Making Connections by Paul S. Fiddes

A memoir which documents the missing prefaces of Paul’s theological work - 'a fascinating and wonderful read'

Making Connections - A Theological Memoir in Process, with Bibliography
By Paul S. Fiddes 
Firedint Publishing Oxford
ISBN: 978-1999940713
Reviewed by Andy Goodliff

Paul Fiddes has written a memoir, a theological memoir. He will turn 80 next year and perhaps with that in mind, he offers us this reflection on his theology alongside his life. It might be one of his most important books, and it is only 113 pages, plus a full bibliography of his written works. There might be further editions, as Paul continues to write and be active in both the academic and Baptist worlds. He has subtitled the book ‘A Theological Memoir in Process.’ One he definitely sees as not yet finished.

I say it might be one of his most important books because it provides some context and story to the many books, articles, chapters and contributions Paul has made. A disappointment, if one is allowed to have one with regards Paul’s books, is that he never really provides a preface that explains something of how the book came to be written. In nearly all his books, the theological argument just begins. 

Making Connections provides those missing prefaces. They describe something of how and why and who was involved in Paul’s theological work. The title then is apt, as Paul presents to us the connections in his mind, the connections between different books, the connections between people who inspired or are important within his theology. This makes it a fascinating and wonderful read.

There is some autobiography. He tells some of the story of his grandparents, of studying at Oxford, his theological career from studying and teaching English to Old Testament and then to Christian Doctrine, from Tutor to Principal to Professor.

The move to Christian doctrine has something of the providence of God about it. The focus though is on the theological connections — the development of his doctrine of the Trinity, the theology of covenant, the focus on forgiveness, love, and the importance of literature as as source for theology. Really helpful are the reflections of his understanding of christology (see now also his article in the October 2026 edition of the Baptist Quarterly).

There has never been a Baptist theologian like Paul. His grasp of the theological tradition, his biblical insights, his polymath interests, his collaborative projects, his love of theological conversation, his endless energy. Paul is an internationally recognised and respected theologian, and for Baptists that is rare.

At the same time, his work has not perhaps had the attention it deserves. Paul quotes a review of Seeing the World and Knowing God by the great Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, who says of Paul: ‘… his generative, imaginative approach is much too inventive and probing to be contained in any predictable type.’

There is something novel about this theologian who loves novels as much Barth (or any other theologian), which means there will probably be no Fiddes’ school. Yet his legacy is already long, especially among Baptists — the very recent Oxford Handbook of Baptist Studies is testament to that, where almost every chapter has a reference to Fiddes in it — and his work will continue to be read and interacted with.

Paul, thank you for this book. It is one that I think you needed to write, and you were probably the only one who could write it. It will help many of us understand you better and respect you even more. We look forward to future editions! 
 

Andy Goodliff is the minister of Belle Vue Baptist Church, Southend. He is a lecturer in Baptist History at Regent's Park College, Oxford