationship between faith and reason

- the relationship of metaphysics to theology

- principles of biblical interpretation

- how to organize theology

- the covenantal context for theology

- the use of imagination

- the boundaries of doctrinal truth and error

- the pursuit of beauty



Using the metaphor of a cathedral, Fesko argues for the supreme importance of attending to the basis of the building before advancing the further work of building out walls, windows, and ceilings. With such topics in hand, his book offers the blueprint, prepares the site, and lays the foundation for a beautiful and lasting theological edifice.

The Cathedral of Theology serves as an ideal theology textbook for students and also stands as a rich resource for scholars seeking to deepen their understanding of the foundational structures and enduring beauty of theological study.

About the Series

The Pillars of Christian Dogmatics series seeks to foster contemplation of the triune God through the retrieval of classical, orthodox theology for the church and the world. Featuring field-leading scholars, each volume offers an intensive study of key topics in theology using exegetical, historical, philosophical, and doctrinal resources, while simultaneously embodying the interpretive commitments exhibited across the Great Tradition.



Matthew Barrett is Research Professor of Theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary. He was also appointed the McDonald Agape Visiting Scholar at the Dominican House of Studies and Thomistic Institute. He is the author of award-winning books like On Classical Trinitarianism (IVP Academic). He is coeditor of Pillars of Christian Dogmatics (IVP Academic). Currently he is writing a Systematic Theology. He is the founder of Credo, as well as the Center for Classical Theology. He is Theologian-in-Residence with Anselm House at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, a one-year residency where Fellows follow a rule of life under Dr. Barrett.



Dr. Craig A. Carter retired from teaching and was appointed research professor of theology at Tyndale University in Toronto, Ontario, at the end of 2020.



J. V. Fesko (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He initially served as a church planter from 1998 until 2004 when the church particularized and called him as their pastor. He served as pastor of Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church from 2004 until 2009 when he was called to serve as Academic Dean and Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California until June of 2019. Dr. Fesko's research interests include the integration of biblical and systematic theology, soteriology, and early modern Reformed theology.



Series Preface by Matthew Barrett and Craig A. Carter



Preface



Introduction



Abbreviations



1. What Is Theology?



2. The Virtues and Ethos of a Theologian



3. Archetypal and Ectypal Theology



4. The Principia of Theology



5. Faith and Reason



6. Metaphysics



7. Biblical Reasoning



8. Organization



9. Covenant



10. Imagination



11. Fundamental Articles



12. Beauty



Conclusion



Acknowledgments



Selected Bibliography



Indices