Later!

I also admit that I’m perplexed at how some followers of Jesus can hold certain secondary/debatable theological views along side dogmas such as the Trinity, Dual Nature of Christ, Sola Gratia, etc. Of course many of these same people would not admit they are doing so, but their praxis and theological absolutism demonstrates it through and through. In addition to humility, we also need charity when we do theology, specifically Christian Theology. One way in which we can do this, I believe, is to consider various voices (I’m talking about heretical voices!), e.g., Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Bonheoffer, Barth, Jonathan Edwards, Wesley, Spurgeon, etc. etc. These voices all have something to say regarding the person and work of Jesus in the history of redemption, and though I disagree in some ways here and there with each voice, I find each voice important nonetheless.

On another quick point, I think there’s a piece of the theological hubris that comes with baptizing certain voices over and against others, so as to make certain voices “THE” authority on certain matters. For example, Grudem, Piper & Carson (trinity chosen on purpose;-)… These are absolutely excellent voices, but there are others too…Keller, Sproul, McGrath, and certain dead guys like Barth and Bonheoffer and Tozer. My primary voice is Jonathan Edwards, whom I love and disagree with on multiple theological points. Anyhow, my overall point is that our sampling of the voices often times dictates our hermeneutic when it comes to valuing theology, and then making that theology our own. Again, we come back to your point of humility.

As for me, I’ve been studying theology for some time now, and have studied in formal academic institutions as well. Following my seminary experience I’ve had to step back and reassess my own conception of “bulletproof theology.” Why? Because plain and simple there is no “bulletproof theology.” Of course many people would never call theirs ‘bulletproof’ per se, but their actions typically demonstrate otherwise. There have been many times when discussing theology over a beer in a pub that I’ve been shocked to hear certain positions, and how strident those positions have been held, to the degree of my dialog partner accusing me of being heretical in the most cavalier sense. Rubbish!

To add something to your blog post, I’d like to recommend taking a look at a small work by Helmut Thielicke called “A Little Exercise for Young Theologians (Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Exercise-Young-Theologians/dp/0802811981/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311708033&sr=8-1). I was assigned this book in one of my systematic theology classes. The reason I know now that I was out of line then (i.e., arrogant), was because when I read the title of the book I got sort of pissed off. “I’m not a young theologian!” I thought to myself. Well, actually, yes I am, I soon found out. Anyhow, I’ve got to get back to work but thanks for the blog because it got me thinking. Humility by the grace of God!

The other thing that bothers me is how people blame the devil, no it’s that you don’t take time for your spouse or any number of issues. There is a Sin but it’s not the devil, it’s you or your spouses choices.

Marriage is the hardest thing that you can do but with work it can be the most satisfying thing around.

I think the lesson for married folk, is that you have been given a great blessing, and you need to use it to bless others – not just hoard it to yourself. You have been given love and companionship – now give it away.

I kid, I kid…

Marriage is fun, but also challenging because you have to actually think of someone other than yourself on a daily basis! Hooray for sin nature. Definiltey possible for singles, but like you said, “The problem, of course, is that few of us truly pursue God in the way Paul described. We just wait for life to impress upon us it’s own sanctification.”

As someone who was married just over a year ago, I personally recall being very annoyed at the onslaught of warnings of how terrible marriage would be. And I know many singles who from time to time wonder ‘if marriage is such a drag, why bother?’ My intention was to push back on this a bit and offer some joyful expectation for marriage. And not just a joy based on sharpening each other, but gasp… joy with real honest fun.

There’s a lot of assumptions here (or possibly just speaking from recent, reoccurring experiences and conversions?).

Why do you assume that sanctification is equal to suffering? Shouldn’t it be a joy that marriage does lead to further holiness? Sure, it might be a stretch to say it’s the definite role of marriage to build holiness (for, that’s the Spirits job anyway). But, if nothing else, can we not fall back on the oft quoted verse of iron sharping iron and look to our spouse as one of the greatest possibilities for this?

Singles can easily become sanctified in a myriad of ways outside of marriage (obviously). But, I think the fear is, why do so few do? I know many singles who are more holy than many married people, and perhaps that’s your point, but I fear the proverbial baby has been thrown out while in your pursuit of cleaning house.

Anyway, I like your blog and glad to see the silence has finally been broken after all these weeks. Keep it up. Always good things to think about.

Yours affectionately,

Nate