Why Theology Matters – by Kurt Willems
This post is part of the series Theology: Does it Matter? You can read the series’ introductory post here.
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The question of why theology matters is an interesting one. On one hand, it could be said that knowing Jesus through the Spirit is what actually matters and theology actually gets in the way of such a relationship. On the other hand, it could just as easily be said that all we need is the right set of theology (doctrine) and our relationship with God will not be a ‘feeling’ but will be from the knowledge of the ‘right answers.’ I personally think that both of these extremes demonstrate much of what is wrong with the church in America today.
For those who think that theology leads to intellectualism and away from relationship I would say—no matter what, we all form theology in one way or another. And if we are not thinking for ourselves and wrestling with the tough issues, then pop-theology will lead us astray (which is why we see so many passionate Christians with weird views of heaven, the end times, salvation, science, ethics, etc.). This is true not merely in regards to cognitive beliefs, but in how we attempt to implement the reality of our relationship to God. Our poorly reflected upon theology can actually be detrimental to the relationship we seek and can cause us to show the world a Jesus that is contrary to the Scriptures. Now, on the other end of the spectrum (those who want to demonstrate that they have all the ‘right answers’) the risk is that they are never open to new ideas or a move of the Spirit. These folks are the ones who get into culture wars and get so tied up in their fundamentalist dogma, that they end up looking as anti-intellectual as the other group that was described. This anti-intellectualism discredits Christianity as an outdated and possibly harmful religion that ought to just simply die out.
My belief is that another way is possible. I think that our theology can point us toward God in a relational way while also living in pursuit of the truth. Except, in this perspective, truth is not something that is ever captured, but is always a few paces in front of us, inviting us to keep recklessly chasing after it. The harder we run, the further we seem from it; because we begin to develop a healthy respect for how large and uncontainable truth actually is. And although truth seems far off in many ways; the surprise of it all is that our relationship to the truth simultaneously seems to become more and more intimate, as though we were jogging side-by-side. This close-yet-distant approach to truth is one that allows our theology and our relationships to God to come together in a beautiful unity. Such a relationship with God, who is truth, informs our theology which then informs our praxis.
So, with this understanding of theology and connection to God; why does theology matter today? Well, it seems that as we do theology, we can do so without many of the culture wars of the past. Lots of the presumed ‘right answers’ now become the wrong ones, for the sake of the mission of God in the world. We can approach dialogues about truth with great humility, rather than militancy. We can reflect Christianly in new ways about ethical issues that prior had seemed as though they were closed cases. We can show our culture that a relationship to God that is informed by this kind of truth-pursuit will actually lead to their benefit. And in doing all of these things, I believe that we will find that the reign of God will be reflected on the earth in new and exciting ways.
The world would be an infinitely better place if more Christians shared Kurt’s perspective. Unfortunately, Sarah Palin appears to be more emblematic of the general zeitgeist in the Christian community at the present time.
Thanks for your kind words Barry… Shalom!
Barry, I agree with you. The idea is that theology comes from relationship with God (and the humility that should attend that) and leads to good practice (which often means breaking with our current path). Your perception that modern Christianity is aligned with Sarah Palin is understandable. But is it possible that type of Christianity is most visible because of the culture that we live in? Because Christianity is so much wider and deeper than this american fundamentalist manifestation.
I was just reading an excellent book this morning by a Roman Catholic priest. In it, he was describing the way that the church in the Book of Acts interpreted their circumstances together in community (relationship), in light of scripture (Hebrew scripture) to move forward in unity with non-Jews (breaking with tradition) for the sake of the world. So what Kurt is describing is nothing new, but is something there within Christian tradition.
Kurt and the other guest writers would agree…none of us are saying anything new, really. Rather, we are trying to live the best of the Christian tradition. In that sense, theology is very conservative…preserving the good that was handed down to us. But because God is always a few steps ahead of us, and because God has always been concerned with the outcasts of society, theology is also very progressive.
When I turn on the radio, no matter which station (country, jazz, pop, etc.) 95% of what is offered for popular consumption is garbage. I think it’s probably the same for the public Christianity in america…as well as other traditions and movements.
A good post especially the recognition that we don’t “posses” truth (or Truth) but are led on in transformation by it. I would highlight the dangers of dogma (and it’s static counter-transformational nature).
I’m in two minds about the importance of theology. On the one hand we desperately need good theology, good doctrine about God, His plan, Jesus’ mission and our commission. We especially need good doctrine on the place of doctrine and the Bible: i.e. for training us in righteous action (2 Tim 3:16) and not for fuelling debates. There is a danger we use theology as an excuse for not doing the Gospel, the Vanity of Theologizing. Doctrine, especially Jesus’ own teaching is not so much about us getting a good theory of atonement or this-or-that but practical things we need to do.
Theology must lead to action!
Mark, I couldn’t agree more on this one! Great thoughts. Admittedly, because of my passion for the ‘theory’ my shadow side is that this is an area that I have to keep in check! Good stuff!
If someone were going to the doctor, would they say: “I’m of two minds about biology”?
Or if they needed their car fixed, would they say: “I’m of two minds about auto mechanics”?
Because most of us don’t use nuclear physics every day should we scold the nuclear physicists for being impractical? Or the poet?
The kingdom of God is not a purely academic endeavor. But neither is it all about ‘getting stuff done’. It’s also about wonder, beauty and mystery. I’m kind of alarmed (in general) at the fear of theology. It seems very anti-intellectual.
For people like me, my attention would be drawn a million different places other than the kingdom of God if it were not for theology. If people didn’t take the time to study and articulate the faith in a way that was compelling to me in its coherence and wisdom, then I wouldn’t have what I need as an intelligent animal to motivate me to action.
I don’t think the gospel is as practical as people make it out to be. It’s actually quite impractical and bothersome. But it’s good. What would make me do those crazy, upside-down things that I do for God unless it were compelling?
I think there are reasons we have been made to fear theology, and none of them are good reasons to give it up.
The easiest one to point out is that we’ve been sold the lie of the “Wars of Religion”. There’s enough writings from William Cavanaugh and David Bentley Hart to put that lie to rest.
The second is that liberal democracy is the ‘end of history’. Nothing is supposed to challenge it’s supremacy.
The third is that theology is about make-believe stuff that has no relevance in the modern world.
Bullocks all.
I think the world is rather bent and broken. If people can spend a whole lot of time and mental energy coming up with things to destroy our humanity and our planet (financial instruments that are unknowable, oil wells beyond our capacity to stop them, nuclear fusion that can wipe out cities), than dammit some smart people should be thinking hard about God, the church and the world.
Hey Joey, I have to disagree with you about “doing stuff” and the practicality of the Gospel. Doctrine, message, information are not an end in themselves nor purely for mere inner transformation, they transform us in order to make us active in transforming the world (see link below).
Of course the Gospel is news, a message about something, but then, as now, it is news about something that *is* happening – not just a report of something that happened – or did the Kingdom stop coming when Jesus died (Schweitzer).
Regarding the practical side: think about how Jesus demonstrated (e.g. John’s followers and John himself) that the Kingdom really was breaking in. He didn’t give an argument he just said: look what’s happening, look at the people being restored.
I think we’ve let Paul’s theology (focussed on specific problems in specific local churches) eclipse Jesus broad sweeping teachings which was very practical. We can debate what Paul meant and play with theories but Jesus was pretty clear when he said: do what I say: feed the poor, welcome the outcasts, heal the sick, raise the dead.
Here is my latest rant on the apathy and inaction endemic in Evangelicalism. I think it’s worth the read though I was apparently off-base in the first section.
Remember, Paul said the “our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power” (1 Thes 1:5) and “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” (1 Cor 4:20)
Christians arise and FOLLOW your master in power.
Marc…I pretty much already agree with you. I’m not one to think that Paul can be read apart from the Sermon on the Mount. And if you look at my examples it will show. After all, a doctor who knows a lot of biology but doesn’t have any patients is…well, not a doctor.
So yes, there’s some practicality there. But we’re also called to love God with all our minds. You may be the type that can get his ass off the couch and do something without thinking much about it. But there are those like me that have to be persuaded. That doesn’t mean we don’t do anything.
Ideas have consequences. Nevertheless, I don’t think ‘practical’ is the best description of Jesus’ teachings. Loving your enemy might need to be practiced, but ‘practical’ just doesn’t name it.
We may not be exactly on the same page: What I think perpetuates the apathy and inaction that you’re ranting about isn’t too much thinking about God. It’s the WRONG KIND of thinking about God. The right kind of thinking about God leads to passion and action.
I wish you all the passion and action you can handle :)
Joey – I’m not so worried about the apathy and inaction that you mention in your last reply to Marc. You say that the right kind of thinking about God leads to passion and action. It’s the “passion and action” of certain segments of the Christian community that scares the hell out of me.
I would highly recommend a 2009 documentary called “Waiting for Armageddon.” It’s an objective and clear-eyed look at the “theological” belief in premillennial prophesy within the evangelical community. It deals not only with how widespread these beliefs have become, but also the current and potential negative consequences of so-called “end times” theology.
This eschatological belief is just one example of what I see as a problem with theology in general. I will assume that you probably share my concerns regarding these ideas, so let me ask you this. What criteria would you use for differentiating between good and bad theology?
Barry- you’re right! I guess first I would amend my comments thus far and say that I think everyone is a participant in some kind of theology, and all theology leads to action.
Now, what separates good theology from bad? That is part of why I started this blog series. I need to discover that myself. Or rather, I feel that I have been discovering it for about a decade. I can tentatively put forward some ideas.
- The purpose of theology is to love God. Good theology keeps the love of God and for the things that God loves (creation) seriously.
- Because of who God is, good theology leads to human flourishing for the outsider, the outcast, the poor, the oppressed. Any theology that props up power at the expense of the weak doesn’t qualify as good.
- Good theology takes seriously other forms of knowing, arts and disciplines.
- Good theology is done in community with an ethical community today, voices from the past, people from outside the community.
Still, I’m not sure I can give an abstract set of rules. Like being a painter or a skateboarder or a guitarist, there’s a very concrete, in-the-moment timeliness and ‘feel’ to theology. The better you are at it, the more you realize how small you are. Good theology is humble, but skillful.
Thanks Joey…you give me hope.
And also with you.
Joey, obviously not all passion and action is good. Inaction is mostly safer than action and I REALLY understand why the world has worked us Christians into inaction and wants to keep us that way. As Voltair said: Christianity puts the world in flames and (englightment) philosophy put it out again.
But Jesus acted radically and changed social conditions and called us to act. Action “en Christo” i.e. in Jesus’ name i.e. as He would act is what the Earth DESPERATELY needs and although we would be persecuted people would also “see [y]our good deeds and give praise to God” (Mt 5:16 with Mother Teresa in mind).
My goodness think how many “I’mAChristian”s there are and if even half of them, for example, sponsored 2 poor Children we’d half poverty. Work for Justice people because your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58; 1 Cor 3).
Conservatives tell us “saving the world” is not our business but I’d say OF COURSE IT IS. Jesus is the saviour of the WORLD and we are IN HIM, His arms and legs.
Regarding Eschatology, I got into all those End Times things some time ago but then I realised Mt 24 (and parallels) is mainly, if not only about AD70, and I got straightened out. Some thoughts on “end times” passages here.
eschatology? where did that come up?
Eschatology? I dunno, you brought it up:
I presumed you were linking my call to activism with fundamentalist calls to “repent for the end is nigh” or something…
Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve misunderstood someone this week though.
I think that might have been someone else’s comment. I suspect you and I are of the same mind on this also.
Oh, there it is…that’s Barry. He’s agnostic and looking at things from the outside.
Deep stuff, I think the Mahatma would agree: “Devotion to this Truth is the sole justification for our existence.” – Gandhi
http://www.gandhibapu.com/templet.jsp?sno=2
So refreshing.
I once read that “the best sound theology can do is point you in the right direction, but the least bad theology can do is point you towards destruction”
By the way….looking forward to the August Retreat. :)
Thank you for posting this article. It is very good. I love reading, studying and doing theology, but I fear I could not any of this things without prayer, the Eucharist and interaction with fellow Christians. It is good that you pointed out the importance of relationship in doing theology.
Interesting commentary here. I was just looking for a “tight” paragraph or two on why theology matters for a friend of mine. I always thought my brother just sort of made things up as he went along, quoting a verse here and their to keep me on the trail of belief and then boom….odd teachings that are not in the classical belief set. He would always comment, ” we can’t put God in a box.” I would respond, true…unless God puts himself in one–which unless I am missing something (and I do miss things) hold to His Word, which we get to read–The Bible.
So I guess I am one of those Evangelicals that do believe in Correspondence Truth. I do believe in Aristotle’s 3 Laws of Thought, and I see no contradiction. So I am trying to understand some of the thinking above regarding, not really knowing “Truth” or walking a few steps behind it. I would agree if you are thinking “like a rosey coloured glass darkly” we humans don’t get it all for sure.
But we need some foundation, otherwise we operate for no good reason.
I am also a Pre-mill guy.( I guess I am introducing myself) I like the theology, compared to Amill, ( I was raised in ) And I do agree with our brother who seems to imply that this theology can create some issues, as it sees the world winding down and goes polar opposite of lets say Progressive wing Democrats–a wing I used to belong too–now a Right Tea-Party sort of guy in the Independent party.
Have a great day
Robert, thank you for your visit and comments.
This post is a series of differing perspectives, and if you click the link at the beginning you will see a list of the other posts.
I myself have traveled a very different path than you have, but there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, one God and Father of all.
While I don’t always use the word “foundation” (I would prefer people talk about their starting point) I do think the word is most aptly used for Jesus. The same goes for “God’s Word”…as long as we’re using those to reference Jesus, and we have the humility to recognize that Jesus came to us…and chose to come to us!…through the church. Therefore, our vision and understanding of Jesus is always a mix of our own broken perspectives, informed both by the good and faithful saints that went before us, the powers and principalities of this world, the Spirit, and our own brokenness.
Humility is definitely the order of the day. Because even if Jesus is our foundation, we can easily make our understanding of Jesus the foundation. No…our understanding is ever and always subordinate. We operate from trust rather than “knowledge”. That is, until we see face-to-face and know him just as we are fully known.
Peace!