Faith and Theology

The Great Divide

I’m not talking about Calvinism and Non-Calvinist. The divide I see is between believers who don’t openly practice theology and believers who do. Even now I can hear Adam saying we all practice theology, and he’s right, but I think we can all agree that some practice it openly while others do so privately. For those who don’t practice openly it is possible you may never know if they are Calvinist or Non-Calvinist or Free Grace or fall into any other classification or category. Some are gifted and no doubt called to practice openly while others are called to another service, which is no less necessary and possibly far more important to the welfare of the body. Some believers only associate with other believers who either do or don’t practice openly. I choose to associate with both. There are theologians who are literally “Pro’s” in that their income and sustenance depend on their knowledge. I have recently been challenged to offer my perspective on theology and it’s application here as well as my perspective on blogging in general. I must honestly admit I don’t have a clear perspective on blogging yet. Perhaps a better statement would be that my perspective is incomplete. At present I treat it more as a relational tool than a form of media though there are many blogs, which are certainly widely circulated. Mine is not one of them and I have no ambition for having a blog like that.

I do however have a complete perspective on theology, as far as I’m concerned, and that is truly my perspective. It is only as far as I’m concerned. What? What about others? What about their beliefs? Well friends as much as it matters to me what you believe there’s simply nothing I can do about it, and nothing I’m supposed to do either. What? What about the truth? What about helping to get the mote out of your brother’s eye? To this I say, what do you think this post is all about? ;-)

How Do I Use it?

Theology, like philosophy, and its applications are personal. Each of us is responsible to God for what we do and say in this life and each of us will give an account of those things. The things that I do and say are done solely on the basis of what I believe and will not be judged on my interpretation or my understanding but are only justified by my faith that they are in accordance with His commands. If by faith I tell you the truth concerning my understanding, opinion or my feelings on some matter in the hope it might be to your edification then I need not fear so long as His Spirit does not condemn me for it. Likewise if I fail to tell you when I am pressed to do so I am condemned. In all sincerity this counseling is probably the least of the things I could do for you yet seems to be the thing I love to do most. My love for you is much better illustrated through my willingness to share your burden and to intercede for you in prayer. I can and should give you substantial aid when needed and within my power if I am to love you fully. I can do all of this fully and completely without knowing if you think God can make a rock so big He cannot lift it and it’s not necessary for you to even know if I am Pre-Trib or Post-Trib. It really shouldn’t matter at all. Then I hear you say, “but there’s a system here you fail to see”. Well friend I don’t feel alone in that. There’s a system, I’m sure, and I’m sure He has a plan but I’m only a part of it. A miniscule tiny part of an overarching plan the depths of which I can only begin to visualize, let alone categorize and classify it fully.

How Should I Accept it?

Now you are in no way obliged to accept my counsel, to the contrary, you are charged with the responsibility of proving or approving your own faith. You alone will account for the actions you take that are based solely on what you chose to believe. If I had the right to tell you what to believe then I would surely have the responsibility of seeing that you believe the truth, but I don’t. Take my understanding for what it’s worth to you. If you find something to help in it thank God, but if it only confuses you then toss it out with last weeks garbage. It’s no good for you and it won’t affect my love for you or my love for God.

So Why Bother?

For some there’s no need at all. For others it’s a need that defies description. People are different. While I believe we are all created equal in the eyes of God I am equally persuaded that being equal does not mean we’re all the same. Who are we to judge the differences? Openly practicing theology doesn’t make you “more Christian” but failing to consider God and His family in all you do and say will certainly not qualify you as a follower of Christ. Theology is something best shared among brethren who desire or need a better understanding of each other. The worst of theology involves its use as a yardstick by which to measure your brother. The critical effect of theology is that our beliefs are based, in part, on our understanding. Theology can have a great influence on what we choose believe. A great many doctrines have developed around theological arguments. Some are scripturally very sound. Others are scripturally quite shaky.

How Do I Openly Practice it?

The means and the methods used to argue for and against certain theories and ideologies are as varied as the individuals who argue them. Everyone has his or her own approach. Those in academia have a tendency toward (so called) friendly debate while those in ministry seem more one sided; dare I say, “It’s my way or the highway?” My personal approach is provocation. I would prefer to provoke you to think about God than to tell you what to think of Him and His ways. Some only respect logic, others, like myself, will only consider an argument based on scripture regardless of its seemingly rational basis. The main thing to remember is that if you decide to openly practice theology you are committing yourself to an argument and as the old saying goes, “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”. ;-)