Why bother with theology? Because everybody’s already doing it! Everyone thinks in some way about the ultimate meaning of his or her life. Whether negatively or positively “What’s a good life?” “Is there anything after death?” “Is there a God?” Will we do theology thoughtfully and well or carelessly and poorly?

The Goal of Theology Faith seeking understanding Understanding of theology grows out of the relationship of faith. Bringing your whole self into relationship with God. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30

Why not just keep it simple?

Diderot, “Wandering in a vast forest at night, I have only a faint light to guide me. A stranger appears and says to me: 'My friend, you should blow out your candle in order to find your way more clearly.' This stranger is a theologian.”

Why not just keep it simple? We can’t ever understand God. Isn’t faith more about loving God, rather than understanding Him? “It’s not what you believe in, it’s who you believe in that really matters.” Is this true? To keep loving a person, and showing that person love, don’t you need to understand him or her, at least a bit?

Is theology a killjoy? Needlessly complicates things and takes the joy away. Puts a barrier between us and God. Fruit and vegetables in the laboratory? Scientific study of fish and game animals? Psalm 19:7-10

Is theology divisive? Theology causes heated debates about things that don’t really matter. Look at all the church divisions since the 16th century. But is every debate about something that doesn’t matter? Matthew 10:34 – “I did not come to bring peace…” Theology unites – Love INC and the Apostles’ Creed

Is theology a stalemate? Why talk about it when we can never arrive at a final answer? “Pan-millennialism” Crucial doctrine versus mere difference of opinion Wide consensus on what’s at the center of Christian faith—accomplishment of early church, the “Great Tradition” God is glorified when we talk about Him—what better subject do we have?

Theology connects to life People are transformed by their belief in Christian theology People find peace and strength for daily living in their beliefs about Jesus Christ People are motivated to change the world around them on the basis of their beliefs

Teach what is consistent with sound doctrine.” Titus 2:1

Pietist Theology Reaction against doctrine without life Lutheran scholasticism in 18th and 19th centuries Lutheran creeds, worship forms without life Sought “new life” in Christ Retained strong connection to Scripture and “Great Tradition (Apostles’ & Nicene Creeds) Emphasized relationship, both with God and with others (“Mission Friends”) Enjoyed healthy discussion of doctrine, but refused to divide over non-essentials

Theological Dangers of Pietism Subjectivism – “It’s true for me.” Schleiermacher – “It’s about what’s going on in me.” It’s about what happens with me rather than about what God is doing. Emotionalism – “Faith is about feelings.” Legalism – New life becomes a set of rules. Spiritual pride – “True Christianity,” Johann Arndt

Friendship (Mission Friends) Knowing and Loving God Christian life as friendship Christian mission as friendship Focus outward Relationship before rules The Bible’s understanding of community (see the “new perspective” on Paul) God Himself is a “society of friends.”