Theology on Tap - What is Theology?

 Theology on Tap - Round 1

Our initial gathering started with a question - what is theology?  If we were going to embark on a journey of theological conversation together, I thought it would be nice to a have a talk about what theology means.  Let’s throw some language on the table to talk about God.  Language is important.  This conversation will set the tone for going forward and will give all us participants a similar frame of reference.  

Our inaugural session was held on Thursday, November 14, 2013. 

Here are my notes - again, these are just notes.  I will try to cite when I can and give credit where it is due.  The bones of this discussion come out of the notes from my systematic theology class at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, led by Dr. Vitor Westhelle. 

“What is Theology?”

Theology comes from two greek words. θεός (Theos) - godλόγος (logos) - word, statement, message (This one has more nuances)

Put together they mean “God talk.”  Theology is simply how we talk about God. 

From Frederick Buechner’s Wishful Thinking (Harper Collins: 1973); “Theology is the study of God and of God’s ways.  For all we know, dung beetles may study us and our ways and call it humanology.  If so, we would probably be more touched and amused than irritated.  One hopes that God feels likewise.” (pg. 112)

This concept develops rather late in the life of the early church - around the 4th century.  The early church fathers and mothers did not consider themselves theologians. 

Theology (Theologia) is first used in Plato’s Republic - four centuries before the life and times of Jesus.  This word was used by Plato to describe those who do “fictional work.”  Theologia was not scientific or philosophical discourse and was opposed to philosophy - all subjects that we highly regarded by the Greeks. 

Eusebius - one of the early church fathers - is thought to be the first to use theology in connection to talk about God/Jesus.  Theology then becomes the ‘currency” for all talks about God. 

The historical development of theology has many shifts.  Some important words you may encounter:

Historical Theology - documents that deal with Christian faith

Dogmatic Theology - what are the teachings of the church for today

Moral Theology - Ethics; putting into practice what faith requires

Important names:

Martin Luther - Reformer, Biblical Theologian

Paul Tillich - Systematic Theologian, Philosopher - wrote Systematic Theology in 3 volumes.  A very dense work!

Karl Barth - Pastor, Swiss Reformed Theologian - considered to be “greatest 20th century Theologian, wrote Church Dogmatics (unfinished) in 14 volumes

So who do we listen to?  Where does authority come from?

Irenaeus, a church father from the 2nd century (close to the life and times of Jesus), argues that authority is Apostolic - one who is an eyewitness to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.  Go to the source!

Basil of Caesarea, a church father from the 4th century (farther removed from life and times of Jesus), argues that we need someone to interpret.  Enter the Bishops.  Folks who are educated and can guide us ordinary folk. 

This system begins to break down when money and power became more important than education (sounds familiar!)

Martin Luther (and other reformers of 16th century) - “Sola Scriptura” - Word Alone - Scripture is our authority.  Luther would argue that or authority should be derived from what points us to Christ.  Some parts of scripture - according to Luther - do not point to Christ.  Luther would say, “Of course it is the word of God, but you are not the people.” 

My systematic theology professor, Dr. Westhelle had this to day about theology:

Theology needs to have…

Mouth of Aaron (Exodus 3):  Someone to make the talk of God public, someone to share the story.  This is a humble task.

House of Martha (Luke 10:38-42): We need infrastructure to provide for the hard stuff of sharing the word.  A place to work and listen.  A place of hospitality - let all come to the table.  A place to serve others - serve, preach, provide.

Mind of Thomas (John 20:19-31):  We need to ask the hard questions.  We need to be the critical thinkers.  We need to be able to voice our doubts and still remain at the table and in community with one another.  Thomas was only asking for what the other disciples had already experienced.  And he was with them in the end - he remained in the community. 

Theology is the response to God’s original address to Adam in the garden of Eden - “Where are you?”  Where are we in the world when God is already looking for us?  How to we respond to God’s desire to be in relationship with us - these are the work of theology. 

I hope these were helpful - I will work on formatting them along the way as this journey continues to develop.  Thanks for being a part of this conversation!

Peace, 
Travis