How I Do Theology

Bad theology bothers me. Call me an elitist, I don't care. But bad theology - which is usually one form or another of cultural bullshit - really angers me. Why? Because it imprisons the church - both as a group and as individuals. It sucks us dry. It bleeds us out. We become anemic, pathetic people who blow in the wind and fall down at the first challenge. And that's just the beginning.

Bad theology is like telling lies about God, and that makes me really, really angry. Really.

Bad theology is the stuff that poisons the children and the teens. Bad theology is the tares growing with the wheat in impressionable Christians.

Bad theology keeps honest seekers away from the Church.

Bad theology destroys lives.

Let me be clear. Bad theology is not "any theology that Headless disagrees with." I don't know if I can write "in 500 words or less" what I understand to be bad theology. That might take a book. Or maybe just one well-crafted sentence. But I have neither for you right now, so I'll just tell you that in my world, it works like this.

I get exposed to a new idea. I start with these assumptions.

1) This new idea is wrong somewhere.
2) It's also possible that it's right somewhere too.
3) Perfect understanding is possible - when you're dead. ("Now we see through a glass darkly...")
3) "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
4) "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
5) "When she (the Holy Spirit) comes, she will lead you into all truth and wisdom."

Starting with these basic assumptions (which could be an entire book as well), I work the new idea two ways. First, I try to believe it. I let myself really, truly, honestly step into this new idea. I own it. I breathe it. I imagine life this way. I live life this way if it's possible. And from this, I extrapolate what I can in order to discover both the problems and the good things that come with this idea. This is a long, hard work that doesn't happen in one hour, or one day, or one week.

I also drop an A-bomb on it. I rip in to it with every ounce of my ability. I fire every "logic bullet" I can at it. I launch the artillery. I call on the calvary. And when the dust clears, if there's anything left standing, I'll do an Aretha on it..."R-E-S-P-E-C-T..."

Then I start to synthesis. This takes a long time too.

You want to know when I pray about it? That's the very spiritual thing to do, right?

Well, I'll tell you. Every letter of every word I wrote is a prayer.

Every neuron fired is a prayer.

And I'm afraid.

There is one verse in all of Scripture that I think I really understand.

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

posted by Headless-in-GR @ 11/01/2004 10:01:00 AM