PresenterMedia, 2011, Business Binder

The

olog

ical This is how you write a summary!

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Definition A theological summary is as an exposition. Its function is to

inform, describe and explain. The summary can be defined as a

synopsis of a written or verbal biblical source -- Scripture, ancient

documents, commentaries, research, writings, videos, podcasts,

interviews, etc.

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What are the main traits of a theological

summary?

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Attributes

Describes

Thesis driven

Concise Opinion free

Synthesizes Explains

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① Launches with a strong thesis

② Elaborates with supporting points

③ Has concise & condensed wording

④ Informs, describes & explains

⑤ Is free of opinion, analysis, interpretation or evaluation

⑥ Shows third-person point of view and present tense

Overview

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“Real” Time Advice on Writing a Theological Summary…

Read deep. Annotate with post-its.

Organize according to trends, then cluster details around them.

Review required length beforehand.

Don’t list. Extend topic sentences with support.

Write tight. Remove nonessen-tials.

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What makes for an effective theological

summary?

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Relevant Content

A summary with relevant content encompasses connected key

elements and maintains focus on them.

Little Black Duck Blog, 2008; Pencil Pattern iPod Touch Wallpaper, 2011; apenchantforpaper.blogspot, 2010.

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Connected Focused Not Disjointed

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Tips: Keeping ContentState thesis and explanatory points, providing the

reader with a clear, vivid mental picture of the summary’s intent

Sustain main idea, showing high relevancy and meaning to topic content (no extraneous details)

Launch, by explaining the main idea and key points, and close by revisiting the thesis and bringing everything together.

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Clear Content

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L-R: iittala.com, 2011; Allthingscrystal.com, 2011; Eyes4Art.net, 2011,; cheap-drinking-glassesblogspot.com, 2009

Content shows clarity & transitions

Content is not disorderly or muddy

Tips: Keeping Content

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Content doesn’t stray – Isn’t muddy

Move the reader through the summary in a logical manner

Vary sentence structure to produce cohesion

Incorporate transitions to create coherence

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Proper Summary Elaboration

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Even development

Minimally, 2nd order support

Opinion & idea free

Third person POV

Informs, describes & explains

Tips: Making Summary Elaboration

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Content doesn’t stray – Isn’t muddy

Summarize without adding opinion, idea, interpretation, evaluation or analysis

Show extended support for each point

Exposition by informing, describing and explaining,

Incorporate short quotes from Scripture and other resources as part of support

Write in third-person point of view

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Content doesn’t stray – Isn’t muddy

Got it!

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All Nations Leadership Institute

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Content doesn’t stray – Isn’t muddy

Would you like to learn more about biblical research and writing? Visit the All Nations Leadership Institute website.

The institute offers courses that will suit your interests. It specializes in preparation for urban, multi-ethnic ministry.

See:http://allnationsleadershipinstitute.org

Contact Pastor Deb Strlek:708.385.6020

Location:4501 West 127th StreetAlsip, IL 60803