Saturday, December 09, 2006

The Meaning and Purpose of Theology


I believe that theology serves several purposes within the Church and also outwardly to the "World". I believe it is the responsibility of any who call themselves Christian to be theologically literate, because ultimately, sound theology serves as the basis for the conscience of the Church. Critical reflection and analysis is not an accessory of the Church- but indespensible to maintain its virtue and position in the "World". Reflection, especially in lieu of current events, is absolutely essential to maintain the integrity of the mission of the church. To paraphrase Georges Florovsky, "The task of theology is none other than to ascertain and to acknowledge the mystery of the living God and bear witness to it in thought and deed."

Theology is intended to instruct, edify, clarify, nourish, sustain, illuminate and transform- to give meaning to all existence. It cannot be seperated and compartmentalized from other aspects of life. It is central to every aspect of life.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree with your position generally as I think you've intended.
The thing that I have witnessed however, that makes a certain proviso, is with respect to what ones ability is. All have limitations and with some, those limitations are with theologically abstract concepts. These are not duty bound to exceed their capacity. And if you attempt to push them beyond their God given abiltiy, they may be Spiritually harmed.

Scott Starr said...

I understand what you are saying. There is a lot to say here. Think about this... I was reading something the other day that was talking about how Judeo-Christian religion is based upon the written word. Thus, it is incumbent upon the ability to read to be able to get the story at all. Literacy is then both a duty and a responsibility. No only are we to be literate ourselves...that is to have the ability to read, but the responsibility to teach our children..people in general how to read and understand...is inferred. God's people are supposed to be right there at the root of all comprehension helping man process reality. The question, as always, is how does one go about doing this with the ultimate respect, caution, care, love and wisdom?

Here we can learn from history- which is rife with lessons on how to do and how not to do this.

Anonymous said...

This is a very good point that I had not considered, per se. I agree with this love borne "duty". The dark ages was a result of, albeit, in an over simplified fashion, a failure to understand love. The succeeding generations weren't taught the glory and grace of God, through the written scriptures. In fact is was premeditatedly withheld, through intended malice. The "Darkness" of the dark ages was the darkness of the spirit of the adversary exercising his will against the Church, via the stone hearts of the Church controlers.
DSM

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