THREE PROBLEMS OF THEOLOGY

1. THREE PROBLEMS OF THEOLOGY BY TERRY A. CHRISOPE, Ph.D.

2. THREE PROBLEMS • In the recent past, there have been evident at least three problems connected with the study of theology: • 1. ABSTRACTION FROM LIFE • 2. ACADEMIC ISOLATION • 3. ACCESSION TO THE CULTURE

3. THREE PROBLEMS • 1. ABSTRACTION FROM LIFE • The intellectual discipline known as theology has too often been separated from the human life that is to be lived before God. The ultimate concern of theology should be with God in his relationship with humans, and thus with human life as it is to be lived before God, hence my life as lived unto God.

4. THREE PROBLEMS • Theological study should involve not only correct thinking about God but also good living before God. It should involve a consideration of the question, How can we use what we learn to glorify God, to live well before him, to do his will, to cause his name to be honored in this world, to enjoy him ?

5. THREE PROBLEMS • 2. ACADEMIC ISOLATION • Theological study has been relegated to the academy and divorced from the life of the church. At our distance of two millenia from the New Testament era, there may indeed be a need for special training for those who minister the Word of God; but the New Testament itself does not envision any locus for such training apart from the local congregation.

6. THREE PROBLEMS • In our day of emphasis on professionalization and academic credentials, the study of theology needs to be undertaken as an adjunct of church life, with a concern for the church, and with the goal of feeding theological truth back into the church.

7. THREEPROBLEMS • 3. ACCESSION TO THE CULTURE • Modern theological study has often taken its cues from the surrounding culture instead of occupying the ground established by divine revelation and thus speaking an alien word to the culture. In recent times this has meant surrendering the concept of “truth” and acceding to the relativism of modern thought,

8. THREE PROBLEMS • relegating “religion” to the realm of subjective personal preference. In contrast, the core of a common Christian theology must be seen as the expression of divinely-revealed truth, valid for and making claims upon all people.

9. CONCLUSION • This course has been designed in an effort to overcome these problems and to manifest, in contrast, applicability to life, orientation toward the church, and fidelity to the biblical revelation.