What is theology good for? Part 1

That, my friends, is a question in a list of six that I am reflecting on for my first official seminary paper due next week. What is it good for?

After you've run screaming from the thought that you too can and do theology, it's time to sit and scratch your head, rub your chin, or pace a new hole in your living room carpet.

I've held to this Augustinian phrase "theology is faith seeking understanding." It seems to tie the whole proposition up very neatly...whatever amount of faith I possess (and if you have already looked at this Sunday's lesson* about wanting more faith and finding that you have what you need) helps me to see that God is everywhere I look. I was reminded today that it also depends on what word you emphasize in that phrase. Are you questioning your faith, are you seeking something or are you understanding what's going on?

Well, I guess that I'm seeking...a lot of things. I'm seeking knowledge, context, and practical applications of Christian faith today. I am seeking ideas and partnerships that encourage and inspire young people to join me on this faith seeking journey. I am tackling abstract and divisive ideas about theology and trying to make them concrete and real.

Theology is also good for taking risks. As we get older, we tend to want to take fewer risks with out lives, especially when it deals with things that we hold to be true...and of which religion is a HUGE part. I intrinsically know why people run and scream when they are asked to share their faith or to even consider a new opinion because of the vulnerability that takes place. It's also at this place where we find Jesus next to us, urging us on to greater things because his way is about taking risks. Go out and preach with only what I have with me now? Whatever! Don't say goodbye or put my affairs in order. You're kidding, right?

The idea of being a seeker reminds me of Quidditch, the soccer/rugby/??? game of the Harry Potter series. Faith can be like the golden snitch...flying around here and there and causing the one seeking to be able to be flexible and agile. You may be able to catch it once in a while and think that you have won, but another match begins. You take the lessons that you have learned, and you apply them to the next situation as you seek greater understanding.

Maybe you're not a risk taker, but you allow yourself to sit in worship every week and you listen to the Word of God. You also make a choice...any of which comes with some set of risks. You can take the challenge of the Good News and use it, you can creatively edit the parts of the Good News for your own purpose, or you can reject it. Any of these (and there are more) will (don't freak out) change your understanding. You are trying to make sense of the Word based on your experiences, traditions, and beliefs. You are, in fact, doing theology.

Now...I'll admit that this is the beginning of my musing for my paper and I'm trying to seek some understanding myself. I hope not to bore you all too much or make you itch in places that are well...uncomfortable (figuratively speaking). I'm also going to try out a few more questions in hopes of something comprehensive coming together.

I appreciate feedback...

*Sunday's Gospel is Luke 17:5-10...we're still trying to get the Pharisees to see what they don't get...

Peace,
Tina