Theology Blog

I have the privilege of teaching theology, ministry and other courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Many of these courses require learning, understanding and evaluating different theological perspectives and traditions. Many times students are asked to look at theology and practices that are different than their own. Many times this is enlightening, but it is also challenging. One of the most challenging things can be finding the good in theology, traditions and perspectives that you disagree with. The truth is that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit can speak to us through all things. So often, even the most flawed theology has the ability to teach us. When we look for the good in others and other traditions, perspectives and theologies we learn and create unity. Theology is important and it matters significantly. Having a theology that we can believe, defend and live out is of great value, but this value is diminished when we fail to see the good in those who think differently than we do. Unity is important to the church and we have much that unites us. So often we focus on what divides us and use that to tear each other down instead of build one another up. We must learn from one another, respect one another, see the good in one another and focus on what unites rather than on what divides.