I Call You My Friends
As my dear friend strolled through the Louvre last year, he spotted this 7th Century icon and immediately thought of me. The astounding thing about this tile is that Jesus is presented as a friend to St. Mina (a 3rd century Coptic ascetic and martyr). The title: I Call You My Friends (http://www.monasteryicons.com/product/christ-the-true-friend-icon-166). Before my friend traveled to Paris, we discussed in depth John 15.15 and my friendship with Jesus. A few years prior, I heard in my heart the invitation from Jesus to be his friend. I laughed with joy as I unpackaged this tile which now sits on the mantle in our living room for all to see that life with Jesus is really about friendship with Jesus. Good theology begins and ends with friendship with Jesus.
As a student of theology, local church pastor, local high school history teacher, and most importantly Jesus’ friend, I was actually excited to delve into McGrath’s 5th Edition of Christian Theology. Agreeing with McGrath that theology is more than a set of ideas, but about, “making possible a new way of seeing ourselves, others, and the world, with implications for the way in which we behave” (McGrath 102), I expected to read and learn more about my, and my fellow Christians’, friendship with Jesus. Unfortunately, halfway through the “Getting Started” chapter, my “textbook allergies” started to act up. Where Who Needs Theology by Grenz & Olson makes a compelling case, and indeed extends a strong invitation for every Christian to start a relationship with theology through which we deepen our friendship with Jesus, for the nonprofessional academic, McGrath does neither. Using Grenz & Olson’s theology continuum (folk, lay, ministerial, professional, academic) to locate Christian Theology, I would create a subset under academic called, “student of academia.”
A professional Christian myself, and a history teacher, I understand the realities of needing textbooks. For me, it’s like the pollen that causes me to sneeze, before the beautiful leaf forms on the trees in my yard. Necessary, but not enjoyable. Textbooks serve best as reference materials for students…only students. I doubt many non-students have read this book. And that illustrates a tension for pastors. We have to convince followers of Jesus that one of the definitions of disciple IS student. Every christian is a theologian, but not many have, or will read, a textbook like this one about theology. Today’s typical church attender would rather read a blog about church relevancy from a pastor like Brian Zahnd (http://blog.echurchgiving.com/do-we-still-need-the-church/#sht=1f06adfa72ba743a54277b42baff33e6) rather than study the different historical periods of the church (McGrath Chs.1-4). I do appreciate the questions at the end of the chapter and the companion website with the answers (http://www.alistermcgrathwiley.com/default.asp)! However, the website is a sign-of-the-times that people are craving a relationship, even with the author of their textbooks. A user can listen to podcasts by McGrath, check out images, and even listen to the first couple of chapters. Each of these links is a form of relationship building.
A friendship is a narrative. The story we live, the story we hear, and the stories we tell are what truly forms us. The current culture I find myself pastoring in is one that holds this narrative in high regard. McGrath states that N.T. Wright’s writings are some of the most important of the 20th century (McGrath 308). I agree and think it true because Wright writes in a more of a narrative style(!) and asserts that “Jesus Christ introduces something radically new, especially in relation to the identity of the people of God” (McGrath 308). Experiencing a friendship with Jesus changes one’s identity more profoundly than mentally assenting to any dogma or doctrine like the “two natures” formula (McGrath 266). A concern though is that Christians should know about things like the two natures of Jesus. It is just like Steven Covey’s famous habit of success that states we should begin with the end in mind. For Christians, we should know the different views of how this all ends (McGrath Ch18). But at at the end of the day (pun intended!) most people I am in contact with will not take the time to work through the chapter and questions and come up with a workable theology regarding eschatology. My friends simply want the emotional assurance that when a loved one dies, they make it to heaven.
Even though the new (and old) Christians who are part of the Hub Vineyard Church do not have a clue of what transubstantiation (McGrath 417) and consubstantiation (McGrath 420) are, nor do they care, the future academic who will communicate with fellow future academics, are expected to know the material in this book. The local church pastor should have this book on the shelf for reference because we do not have the luxury of being only concerned with current “relevant” events. My dream is that the next edition of this book will include a new chapter heavy with application. For example, given the doctrine of the trinity (McGrath Ch10) how do we respond to the current refugee crisis? What do the doctrine of human nature, sin, and grace (McGrath Ch14) have to say about current American definitions of marriage? Finally, how does the doctrine of the church (McGrath Ch15) inform various “new” forms of church? For me, theology looses it’s importance when it is not contextualized in friendship with Jesus.
PS. As I am proofreading this, I receive an email form the Barna Group (https://www.barna.org/barna-update/culture/735-the-state-of-books-and-reading-in-a-digital-world) explaining the disastrous reading habits of Christians.
About the Author
Aaron Peterson
I am a working priest which means that I am a husband(to Lisa), dad(to four wonderful children), senior pastor and church planter(The Hub Vineyard Church), and high school social studies teacher(Verdugo Hills High School LAUSD). I am currently working towards a DMIN in Leadership & Global Perspectives @George Fox Seminary.5 responses to “I Call You My Friends”
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Thanks Aaron, great blog and you nailed yourself to your assignment, pastor and history teacher, very equipped for the theological task. Your great statement, “Every Christian is a theologian, but not many have, or will read, a textbook like this one about theology”, they probably want but let’s look at pastor’s theological task.
What is the pastor theological task, it requires a clear sense of pastoral priority, a keen pastoral ear and careful attention to the theological dimensions of church life and Christian discipleship? This has to be the foundational to the ministry of the local church, and ministry must be the pastor’s stewardship of the theological task,
In a very real sense, Christians live out their most fundamental beliefs in everyday life. One essential task of the pastor is to feed the congregation and to assist Christians to think theologically in order to demonstrate discernment and authentic discipleship. All this must start with the pastor. The preacher must give attention, study, time and thought to the theological dimensions of ministry. A ministry that is deeply rooted in the deep truths of God’s Word will be enriched, protected and focused by a theological vision. The pastor’s concentrated attention to the theological task is necessary for the establishment of faithful preaching, God-honoring worship and effective evangelism.
It is a great blog and you are being elevated to next level. God is faithful, Are you ready to share the task with other leaders? Thanks Rose Maria
Aaron,
Great blog! I love your “textbook allergy” comment. How do you think practically we as local pastors can get our congregations involved or interested in theological thought or reflection to bring greater depth and understanding of what it means to follow Jesus, beyond eternal salvation?
Aaron
Aaron P,
Good blog. Probably one reason most Christian church congregants do not read theological material in general, is because they do not have exposure to such material and even if they do, they are not usually able to discern what is in harmony with Christian orthodox teachings. Rather than getting involved in a heresy or false teaching, they rely primarily on the pastor to educate them or provide relevant resources. Church libraries can be helpful in this respect by offering congregants material on a wide range of theological themes and doctrines. People are inquisitive and want answers to life’s challenges and mysteries. It might be surprising to see how many are willing to study and acquire a greater understanding of the saga of Christianity.
Great read, Aaron!
I was just thinking of the same verse this afternoon. There is theological truth in understanding that Jesus is our friend, but there is also theological repercussions that occur from that realization. Are we affected by the actions of Christ?
Judah Smith is one of the most eccentric theologians of our time. However, he’s been able to engage a whole entire culture with one simple phrase: Jesus Christ is obsessed with us. This type of love is not simply a starting block to our foundation with Christ, it’s a building block that must continue, in order to keep us motivated and compelled towards God’s purpose. God’s burden is people; therefore, our burden must be people.
You stated a good point when you said, “We have to convince followers of Jesus that one of the definitions of disciple IS student.” It’s the convincing that’s the hard part. We can convince ourselves to purchase books on leadership, church structure, business marketing and invest in Lifeway stock; however, if we forget to remain teachable, our pursuit is worthless.
One of Jesus’ greatest positions in scripture was His stance as Rabbi and student. He taught and explained the Word of God in such simple terms, but his foundation was steeped in His alone time with the Father. I love McGrath’s letter to teachers. He states, “Christian theology is a subject which ought to excite students” (McGrath, xxvii). In order to be a passionate theologian, one must be an engaged student. We must never lose our awe and passion for Christ. We must always chose to sit before His presence and remain teachable – We must be like Mary in a Martha world.
Aaron:
The 7th Century icon does look like you!
I am interested in how you arrived at the genesis of linking McGrath to your quote – ” We have to convince followers of Jesus that one of the definitions of disciple IS student. Every christian is a theologian, but not many have, or will read, a textbook like this one about theology.” Isn’t the purpose of McGrath, and other theological writers, to present material and for God to sort out how this is received and then disseminated?
“My dream is that the next edition of this book will include a new chapter heavy with application.” Is that the point, or is that the purpose of McGrath’s book? Should McGrath be the one that gives the “revelation” or is the job of academic theology to just give us the facts and foundation?