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Christianity as a Way of Life: A Systematic Theology
Kevin W. Hector
Yale University Press (2023). 328 pp.
Kevin Hector’s Christianity as a Way of Life is a solid work of scholarship—a truly systematic theological account about something practical and important for all Christians. That alone makes this book a valuable contribution to both the academy and the church.
Kevin Hector is the Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor of Theology and Philosophy of Religions at the University of Chicago. His work is one of many “way of life” books published recently in the related fields of theology and philosophy. This work seems to have a couple different, though related, audiences in mind. He addresses the concerns of an academic audience, even beginning with a long introductory chapter on why his subject matters for university settings. His approach is also scholarly (methodological neutrality), often revealing a scholastic approach (clarification upon clarification) to the argument that can be taxing to the average reader. Following the initial chapter, which provides this sort of scholarly apologia, the work then turns to the central arguments and becomes much more readable for the church, which I think is the primary audience that Hector wishes to reach.
Hector argues that Christianity provides a way of understanding God and life that makes sense of our experiences and provides the wisdom needed for living life understood in such terms. By “way of life,” Hector means “a constellation of practices designed to orient a person’s life toward that which is taken to be ultimate—ultimately true, ultimately good, or ultimately important—especially where these practices are opposed to, and so meant to lift them out of, the taken-for-granted, misdirected ways of life that orient a person to half-truths and penultimate goods” (p. 10). We need this because we are fundamentally oriented toward the world and self, resulting in our disordered, misdirected lives. This results in much pain and suffering. We need to be rescued, forgiven, and reoriented to God, our circumstances, and others. The work of Christ and the Holy Spirit accomplishes and applies this needed work, which we call salvation. Following a deep explanation of the Christian story in these terms, Hector turns to the sort of formative practices that enable Christians to fully realize and wisely live out their salvation.
He argues that Christianity provides a “set of practices designed to transform our way of seeing and being in the world” (p. 29). Hector deals with three broad categories of practices designed to reorient us to God: (1) homemaking, (2) imitation, and (3) becoming one (community). This is followed by an exposition of practices designed to reorient how we relate to the world: (1) prayer and wonder, (2) vocation, and (3) laughter and lament. He makes the case that “a devoted self will . . . endeavor to bring their entire life into ever-greater conformity with that devotion” (p. 155). That is, a genuine Christian will want to orient their whole life around their devotion to God, which means approaching life in the world differently.
Chapters 5 and 6 deal with practices that reorient the way we relate to others. It includes an exploration of what Christian love is, what makes it specifically Christian, how this love might be cultivated, and how this love relates to justice.
The book concludes with a consideration of the ultimate ends of the Christian life. Hector argues that Christianity aims at eternal fulfillment found in communion with God. Christianity, thus understood, provides the wisdom needed for living the present life with a view toward that ultimate fulfillment.
There are countless valuable insights throughout the book that deserve deep contemplation. The core arguments and fundamental points of the book are important for all Christians, not just scholars. In view of that, I would love to see a shorter version of the work written for non-scholars. A simplified version, written without all the scholarly caveats, distinctions, and clarifications, would be helpful to all Christians. Just stating the case plainly, with a few examples (not the dozens that Hector employs), would prove to be a vital and significant work. On the other hand, this is a perfect book for Pastor Theologians who want to reflect deeply on core theological beliefs and help their congregations apply those truths in meaningful ways. Those interested in such vital labors need look no further than this book.
Jonathan Huggins (PhD, Stellenbosch University) is the College Chaplain and an Adjunct Professor of Religion at Berry College in Mount Berry, GA. He is a member of the St. Peter Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians.
