When Theology Meets Life
I was talking with a great friend the other day. We were discussing a trying time he’s been going through similar to some I’ve been through in the past. You know, the gut wrenching type things many of us go through in life that put everything we think we know about our calling, about our lives, even about God into question- even if for only a moment.
That got me thinking. Many times in the Christian blogging and message board world, we American Christians get all worked up over theologies that we hold dear to our hearts. Theologies, that quite honestly, I don’t believe matter as much as many of the petty arguments would suggest.
Don’t get me wrong. I love theology. I think we should constantly develop our view of God and how He works. I hold mine with an open hand and it is constantly being shaped and challenged by the Word of God.
However, I find it interesting that many times these same people who argue adamantly for pet theories and ideas about God have not had to hold those same beliefs while facing sufferings or other trials of many kinds. It makes me wonder…
Does insulation that comes with the blessed American life makes us slightly arrogant in our theology?
Lets say your lot turned out to be that of a modern day Job. If everything in your life were to fall to pieces how would your theology hold up? Would you still love Jesus? Would you still trust in the goodness of God? I hope I would.
Filed under: life, theology | 9 Comments
Tags: american christianity, life, suffering, theology, trials
To answer your question, yes, I would hope and believe that I would and you make a great point. It’s one thing to argue about something, but another thing to live it out earnestly.
Yes, we are arrogant in our theology and we’re worse off because of it.
I’ve been through some past experiences and fortunately, I still love GOD as best as I know how to, and for the most part, still love people.
Sam.
It would be interesting to think about how theology is done in places and times of relative safety and plenty (e.g. early 21st century U.S.) compared to how it is done in places and times of insecurity, poverty, etc. (e.g. in much of the Global South today). Does suffering force us to concentrate on the core of our beliefs, just to keep going? Maybe, at least sometimes. Perhaps it’s different for different people. Just my two cents.
That is a great question. I think the argument definitely has some merit, and we American’s certainly have some advantages in certain areas because of this wonderful nation we live in. However, we are certainly not immune to immense pain and suffering.
I have been in the very real place of “my entire world falling apart”, and I can say that it was my theology and steadfast belief in the fact that I serve a good God, a God that has given me authority on this earth through his Son Jesus Christ, a God that can “bring into existence that which was dead”, that pulled me through, and literally saved a life.
That said, I think we need to be careful not to base theology on life experiences, but on the truth of God’s Word. Circumstances, suffering, and trials that we go through are a part of this natural fallen world. I can’t explain them many times, but I know what the Word says and that is where my faith will remain.
Good comments friends. I agree that our theology should be based solely on God’s Word. Unfortunately, I do not think this is the case for the average American Christian. Often, it seems as if their view of God is very narrow and self centered rather than holistic.
My concern lies in the place where our dear brothers and sisters theology runs into something in their life that contradicts everything they think they know about God. I pray that crises of faith would not arise in such situations.
“Does insulation that comes with the blessed American life makes us slightly arrogant in our theology?”
Yes.
Adam Mabry, eloquent as ever.
100% yes. I think thats why we have more biblical training institutions in America than any other nation, yet of the more than 200 cities in the earth that have been transformed by the Gospel, the western world has none.
Our tendency is to try the next leadership methodology that comes up instead of biblical repentance and intercession. Not that we should neglect theology, but on the contrary, a radical pursuit of the knowledge of God (from the Bible) fused with prayer (individual and corporate) is what is needed.
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks, AP. Love me some stats. I agree, Jesus is the center. We should pursue Him. If we elevate anything over that relationship (theology, prayer, worship, missions, evangelism, discipleship, etc.) we are on dangerous ground. They are all part of the equation and ultimately a means to an end.