Theology: An Introduction

Well hello there, dear reader friend! It's a pleasure to be with you today to talk about theology. Now, before we dive into the heart of the matter, let me ask you this: have you ever been at a restaurant with a friend and they ordered something you didn't know what it was? Something that sounded exotic and left you wondering, "What on earth is this?"

In a way, theology is like that. It's a complex and nuanced field of study that can leave even the most seasoned scholars scratching their heads. But don't worry, I'm here to help you get a handle on what theology is all about.

At its core, theology is the study of God and what people believe about God. Theology tries to better understand God, and to make sense of the many ways that people have tried to connect with God throughout history.

Now, you might be tempted to think of theology as a dry and dusty academic pursuit--something for fussy scholars who spend their days reading old books and debating obscure beliefs. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Theology is, at its heart, a deeply human search. It's a search to make sense of the mysteries of life and its meaning, and to connect with something greater than ourselves.

Theology can take many different forms, from the academic to the deeply personal. Some theologians spend their time writing dense books about the intricacies of religious dogma (dogma is a fancy word for belief; it’s also a very sarcastic 1999 film directed by Kevin Smith), while others focus on the more practical aspects of how we live out our faith. And while there are certainly disagreements and debates, there is also a great deal of diversity and richness to be found in the many different perspectives and approaches that exist.

So why should you care about theology? Well, for one thing, it can help us make sense of the world around us. It can provide us with a framework for understanding the deeper mysteries of life, and can help us find meaning and purpose in the midst of a confusing and chaotic world. But even more than that, theology can provide us with a sense of awe and wonder, and help us to cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and empathy for our fellow sojourners on this path of life.

In the end, theology is a rich and complex field that has the power to transform lives. It's a discipline that requires intellectual rigor and a deep sense of humility and reverence. So let's open the door to our study of theology with open minds and open hearts, and let us never forget that at the heart of all our theological explorations lies a deep and abiding love for God.

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Take 1: Genesis 2 and 3

Do you ever have a conversation then immediately think, "I wish I would've said that?" I feel that way almost every Sunday. So this blog will be a place where I share things that I wish I would have said or things that were cut from the sermon because of timing or flow. *Note: I type out a sermon manuscript and I keep my word count to 1500 words. We call Genesis 3:1-8 the fall, but the word "sin" is not in the biblical text. Certainly this story influences what theologians call "original sin," but we cannot base that concept on this story alone. When I was a kid, I used to think Eden was a paradise and Adam and Eve were lounging about in hammocks and eating grapes. Eden is more like a farm. Adam's role is a servant, to serve and keep the garden. In Genesis 2, we see there's a community of people, animals, and the earth. That sounds like a farm to me. As God comes near to create Adam, this feels like foreshadowing of the Incarnation--when God ...

Take 2: Abraham and Sarah

Do you ever have a conversation then immediately think, "I wish I would've said that?" I feel that way almost every Sunday. So this blog will be a place where I share things that I wish I would have said or things that were cut from the sermon because of timing or flow or word count. In Genesis 12, the focus moves from God and the world to God and the family of Abraham. The promise God makes to Abraham--to give him a family and land--is foundational to the story of Israel. God is going to bless Abraham and his future family so that they will be a blessing to the world. But Sarah is barren. And that's the tension. How are they going to have a baby? They're old. It seems impossible. God likes to confront the impossible. Genesis 15:1-6 is a story with a sense of non-fulfillment. Abraham has been given a promise, but that promise has not happened yet. God goes to Abraham and says, "Don't be afraid. I'm your shield." Rather than praise, Abraham respo...

Take 3: Joseph

Do you ever have a conversation then immediately think, "I wish I would've said that?" I feel that way almost every Sunday. So this blog will be a place where I share things that I didn't say in the sermon. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent the last night of his life in room 306 of the Lorraine Motel. Outside that room is a plaque with verses from our story today. Those words are haunting. Joseph also was a dreamer. He dreams of a future where the family has survived and thrived. In the end, God did something with those dreams. But before that happens, Joseph faces tragedy. The Wesleyan Bible Commentary says, "The exact meaning of the Hebrew word translated a coat of many colors is uncertain. Some translate it 'a long garment with long sleeves.' One scholar finds in ancient clay tablets a clue which suggests that it was something of a ceremonial robe with costly ornaments of gold sewed into it. In any event, it was the distinctive garment of royalty....

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