Ordinary theology' characterizes the reflective God-talk of the great majority of churchgoers, and others who remain largely untouched by the assumptions, concepts and arguments that academic theology takes for granted. Astley coined the phrase in his innovative study, Ordinary Theology: Looking, Listening and Learning in Theology.

Chapter 1 The Analysis, Investigation and Application of Ordinary Theology, Jeff Astley; Part I Reflecting on Ordinary Theology: Analytical and Theological Perspectives; Chapter 2 Ordinary Theology, Theological Method and Constructive Ecclesiology, Nicholas M. Healy; Chapter 3 Ordinary Theology as ‘Mother Tongue’, Anthony Lees-Smith; Chapter 4 Deconversion and Ordinary Theology: A Catholic Study, Tom Beaudoin, J. Patrick HornbeckII; Chapter 5 Ordinary Theology and the Learning Conversation with Academic Theology, Jeff Astley; Chapter 6 Power in the Local Church: Locating the Implicit, Martyn Percy; Chapter 7 Ordinary Theologians as Signal Processors of the Spirit, Michael Armstrong; Part II Researching and Situating Ordinary Theology: Empirical and Contextual Perspectives; Chapter 8 Jesus as Exemplar, Ann Christie; Chapter 9 Ordinary Readers and Reader Perspectives on Sacred Texts: Drawing on Empirical Theology and Jungian Psychology, Leslie J. Francis; Chapter 10 Extraordinary Eschatology: Insights from Ordinary Theologians, Michael Armstrong; Chapter 11 Ordinary Theology and the British Assemblies of God Doctrinal Tradition: A Qualitative Study, Mark J. Cartledge; Chapter 12 Congregational Hermeneutics: Towards Virtuous Apprenticeship, Andrew Rogers; Chapter 13 The Bible and Ordinary Readers, Andrew Village; Chapter 14 How Far is it to Bethlehem? Exploring the Ordinary Theology of Occasional Churchgoers, David Walker; Chapter 15 Ordinary Prayer and the Activity of God: Reading a Cathedral Prayer Board, Tania ap Siôn; Chapter 16 A Tune Beyond Us, Yet Ourselves: Ordinary Worship and Ordinary Theology, Bridget Nichols; Chapter 17 A Study in Ordinary Theological Ethics: Thinking about Eating, Matthew Barton, Rachel Muers; Chapter 18 Ordinary Discipleship, Roger L. Walton; Chapter 19 Sharing Friendship: God’s Love in Ordinary Church Life, John B. Thomson; Chapter 20 Ordinary Learning, Helen Savage; Chapter 21 Ordinary Theology as Process: A Phenomenographic Approach, Grant Barclay;

'This volume demonstrates how ordinary theology is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting and innovative areas in Practical Theology.' Pete Ward, King's College London, UK ’This extraordinary collection of articles Exploring Ordinary Theology is a must-read, showing the real significance of listening to what ordinary reflective Christians believe - consulting the faithful - in order to understand how diversely the tradition can be lived in and lived out.’ Terrence W. Tilley, Fordham University, USA ’I found this volume very stimulating reading for two reasons. The first is from an academic perspective: as someone who is interested in practical theological research, there was much food for critical reflection. The second is as a preacher: this book is a helpful reminder of the difference between the official teachings of the church and what many ordinary Christians and churchgoers actually believe ...I would therefore commend it both to those with an academic interest in practical theology and also to any who wish to critically reflect on their own preaching.’ Anvil ’...a new collection of essays developing the idea of ordinary theology further, through empirical research and its application. For those who have not encountered ordinary theology before it is an ideal place to start. For those who have explored it for a decade there are new resources and insights.’ Journal of Adult Theological Education '... valuable volume... The twenty-one essays, divided into two parts, of almost consistent high quality and interest, provide a useful survey of and introduction to the field.' Theology 'This is a fascinating group of essays, exploring the nature and nurture of Christian belief at a local level. It is a (wake-up) call to listen carefully to the way Christian faith is articulated amongst those many of us serve and ministry.' Regent's Reviews 'Scholars and students in a variety of theological studies should find this volume very helpful.' Theologi