Introduction
I am guilty. I am guilty of a surface level understanding and belief concerning the urgent importance of ‘good’ theology. “Who Needs Theology,” written by Stan Grenz and Roger Olson, dismantles misconceived ideas concerning theology, and successfully urges Christian’s to continue a lifelong pursuit of maturity in faith by means of right theological reflection.
Experience and Truth
Knowledge and experience are intertwined. Mere knowledge is not, and cannot, be the ultimate goal of theology. Satan knows more about God than many, but what does he do with this knowledge? Does experience give rise to sound theology? Grenz and Olson raise these ideas in chapter eight of “Who Needs Theology?” They point out how what is experienced is not necessarily what is true. Their suggestion is to take truth and apply it to our experiences.
This chapter resonated deeply within me, as I have struggled with how godly men and women arrive at different conclusions concerning the same matter. Often different personal experiences can be traced as the reasoning. However, experience is impossible to argue against. Personal experience is a strong factor in both secular and Christian circles. Grenz and Olson simply illuminated how experience often overrides what is true. This section caused me to reflect upon my desperate need for self-control as I often allow emotions from personal experience override what can be determined as true from further study and reflection. Grenz and Olson don’t say experience is bad, but simply how we should be aware of how personal experiences cause interpretation of certain situations around us to be different. We live our lives, and formulate beliefs within the context of experience, so we shouldn’t deny this fact. It’s not a weakness, but simply true. We need to identify and understand our worldview, with the ultimate goal of developing an interpretive framework which views life from God’s perspective. What an encouragement I found within this thought process. An encouragement to study theology, and work towards understanding everything in the world as God perceives it. It’s also humbling because this is impossible to completely obtain.
A Challenge
No one wants to have ‘folk theology’ be the source of their foundation. Grenz and Olson describe four different types of theology within their book. The least thoughtful and reflective was deemed, “Folk Theology. ” Based mostly upon unquestioned tradition and a rejection of critical reflection, it seems many who adhere to certain ‘folk theologies’ would rather not have ‘good’ or sound theology presented to them. Instead of seeing questions as pertinent to seeking and understanding their faith, they see it as a detriment. An illuminating illustration was given in chapter two which described a man walking through the forest with a dim candle. Along comes a theologian and snuffs out the candle. For some, the story ends here. But, in reality the theologian snuffs out the candle and then hands the guy a bright flashlight to find his way through the darkened forest . As I was reading, I realized how often I desire to keep the dim candle, because I am scared of that brief instant when the candle is extinguished and the flash light isn’t switched on. Or, what if the switch doesn’t work? Then I am left with nothing. I would rather stick to the dim truth I know than risk change. It’s humbling to admit you were wrong and to accept someone else’s help.
Conclusion
The three other types of theology Grenz and Olson describe have a common thread of reflection upon the Christian faith, and not unquestioningly accepting things. I was challenged to engage in these types of theological reflection and to accept and seek help from others in this pursuit. Theology is not an isolated exercise, but one experienced and developed in the context of community.
