Editor's Section




Doing Theology

OK, so we do have theological seminaries and para-seminaries. Wow, is this long apprenticeship in terminology really necessary?

No, it's not. So dabble if you wish but don't feel you need to make a career out of it. We have developed some rules for doing theology. These make a good review for career theologians and an even better caution for those who wannabe distinguished and famous theologians. Here they are:

  • Jesus has something to do with Christianity
  • There's a pretty good chance that Jesus got it right
  • Fix your eyes and your mind on Jesus
  • If you aren't doing ministry, you can't do theology

Taking a look at rule number four, we refer to Luke 14:13Luke 14:13 (NIV)

"But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind."

. Doing theology cannot be an abstract venture. Christianity is not an academic subject. Theology consists in a number of things. Among these are the theologians own concept of God, her/his relationship with God and, not least, their relating God to people through their lives as well as their writing and teaching.

As is the case with any clergy, the litmus test is the question: Who do you invite into your home?