Ash heap Theology
I’m holding my copy of Who Needs Theology? in one hand and my newspaper in my other hand today [yes, I’m part of the proud few who still subscribe to a hard copy newspaper], and I’m flummoxed over what to say, how to respond to our country’s choice of president. Clearly, we who have critically reflected on the life and work of Jesus, on the transformation of life and lives, and on the future of God’s people—clearly, we have missed the opportunity to translate our understanding of the good news of God into a way that can be reflected on by the person in the pews on either side of the aisle. It is evident to me today that versions of folk theology continue to dominate those who identify as Christians, even twenty years after Grenz’ and Olson’s book, Who Needs Theology?
Here are some thoughts and questions I’ve reflected on today:
- I think the election results coming so closely on the heels of reading Grenz’ and Olsen’s book has placed me in a dangerous situation of responding to the text too quickly in light of the events, without space to sit, mourn, and reflect. I confess that I’m having a hard time separating out and considering constructive, contextual theology without considering yesterday’s events. I would like to sit in the ashes for a bit before determining the extent to which the readings in my left and right hands intersect.
- Rich vs. poor. Urban vs. rural. White vs. people of color. Good vs. bad. Left vs. right. Folk vs. academic. Our theology must be much more nuanced than these dichotomies.
- Because of my own reading of scripture, my theology of human identity, I cannot quickly dismiss those who chose the Republican nominee as people who are “less than”, especially less than me as a Christian (although I am beyond angry at them right now and struggle to reconcile the apparent xenophobia with the words of Jesus).
- It seems dangerous to offer a spectrum model of potential theological extremes with “me” or potentially those like me in the middle, balanced between heady academic theology and folk theology of the masses (26). It seems presumptuous to suggest that I am exactly where I should be (“just right”), whereas those who process life’s questions differently are “too hot” or “too cold.” Those whom I might identify as “folk theologians” would be (and are) extremely resentful at being considered “thoughtless” or not thinkers. And yet… is it still a useful model?
- Does “academic theology” = liberal? Does “folk theology” = conservative? Too simplistic?
- I like the premise of this book because it affirms for me what I value and strive for: reflecting and articulating the God-centered life and beliefs that we share as followers of Jesus, to glorify God (69). Question—which one of the followers of Jesus wouldn’t want to suggest that they are doing just that (whether or not a person is or isn’t pursuing that way of thinking isn’t my point; but do they assume they are?)
- Grenz and Olsen “fear that Christianity may be in danger of becoming a mere ‘folk religion,’ relegated to realms of sheer subjectivity and emptied of public credibility, unless lay Christians and ministers catch the vision for an intellectually satisfying Christian belief system” (10). Twenty years after writing this book, I wonder how they would assess this fear today. I would suggest that most Christians aren’t looking for an “intellectually satisfying Christian belief system” but something that affirms how they already Do people really want to ask “what does the affirmation of Jesus’ full humanity have to do with how I conduct myself on Monday morning?” (45), or do they prefer to say, “I conduct myself this way, therefore, Jesus must fit this particular characteristic.” Most of us want affirmation, not conviction.
- “The goal of theology is to help us be the believing people of God in the world today” (94). I will continue to pursue that, hopefully humbly, in my own limited context and filtered reading of Scripture (91), yet seeking to listen to the way others’ have filtered it as well. Grenz & Olsen suggest that the limitation set upon us to pursue theology in our own context “may actually be what ultimately drives theology and gives it richness” (91). Perhaps. But I would counter that richness can only truly be gained when a multi-directional sharing of contextual theologies occurs; that is, when I listen to the Holy Spirit helping you read Scripture in your context, it helps broaden my own understanding of God within my context, and vice versa. As a missionary, that is part of my responsibility; not only to contextualize theology for the people in the pews of my own context, but to be a bridge between various contexts, offering opportunities for each to see the richness and broadness of the God we worship, which can only be discovered when multiple contextual theologies are shared.
Beloved fellow theologians, it is good for us to lament our current situation. But then, like a phoenix, we need to rise from our ash heap, roll up our sleeves, and sing out the good news (136-138).
About the Author
Katy Drage Lines
In God’s good Kingdom, some minister like trees, long-standing, rooted in a community. They embody words of Wendell Berry, “stay years if you would know the genius of the place.” Others, however, are called to go. Katy is one of those pilgrims. A global nomad, Katy grew up as a fifth generation Colorado native, attended college & seminary and was ordained in Tennessee, married a guy from Pennsylvania, ministered for ten years in Kenya, worked as a children’s pastor in a small church in Kentucky, and served college students in a university library in Orange County, California. She recently moved to the heart of America, Indianapolis, and has joined the Englewood Christian Church community, serving with them as Pastor of Spiritual Formation. She & her husband Kip, have two delightful boys, a college junior and high school junior.8 responses to “Ash heap Theology”
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Katy great reflections! Yes it is tough to process what we all witnessed. It does leave us with emotions that we do not quite know what to do with. I do think we need to look out into our society and reexamine our convictions as Christians. I love when you wrote “Do people really want to ask “what does the affirmation of Jesus’ full humanity have to do with how I conduct myself on Monday morning?” (45), or do they prefer to say, “I conduct myself this way, therefore, Jesus must fit this particular characteristic.” Most of us want affirmation, not conviction.” The sad truth is most do prefer the affirmation to the conviction. But asking the tough questions like the one you posed above is what we need to reflect on daily. Otherwise our faith will indeed become blind and our religion will become folk.
Oh and LOL at the hard copy newspaper! 🙂
Katy, I’m a little confused. Are you implying that Republicans are “folk theologians” and Democrats are more reflective? Personally I think both parties are two wings on the same bird of prey. The party system is the problem, not the people. (I voted for Evan Mcmullen.(SP?) I had to write his name in.)
Politics aside, your reflections are very deep and really hit on the main questions we should be asking and the fact that we need to ask the right ones. Working out a theology of ethics and love is so increasingly important.
You must get really depressed when you read the paper. God bless you for sticking to it. Many blessings on changing your corner of the world!
Good question, Mary. I started to respond to your post here, but think it best to refer down to Geoff’s comments below, as to how I would refer to our tendency to simplify categories of people in order to dismiss them. That, I believe, is a danger of Grenz’ & Olsen’s spectrum; making sure I am squarely in the middle (the “right place”) and those who disagree with me are at both ends of the radical crazies spectrum. Presumptuous.
Katy,
The past event I believe has many reviewing and seeking a clearer theology of their faith.
I agree that we all at sometimes in our lives seek the word for affirmation. It makes it easier and we don’t have to make any changes. As leader’s we must push through that challenge as Jesus did when Satan challenge him to affirm who he was. “It is written…”
We have to know the word and stand on it
Deep reflections Katy…and yes, way too much folk theology is influencing our leaders, churches, and society. I’m sure you can appreciate how hungry I am for some good reflective theology that will help to bridge people to a relational God who is desperately desiring community with them.
I guess the issue or potential danger of the “folk theology” label for all of us (myself very much included) is that we simply assign it to our opponents, the people we disagree with, those that have different doctrine or an opposing opinion to us? WE are the ones with theological insight, doctrinal purity, political perspective – the others are just ijuts!
I would suggest that most Christians aren’t looking for an “intellectually satisfying Christian belief system” but something that affirms how they already Do people really want to ask “what does the affirmation of Jesus’ full humanity have to do with how I conduct myself on Monday morning?” (45), or do they prefer to say, “I conduct myself this way, therefore, Jesus must fit this particular characteristic.” Most of us want affirmation, not conviction.
THIS!!!!! In my mind you have hit the nail on the head here. Many of us tend to only gravitate to the religion or expression of faith that already feels comfortable for us – one that doesn’t challenge us to grow or make us wrestle with uncomfortable truths or sit with those that we consider ‘other’. ……. On the other hand, I wonder if part of the issue is that in our post-modern context we seem to be much less interested in ‘systems of belief’ in general. I think it is story that tends to be more persuasive in this moment….. and of course, we have a great – the best – story and our theology definitely shapes the kinds of stories we share – and, I would argue, good theology has the ability to transform our stories into stories that point to God’s love, grace and forgiveness.
Thanks so much for this!
I also was struck by your point that “Most of us want affirmation, not conviction.”
I live just a few miles from the Baptist seminary where I received my M.Div. There are some amazing scholars there who have forgotten more about the Bible than I will ever know. Yet, I did not want to spend my D.Min. experience “sharpening my sword.” I did not want to have my beliefs simply reinforced.
I appreciate THE SEVENS so much in that our diversity is our strength. We come from a wide variety of church / theological backgrounds. The goal is not for me to agree with all of you on every point. For me, I find great value in being challenged by your theological perspectives.