Theology

Last year, I read Voices of Advent by Matthew L. Skinner.  In it he writes:

A friend once shared with me the best definition of theology I've ever heard, because it's accurate, short, and sweet: Theology is talk about God.

He explains that we engage in theology when we have conversations about faith and God. When difficulties arise, and we talk to our friends and family, our church members about God, we are theologians. I think that is a spiritual practice, and it helps (hopefully) our faith to mature.

He goes on to say that often in the Bible, theology is about wondering whether God is active in a situation. When Miriam dances after the crossing of the Red Sea, praising God's work, she is a theologian. When the prophets of the Old Testament wonder about invaders and exile, it's theology.

When does theology become a part of your life? Do you have conversations with others about God? Do you wonder about God's presence in the present? In Sunday school, do you have discussions about the work of God in our lives? Are you open to the idea that God is involved in what happens in life?

For me, that doesn't mean that I think God directs each and every action, but it does mean that God is in how we work our way through what happens. Right now, transportation for my Mom to her various (and numerous) doctors' appointment is a challenge. She has connected with Faith in Action in our community, and they are helping. For me, this is the action of God in our lives, motivating their Executive Director and volunteers to give of their time to help people in this mundane but so necessary aspect of life. I thank God for them. And it shapes my conversations and my theology.