I’ve been thinking about theology.
I know… not the most interesting subject in the world and probably confined to the very few elite, interested and utterly boring academics. If you are a theologian… I’m sorry… really!
People aren’t looking for fresh theology.
Not even looking for a fresh take on theology. My friends just want something that’s gonna work. Something that stirs hope in them. Something that might give them another chance. A do-over so to speak.
The unfortunate thing about theology is that it is framed in a distant past that seems entirely irrelevant to most people. Defined by dated vocabulary and disconnected ideas. Who really cares about eschatology and ecclesiology?
Give me something valuable. Help me deal with my kids. Help me believe that I’m not a failure as a parent, husband, friend, employee, employer and human being. Show me what love really is. Walk with me so I don’t walk alone.
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” John 1:14 (NLT)
Self-help has failed most people. What we need is a real God living through real people who freely and lovingly connect in a real world.
At least that’s my opinion…. I’d be interested in hearing your’s. Let’s talk!
Comments (9)
I love how you’ve put this Dave and I totally agree. People need to see a faith that works in everyday, normal, situational life. They could care less about theology, theories, Leviticus (probably!) and cheesy cliches which make them roll their eyes.
Very much agree with your last statement there! We need real people displaying a real God in tangible ways that love people. NICE!
Nice word, Dave. I think Systematic Theology especially has been overplayed. God is not a system and can’t be reduced to one! I much prefer a Biblical Theological approach in which each particular book is mined for gems that reflect the life of God.
Hi Dave, nice to see you here… Of course you are right. The big issue is that knowing about God can never become a substitute for knowing God. See you next week!
Great Article Dave! I ran across a beautiful Colorado Theological Seminary that was very inspiring. The beautiful peaceful mountains were amazing.
Katrin,
Thanks for stopping by. I’ve never seen that particular school but I’m sure it is beautiful.
Great Theology book on how theology can shape our culture and on how culture shapes our theology, methodology and then praxis is:
Colossians Remixed: Subverting The Empire
Brian J. Walsh and Sylvia C. Keesmaat
Living incarnationally is a lost discipline of how we act out theology today.
ps I pop by every now and then as my wife and I are looking for a church in town. Though we are disappointed in most organizations at present we still have hope we will find a “place”.
Hi Dave,
Please consider the following:”I BELIEVE:
“The truth is incontrovertable. Malice may attack it; ignorance may deride it; but in the end; there it is.”
“The truth is GOD’S WORD! It is the eternal and genuine reality of life and living.”
I believe the solution to our human problem is Romans 12:1-2.
Finally; I believe the following. “For the TRUTH(GOD’S WOPRD) to be effective in our lives, it must be obvious, eventually must become dominant.”It will make us effective in our lives; which is to be:
Productive-doing the right things;
Reliable- doing the right things consistently; and
Efficient-doing the right things right.
Hi Edward… good points. I like your comment on productive, reliable, and efficient. Great thoughts