From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research

Michael Kibbe (PhD, Wheaton College) is assistant professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute-Spokane in Spokane, Washington, where he teaches Greek and hermeneutics. He is the author of Godly Fear or Ungodly Failure? Hebrews 12 and the Sinai Theophanies and has published articles in the Journal of Theological Studies, Biblica, the Journal of Theological Interpretation and the Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters. His research interests include the Epistle to the Hebrews, the use of the Old Testament in the New, the doctrine of the atonement, theological exegesis, Second Corinthians and the reception history of Exodus and Deuteronomy. He lives in Spokane, Washington, with his wife Annie and their two children.

Kibbe's From Topic to Thesis is a concise but complete course in the art and science of theological research and writing, complete with five sharply focused aims and objectives: find, gather, understand, enter into discussion, establish. Unlike assembly instructions for things like bookshelves, Kibbe's directions are easy to follow, providing everything one needs to know to write and sustain a theological thesis (except the theology). I said 'thesis' and not 'topic' because Kibbe encourages me not to confuse them (a topic is a subject area; a thesis is a specific claim about that area). This is only one of the many practical bits of wisdom readers will find herein.
-Kevin J. Vanhoozer,
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Michael Kibbe's compact guide delivers a lot of practical wisdom for those beginning to write theological research papers. Other guides can be so long that assigning them competes with the actual reading and writing you want students to undertake! By contrast, this one gets to the point and gives concrete examples without denying the mysteries of the research process.
-Daniel J. Treier,
Wheaton College

This small handbook is precisely what every beginning theology student needs to write a coherent, well-argued, properly researched essay. Mike Kibbe is not only a master teacher (his instructional style is evident throughout) but he is a master researcher (whose recent PhD demonstrates his fresh skills). Let Kibbe become your coach and encourager. If you do, you'll find guidance for how to organize that winning research project. You'll find lists of common errors that countless students make. But above all, you'll discover a gold mine of wisdom that I wish we could put into the hands of every student who sets out to write a paper.
-Gary M. Burge,
Wheaton College

Mike Kibbe's guide for writing research papers is an excellent resource for both college and graduate level students. Its compact size belies its wealth of helpful advice and information. The step-by-step instruction should give students confidence, while pointing out pitfalls and offering examples from the author's own experience. There are many time-saving suggestions that will make research and writing efficient without compromising integrity. And the tone is conversational, as if Kibbe is having a one-on-one conversation with the reader. This book is essential for students who write research papers . . . and for professors who want to enjoy reading what their students produce.
-Dennis Okholm,
professor of theology, Azusa Pacific University

Michael Kibbe provides students with a real gift: a handbook that is both theologically thoughtful and undeniably practical. His wisdom comes through concrete and useful counsel. Sensible students will follow his guidance.
-Kelly M. Kapic,
Covenant College

Michael Kibbe's From Topic to Thesis offers an accessible, wise and eminently practical introduction to theological research, an introduction that will benefit undergraduate and seminary students alike. Students who follow Kibbe's five steps for assembling a theological research paper will receive a sure-handed guide to the development of a research argument. I enthusiastically commend this book to two audiences: students, who will write better papers when they use this book, and professors, who will enjoy reading better papers when they assign this book to their students.
-David J. Downs,
Fuller Theological Seminary

"Michael Kibbe provides students with a real gift: a handbook that is both theologically thoughtful and undeniably practical. His wisdom comes through concrete and useful counsel. Sensible students will follow his guidance."

-- Kelly M. Kapic, Covenant College

"As I have taught classes at both the undergraduate and graduate/seminary level one of the things that I have noticed that students struggle with most is academic writing. The struggle in writing is nearly universal among students. Kibbe's From Topic to Thesis is a very helpful tool that will help students through the beginning stages of the writing process, stages that are often ignored by students and under taught by faculty. . . . Kibbe's book will make a welcome addition to any and every student's library and would be a helpful required book at the beginning of both undergraduate and graduate theological degree programs."

-- Daniel S. Diffey, Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies, Vol. 2, Issue 1

"At 152 pages, this small book is packed full of practical help for those involved in theological research. Whether used by individuals or as the primary text for a theological research course, it will be a valuable resource to many and is written in a manner that makes it accessible within any cultural context."

-- Nancy Whytock, Haddington House Journal 2017

"Michael Kibbe's From Topic to Thesis stands out as the best tool available for the overwhelmed student currently in the throes of theological research. Its brevity and practical, sage advice make the book an instant classic and, quite frankly, reserves it a spot among the best works on how to write clear theology."

-- Cory M. Marsh, The Master's Seminary Journal, Fall 2019