Novice Beginnings

The question has recently and in various ways posed to me: what is theology and who is the theologian? It is a fair question given the very turbulent historical reality of theology and the Christian tradition. Does theology belong solely to pastors and mature congregants? Or is it purely an academic discipline dominated by the ruling social class?

The Protestant Reformation left its mark on the Western world and deemed all Christian people to be theologians (i.e. priesthood of all believers). This resounds with every blood cell in my body. Theologians, I think, can look very different given their course of life. Highly specialized academic theology is not the only place deep theological inquiry takes place. Wisdom does not demand a long bibliography. Life itself gives wisdom and living in dialogue with culture brings theological insight. Praxis is part of theology......it is a partner to what many term "theory" theology done in the ivory (red brick in my experience) tower of academia.

But, does the priesthood of all believers require membership in a traditional church building and community? What can you say to the individuals deeply wounded by church? Must I place membership to a Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Reformed, or Catholic church in order to be part of the Church, the body of Christ?

American Christianity has defined "church" as a community of like minded Christians who socialize and dare to grow in their faith. The community is committed to support each other, but most importantly it should be committed to its witness against prevading culture. It should be strange and perhaps mysterious to outsiders.......it should cause the children of the church to ask 'why are we this way?' But this was not the way I experienced church. Church was a stagnating place refusing to let me grow in a way most central to my being......church refused to let me intellectually prosper forcing roller coaster emotionalism as evidence of my 'spiritual health.'

As it turns out the places that have been true churches to me have not been the typical steeple and chapel setting. The center of my life-giving spiritual growth has been in the academic communities that have allowed me to be most authentically Christian.

More to come.......