For those following along with this blog, let me simply state that I am blogging as a fellow seeker. I am not looking for all the answers just some space to raise pertinent questions. In the gospels Jesus asked questions in response to the questions posed to him. The problem: those asking Jesus questions were not seeking dialogue, they had the answers, they simply needed Jesus to agree. I find that is still true on many levels today. Since the formal establishment of the church and "proper" classical biblical training which includes systematic theology, we have seemingly been given all the answers. From Augustine and other Patristic fathers we have a wealth of doctrinal material. In the 8th century John of Damascus produced a treatise of established Eastern Orthodox faith. Thomas Aquinas later would add his thoughts in Summa Theological. The study of Theology includes Paterology - concerning God the Father; Christology - concerning God the Son; Pneumatolgy - concerning God the Holy Spirit. That list does not cover all the "ologies" but that is enough on that subject. My point is in what ever expression of Christian faith you adhere to, if you go to an authorized seminary or attend one of their franchise outlets you will be taught "correct" theology.
Nothing has changed from Jesus' day. Mind you there is nothing wrong with sound theology - now if more folks can get in on the dialogue it might be easier to determine a broader understanding of soundness. What I see Jesus doing in the gospels is involving a variety of different people to the dialogue of faith in God. That truly disturbed the "theologians" of the day. A conversation on faith and following God is more lively when you have former prostitutes, tax collectors, cursing fishermen, and recently resurrected folks at the dinner table than with a bunch of folks over for dinner who have "systematically" solved the issue of God and sound faith. The former dinner guest list is much more messy but very colorful. The later dinner guest list will answer your questions but leave you mostly clueless in how to follow faith in an often savage world lacking fairness and justice.
Psalm 15* raises the question; "Yahweh, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get in on your guest list?" The answer is simple and straightforward; "Walk straight, act right, tell the truth." Much theological mussing has been given to define walking straight, acting right, and telling the truth. Yet the Psalmist finds it relatively easy, "Don't hurt your friend, don't blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe." This is plain and simple: love God and love your neighbor as yourself. The Psalmist makes life with God livable and practical. It calls us to make an honest living, engage in life, live faith and give grace.
*The Message Version
No comments:
Post a Comment