Today I was part of a conversation about theology. I like to think about things that have influence and importance. Theology is an important part of a Christian's life because it provides frameworks through which we can understand concepts and teachings from God's Word. I am a supporter of theology, but I have to say that my understanding of theology has changed over the years.
When I first began to engage theological teaching I was excited because I was finding answers to important questions related to God. It was an empowering feeling, satisfying really. But as the years wear on what I once saw as a liberating force for good has now lost some of its sheen--it doesn't glisten quite like it used to for me.
The world and life itself, is complex and the older I get the more I realize that fact. Theologians, just like everyone else, understand that as you advance in years you also rub shoulders with a lot of differing ideas and opinions--many of which are in direct opposition to each other. It gets even more complex when you begin to realize just how divided people are within the Body of Christ itself! In the face of all this complexity can rise doubt, and a strong temptation to overcome this diversity and doubt is to become very defensive in the attempt to protect what makes sense to you. This can often be portrayed in a harsh and unloving manner that seems to project strength, but in reality does little to engender the kind of strength I see in Jesus.
I have come to the conclusion that theology is nothing more than humanity's best attempts to describe God and Truth. Theological systems of thought include truth, but they are not in themselves infallible, which means they also contain things that are not necessarily true. Only the Bible is the infallible Word of God, and as such is the authority we hold to, even if we do so in a stumbling, bumbling way.
If theology is placed below Scripture in place of authority, then this should be reflected in how we live then as well. Our conversations between differing theological views should be very humble in nature because of our growing understanding that we don't have everything theologically nailed down with no questions remaining. This doesn't mean that we can't disagree, or that we can't know right from wrong, it just means that our hearts and minds must know our limitations and our judgements can only get us so far.
I am struck by this thought: in light of the complexity I describe, and the innate desire to press into certainty and to defend that certainty at all costs, we have lost something. We have fallen into the trap of defending and elevating the principle of certainty itself over the One in whom we have any sense of foundation at all--Jesus. Our theological pursuits gain such a breadth, such a scope that spans the ages and includes wide swaths of ideas, that we have forgotten the reason that any of these doctrines and theological systems exist at all.
When we strive to protect our theological systems of understanding because our identities are found in them, we have become a mile wide and only about an inch deep.
Jesus, YOU are the reason that we are even able to think at all. YOU are the One who deserves our praise. If, for example, I have doubts about grace, eternal security or the potential of losing salvation--the fact remains that salvation itself exists because YOU have lived and died and lived on my behalf so that I could be given a gift such as this!
I want to be singular minded in keeping you My Lord firmly in my view. I might be accused of being "narrow-minded" but I know that you are in the business of teaching me all things--that's a promise that comes directly from You. I don't want to be a mile-wide and an inch deep, I want depth that comes with hearing and following You.
Prince of Peace, today I ask that you would grant us the gift of peace to rest in you while our thoughts and our lives whirl about us. I declare that you are the only true authority, and it is from you that any answers that have any real meaning or depth come from. Speak words of life to those who are dying inside--for whatever reason. Give to them today a glimpse of your glory so that light will shine in them and bring hope.
At the end of the day, all I can really say is "I love you."
BT
Amen to that!!!
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