GPiper
May 5th 2003, 04:15 PM
Is there a point where Theology becomes “……a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal,” {1st Corinthians 13:1 RSV} there is no doubt in my mind as to the value of Theology but is there a point where theology must give simple solutions? For example a person who has fallen off a ship does not need to know why a life preserver floats, they simply need the life preserver. A person suffering from hopelessness does not need to know theology of how God’s Spirit can lift them above their feelings of hopelessness they simply need to be lifted up.
And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" {Luke 2:42 – 2:49 RSV}
I see the story of Jesus confronting the theologians when he was 12 years old as suggesting the study of Theology as valuable as it is must somehow give way to the simple ness of the Gospel.
If a point does exist where theology must go beyond the intellect into the “nitty gritty” of life how must that occur?
GPiper
:help: :help:
And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" {Luke 2:42 – 2:49 RSV}
I see the story of Jesus confronting the theologians when he was 12 years old as suggesting the study of Theology as valuable as it is must somehow give way to the simple ness of the Gospel.
If a point does exist where theology must go beyond the intellect into the “nitty gritty” of life how must that occur?
GPiper
:help: :help: