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.

An Analogy

I was on the road Tuesday and Wednesday, and I listened the entire audiobook of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. 

To hear the whole book in what felt like one sitting was an odd experience.  The advantage is that I heard the whole book as one piece, each part fitting togehter with the other parts to make a cohesive unit.  I must admit, however, that it was a large amount of information to digest in one large gulp.  I think I might have retained more if I had read it chapter by chapter and given it some thought as I went along.  I have read the book before, and this was a different way to encounter it.

Several images from the book stand out in my mind, including this one to explain Theology.  One man might say to you, "I have seen God, and I don't need your theology to explain him: I have experienced him."  Lewis says that is true, as far as it goes, and he agrees with the man to a point.

Consider that you are standing beside the ocean, feet in the surf.  It is a wonderful experience.  It is much better than looking at a map of the ocean.  However, the useful thing about a map is that it is a composite of many people's views and knowledge of and about the ocean -- not just yours.  And if you goal is to cross the ocean -- if you have a destination -- then you will need the map.  Standing, looking at the ocean won't get you there.

The same can be said of theology.  An experience of God is wonderful -- a gift.  Theology is a combination of many people's experiences of God, and it is a way for you to move beyond your own, personal experience, to a place of growth.

I like the analogy.