Context is Everything
So this week I finally figured out my problem (okay, ONE of my problems)! In theological discussions, I have been expecting others to view theology contextually and, more to the point, to contextualize theology along the same model or lens which I use.
I have to be honest, the idea that theology must always be contextual is kind of a “duh” statement to me. The problem with that is that I forget that there are many people who follow what Stephen Bevans calls “classical theology,” expecting all theology to be somehow objective and scientific.[1] In truth, there is no such thing as objective theology that is experienced by humans. It just isn’t possible. Human beings view everything through the lenses created by their context. Place, time, social community, experiences, and people of influence all make up facets through which we filter Scripture, ideas about God, and our view of how we should respond. The closest we can get to some form of objectivity is by finding others who have vaguely similar lenses to sharpen the focus. Stephen Garner notes, “All theology is inherently contextual, in that it has been shaped by the historical, social, and cultural contexts of the individuals and communities doing theology.”[2] Not only is it impossible to do theology objectively, it is impossible to do it alone.
In his book, Models of Contextual Theology, Bevans lays out six different models of contextual theology. He does a masterful job of explaining the varying models, as well as helping the reader to understand both the value and the critiques of each model. It was easy for me to find my “place” in these models. I lean toward the Praxis Model, with just a dash of the Transcendent Model. For those who haven’t read the book, that means I tend to contextualize theology in a way that demands reflective action. It is not enough to know, I believe we must do.[3] I also believe that there are some things we cannot understand or put into words until we transcend into a place where those things become real, so that follows the Transcendent Model.[4] That sounds pretty “out there” until it is understood that this transcendence comes through the disciplines and formation that moves us closer and closer to the likeness of Christ. It is no different than me saying that my understanding of love has dramatically shifted from the first crushes of my teen years to the steadfast love of 30 years of marriage. Sometimes you just can’t know until you get there.
So, recognizing the models or lenses through which I do theology is crucial to my continued growth, but it is equally as important that I be able to recognize and understand the lenses through which others do theology. What feels like a never-ending argument, may simply be two people or communities viewing the exact same Scriptures and ideologies through different lenses. Understanding this may not solve disagreements or bring about theological unity, but recognizing different contextualizations in each other may allow us to ease out of our mutually defensive poses long enough to listen to each other, and then go about the work of the Kingdom with much less “us versus them” in the process.
With that idea in mind, let me shift back to the original thought, that there is simply no such thing as a pure, objective theology without context. It is my sincere belief that people come closer together and closer to God’s vision of community when we take the time to listen to each other’s stories. I also believe that we cannot possibly share the love of God with people in a way that matters to them without understanding their contexts. Good theology that draws people to Christ is not a long-distance endeavor; it requires relationship. I would also submit that the best way for us as the church to “practice” this sharing/listening/understanding thing is with each other first. Maybe this would lead to fewer gatekeepers and heresy hunters, and more partners and companions in faith.
[1]. Stephen B. Bevans, Models of Contextual Theology, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009), 3.
[2]. Stephen Garner, “Contextual and Public Theology: Passing Fads, or Theological Imperatives?” (Inaugural Lecture, Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, 2015), 21.
[3]. Stephen B. Bevans, 70-71.
[4]. Ibid., 103.
About the Author
Kristin Hamilton
16 responses to “Context is Everything”
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Great post Kristin. I just wonder in all this talk of context and culture and lenses and subjectivity what happens to the “sound doctrine” of scripture, the calling out of heresy down through the ages, the need for orthodoxy and apologetics. I, too, am allergic to the heresy seekers and the internet gatekeepers and watchmen (!), but equally there has to be such a thing as truth, sound doctrine, and faith to be defended?
Geoff, I would argue that that “sound doctrine”, seeking to prevent heresy, happens when a local contextual theology is practiced IN LIGHT OF the global hermeneutical community. In other words, a local community should be developing contextual theology through the lens of tradition (past theologies, etc.). They could also offer it up for scrutiny by other branches of the contemporary church. When you, as a Pentecostal, share your church’s theology with us, it allows our view of God and the world to be enriched, but it also allows us to speak into potential damaging aspects of it. That, I believe, provides “checks & balances” for a particularly local theology.
Geoff, I get your point. There is a very fine line between bowing to context and contextualizing theology. But contextualizing is what SAVES sound doctrine. Without it, we would still be subjugating slaves and women. We would never question Origen or Aristotle. We wouldn’t have apologetics or the great heresy battles. It is context that makes us say, “Hey, wait a minute. I don’t think that’s who God is.” Culture and context, along with our personal and communal experiences of God are what make us wrestle with past interpretation and present preaching. It also helps us do what Jesus did when he said, “The kingdom of God is like…”
Thank you for the push back.
Kristin, I agree with your emphasis on discussing things in a way that doesn’t create a “us vs. them” situation. We don’t learn as much if we can’t sit down and listen to others.
I agree with the ‘praxis’ theological perspective up to a point. Jesus showed us how to do theology.
But, Jesus also went about preaching. What did He preach? The Scriptures of course. Jesus, Paul, and the church fathers (and mothers) through the ages have kept the Scriptures as their fail safe position in this ever-changing world.
Hundreds of thousands of martyrs have been willing to die for their faith – the faith of the Bible. There is something more real here going on than just discussions. It’s a tremendous topic and I’m looking forward to more of your thoughts at chat!
Good point, Mary. It’s interesting to me, though, that Jesus preached Scripture in the temple, but preached contextually in the streets. He said things like, “The Kingdom of God is like…” and then spoke about things the people knew. I think that’s how we contextualize theology – we take Scriptural contexts and make them plain so that they become personal to the people and communities we are loving.
I hope we get to talk more about this tomorrow!
Kristen, you make some excellent points in your post. When you say, “Human beings view everything through the lenses created by their context. Place, time, social community, experiences, and people of influence all make up facets through which we filter Scripture, ideas about God, and our view of how we should respond.” you are summarizing the reason for many of the challenges in the church historically and today. I agree that relationship is the answer. Great post Kristen! BTW; We chose the same title for our posts!
Great minds, Jim. 🙂
Like Katy said, great minds Jim!
You are so right that the contexts bring great challenges. Relationships are messy, which makes us want to “streamline” evangelism. Sadly, that makes it transactional rather than loving, which misses the point of the gospel altogether.
Yes Kristin! We share many of the same sentiments when it comes to practicing theology. Not only listening to one another but doing it with an open heart and mind is what is needed. In doing so, we allow ourselves to step into someone’s context and see the world from their point of view.
I agree with you and do believe that their is hope for the Church is we are willing to do it first with each other and then with others as we engage with our culture and the world.
Right, Christal? Somehow we need to figure out how to love each other through our differences, have conversations without verbally slapping each other, and then engage.
Thanks Kristin. “It is my sincere belief that people come closer together and closer to God’s vision of community when we take the time to listen to each other’s stories.” Yes and yes and yes!
This is hopeful, and I suppose needs to start with us asking for that story to be told (and then listening), rather than seeking to share our story first.
Yes Katy! My goal for this year is to hear more stories, listen to more personal truths, and develop better understandings of people from different cultures and contexts. Next stop, Israel/Palestine!
Love this! “It is my sincere belief that people come closer together and closer to God’s vision of community when we take the time to listen to each other’s stories.” You have the makings of a great counselor! Beautifully said.
Yes! Relationship is what gives us the right to be heard. Without that, there is no love or connection and we truly are a noisy gong or clanging cymbal.
Haha, I don’t think I have the patience to be a counselor, Jen. But I do love hearing people’s stories, and I love the truth that we only earn the right to speak into people’s lives through relationship.
Practicing sharing and listing to each other is a great start. As shepherds we need to mingle and communicate with our sheep so that we can learn and understand who they are.
That’s what I love about our Cohort, we take time to share and listen to each other. We are then able to minister to each other based on who we are.
That’s what I love about us too, Lynda! The things I’ve learned from you all have been so helpful and have helped me grow. It’s a great model for the way we minister.