Theology is, for many, far more than a profession. It is an identity, a passion, a way of life. While books on the topics of theology--theology as a discipline--are countless, books on the identity of the theologian are all too rare. How does someone reflect on the life and work of the theologian as a person? Hearing the wisdom of others who also walk the path is an excellent start. In this helpful volume, Van der Westhuizen has assembled an outstanding and diverse array of theologians who each offer their wisdom and reflection on what it means to be a theologian through a brief letter written to someone considering becoming a theologian. Each letter is as unique as its author, and together they form a rich symphony on the art and craft of being a theologian. Everyone engaged in the work of theology, whether first-year student or professor emeritus/a, will benefit from reading the fruits of centuries of collective work. With contributions by Hannah Reichel, Jurgen Moltmann, Miroslav Volf, Michael Welker, Richard Kearney, Piet Naude, Stanley Hauerwas, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Katherine Sonderegger, Jan-Olav Henriksen, Paul Nimmo, Kevin Vanhoozer, Bram van de Beek, Daniel Migliore, Wolfgang Huber, Ellen Charry, Emmanuel Katongole, Mitzi Smith, Tracy West, Adam Neder, Rachel Muers, Denise Ackermann, Catherine Keller, John deGruchy, Michael Mawson, Douglas Ottati, Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, Gijsbert van den Brink, Alister McGrath, Veli-Matti Karkkainen, Johan Cilliers, and Cynthia Rigsby.
