This could be one of those blog posts that makes people angry, but I'm willing to risk it. There is a lot of discussion in theological circles - and I mean a lot - concerning Reformed theology (called by many Calvinism) and other alternate theories of theological thought. There are other discussions brewing out there that are also raising the hackles in the evangelical community, but I use the above because it is the one that is dominating the scene right now.
This is not an attempt to argue for or against either side of the issue. Instead, what concerns me the most is the climate that surrounds the debate. If I may cut to the chase, many who are involved are downright angry about it. The conversation is more like an argument and it quckly dissolves into an "Us vs. Them" competition. Seminarians are all but throwing punches and churches are splitting apart. It has become less about the kingdom and more about thumping one's chest, convinced that "we" are right and "you" are wrong.
Allow me to be blunt again. If your take on theology invites angry exchanges and polarizes those around you, then you are the problem, not your theology. You can only imagine how damaging this is to the kingdom of God! If we are at our brother's throat with issues of theology, then what must this lost world be thinking?
Is theology important? Absolutely! I love to study theology and I will defend the faith with a fervor. But what I don't get is all these angry guys reading old theology books and almost daring others to challenge their knowledge base. If you want to get mad, then get mad at sin and agonize over the lost, not over interpretive principles.
2 comments:
How dare you say such a thing!?
I'm not serious of course in saying that. It is something that we have to be really careful over, debating theology and getting angry. I know I can certainly testify to this. I often have frustrations with other theologies, but I do my best to not be angry. I'm not one to go out and find someone with a theology who disagrees with me and attack that position. It is really easy to fall into sin when one is studying the things of God. Our theology should not lead us to hateful discussion with brothers, but rather it should lead us to joy in an understanding and genuine fellowship with the Triune God.
Thanks for the good reminder to a student of theology.
soli deo gloria
Allen, I knew I'd find you here. Most would read this and automatically think that I'm slamming on guys who are Reformed, but then I'd have to slam a bit on myself. This goes on both sides. I can remember sitting in Hardees in Wake Forest in the early 90's listening to guys go at each other over trivial bits of theology and I scratched my head back then too.
This post was inspired by a conversation I had with a dear friend today who relayed a story about a guy who is too tight in his theological beliefs, to the point that he'll tell you that if you don't believe as he does then you must be believing another gospel.
I don't care if you are a 7-pointer (is there such a thing) or a stinkin' Armenian as long as you 1) Have a heart hot for the gospel and seeing the lost come to Christ and 2) You aren't mad about what you believe.
You, sir, are not mad, even when I've given you a hard time. I appreciate that about you.
Post a Comment