I am reading Christopher A. Hall's Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers. Chapter 2, The Modern Mind and Intepretation is most interesting.It was commented that "modern theologians have been tempted by their own hubris to think they can achieve more than is reasonably or humbly possible". We are to beware of spiritually ill theologians who produces sick theology.
I have heard several times some comments about how one theologian or teacher was being influenced by some trends of teaching. One example of which was with regards to this group of people who thought and taught that the Old Testament is and should be read in isolation of the New Testament. They are not refuting the NT, only that messages from the OT can stand on its own. I have a lecturer of whom I felt fall into this category. When I first encountered him, I was not aware of it but soon, I realised and began to question some points in his lectures and teachings.
But my concern is more this: who's to know, that in time to come, would there be people questioning the theology thought and strand I on the other hand is taking?
Maeghan
Picture by Kjell-Einar Pettersen
Maeghan,
ReplyDeleteTheology - now there's a loaded word: it is man's understanding of God's ways.
I don't think there is a person on the planet that has theology that isn't tainted by dogma, traditions, culture, and plain old upbringing.
Here is my look: God's truths are eternal and unchanging, but we are fickle and selfish. Our human nature bends God's truths to accomodate our life, lifestyle, or even our beliefs about God.
Our best bet is to study the scripture and make decisions, not based on our 'gut' instinct, but rather on the foundations in the Word.
Recall in Jesus' temptation, that Satan quoted verse at Jesus. Jesus, quoted verse right back at him. I fear that this trick of Satan is use to this day on many Christians and they say: 'since it is in the Bible it must be true.' It is issues of context and intent, and make sure that our understanding is based on the full Gospel, and not just a convenient subset.
The definition of a Christian heretic is someone who's theology omits sections of the Bible, or who perverts the Word into something that it is not.
I would have to say that arguing that the OT stands on its own, is Christian heresy, but I would also say that a lot of Christians ignore the OT and this is every bit as much heresy.
The bottom line for me is that I need to have faith that God will direct my steps and His word is a light unto my feet. I need to diligently study the word so that I can recognize faulty thinking.
God Bless
Doug
I don't think there is a person on the planet that has theology that isn't tainted by dogma, traditions, culture, and plain old upbringing.
ReplyDeleteHow true.
Our best bet is to study the scripture and make decisions, not based on our 'gut' instinct, but rather on the foundations in the Word.
But I think that is the problem, what is food to one is poison to another, what is 'gut' to one is foundation to another.
The bottom line for me is that I need to have faith that God will direct my steps and His word is a light unto my feet. I need to diligently study the word so that I can recognize faulty thinking.
Amen to that :)
modern theologians have been tempted by their own hubris to think they can achieve more than is reasonably or humbly possible
ReplyDeleteI don't know. I think a lot of Catholic theologians might have said his round about 1517 AD+.
who's to know, that in time to come, would there be people questioning the theology thought and strand I on the other hand is taking?
I think you are saying that you might be standing on the truth, and everyone else might question it. I could not agree more. If 1 Tim 4 says anything at all, it says that even the teachers of Christians can still be wrong.
An awful lot of really smart people with really prestigious degrees have been wrong. One more reason all my favorite authors are dead. They have stood the test of time.
Codepoke,
ReplyDeleteOne more reason all my favorite authors are dead. They have stood the test of time.
And I thought I was one of your favorite authors... rofl. Rumors of my demise are greatly exagerated.
My realm buddies, Rich and Ken, on the other hand... well I think I am going to call Rich today to see how he is handling withdrawl...lol I miss his posts.
God Bless
Doug
codepoke,
ReplyDeleteyes, in one sense I am saying that but in another sense, everyone at one time do follow one trend or another and sooner or later more trends will arise? I don't know.
But as Doug has mentioned, it all has to go back to having faith that God will direct us.