Coffee Shop Theology: Translating Doctrinal Jargon into Everyday Life

I bought several copies of this book so that the adult Sunday school class I teach could start to use some academic theological terms in our discussions of Biblical texts. I've read the entire book and taught through half of it at this point, and it serves its purpose. Folks looking to buy it should be aware that Moore leans Wesleyan and Conservative, so folks with more radical or Calvinist tendencies (or radical Calvinist tendencies) should come in with more than a tenuous grasp of theological discourse themselves should they wish to use it for teaching.The topics covered in this volume are standard systematic theological concepts. It begins with doctrines of God and works through doctrines of creation, scripture, Christ, and evil. The conclusion of the book invites the reader to take a look at the second volume,  More Coffee Shop Theology: Translating Doctrinal Jargon into Everyday Life , which treats mainly doctrines of salvation.Moore's claim in the introduction, that he will withhold academic speak, holds throughout. He does introduce some rather hard terms, and in some places I've had to explain his vocabulary, but even so this introduction does remain in a register that is handy for teaching generally educated adults.

I almost gave the book 3 stars, but then I noted the publication date (1998). The material is good and helpful, but it needs updated. Some of the terms and references date the book, and the author makes some assumptions (regarding hot-button social issues, for instance) that your typical new believer today may not take for granted. I don't argue with his positions on the issues, but I cringed a couple of times at how much he presumed on the reader. I wouldn't just hand it to a new Christian coming from a secular worldview. I found myself wishing I could edit a paragraph here and there.With that qualification, however, it is a good read. I would like to see more theology written for the coffee shops, and I applaud the author for this contribution.

Frank Moore offers a comfortable pace and casual approach to understanding and explaining the Christian faith. Very easy to read and understand, in plain language and a personal interaction. This is must reading for every new Christian who wants the ability to explain their love of Christ to others. Make yourself a pot of coffee and enjoy. Wonderful source material for a small study group, too.

I love the service

The information in this book was quite informative and interesting. I needed this book because it was required for my class.

one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. theology always scared me but this book made it so simple. I would recommend this to anyone.

As Expected.

The author takes the reader deep in the study of God and tranlates in everyday language! The book lives up to the expectations!