THINKING THEOLOGY

 

Thinking Theology

I do not take the Bible literally. Any book or passage has to bear the scrutiny of the questions of; Who is the author? What is its date?  and What is the purpose? We  bring literary criticism to the entire scripture.  Bible is a rich, artistic, mystical and spiritual library, not a law book. It is a book containing story, history, poetry, biography, prophecy, letters and propaganda. The gospels each were written to convert Jews or Gentiles to Christ. The epistles are the teachings and opinions of the writer, limited by his time and place, and not to be taken as universal laws. Like Paul’s teaching about women or homosexuals. It is a gift of great freedom to interpret for ourselves the meanings of the particular passages.

I am not a Creedal Fundamentalist

I examine the creeds and beliefs of the church with a critical eye. The doctrine of the Trinity was the church’s struggle to define God, one in three persons. How to hold the monotheism of the Jews and still accept other ways that God was perceived, namely son and holy spirit? The complex and ambiguous formula suited the need of he church at a particular time in history.

Then there was the problem of Jesus. Defined as truly God and truly man is a good formula. But it is vague and paradoxical. Our professor of Dogmatic Theology, Julian Victor Langmead Casserly in 1965 said the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation were the beginning of a discussion, not the end. These are not historical events. They are ideas, concepts and notions of men and perhaps women to think about God and Jesus.

(This why I do not like the Creeds in public worship. Newcomers are put off by what seems like what you have to believe to belong. Many don’t want such a demand without thinking first. The Creed are better sung in public worship. The Creed are songs of faith, not  doctrinal demands.)

I worship and thus believe. My beliefs are  caught up in worship. I honor my rational mind and critical thinking and throw myself into the wonders of worship. The Bible, creeds, music, colors, smells, bells, intercessions, readings, confession, processions, vestments, singing, chanting, bowing, genuflecting, making the sign of the cross, listening, good sermons and the community of sinners and winners are the glories of my worship. Rational thinking and fine worship co-exist quite nicely.

RWC