I have come to have a love-hate relationship with theology. I love it because it can deepen one’s faith, helping people to rejoice more because they understand and know God better (Jer. 9:24). There is nothing more exciting than the look on peoples’ faces when they are being theologically transformed. It is the “wow, this is really true” look. I live for that both in myself and in others.
However, there is a dark side to theology. I see it everyday. I pray that this does not infect my students, but inevitably, there are always one or two who take their theological knowledge and create a recipe of sin and shame. These are people I call “theologically dangerous.”
The theologically dangerous have no grace. They get some right answers and then become the judge, jury and executioner of people. What should have been the path toward humility turns into the path of arrogance. Their self-justification for their graceless belligerence is this: “I am not arrogant, I am discerning.” Correct theology becomes a virtue that swallows up virtues of tenderness, grace, respect, and kindness, offering only a black hole of hopelessness unless people conform. Those who come in contact with them are judged only by their statement of faith. Their fellowship circle is small and friends few. The distinction between essentials and non-essentials does not find a place in their diary. They hunt and hunt for bad theology until they find it. They correct others with pride. When they are not invited to the parties, they interpret this as a mark of persecution for a theology well-played.
These are the type of people who are on the dark side of theology. Unfortunately, those who are theologically dangerous are the most vocal (and possibly, the most numerous). Since they have yet to be theologically humiliated, they can’t stop talking. The fear of God, they have yet to learn. They set themselves up as the watchdogs of Christian orthodoxy. They are the first to comment and correct on the blogs. They are the first to raise their hand in Sunday School when you say, “Does anyone have any questions?” Yet after ten minutes of talking, you ask yourself “what part of the word ‘question’ do they not understand?” They question people’s salvation based on minor theological points of disagreement.
Fortunately, many eventually increase in their theological knowledge to a point where they become theologically transformed. This happens when one becomes theologically humiliated. It is like the transition from uninformed adolescence, to a know-it-all teenager, to a mature adult. The mature adult has wisdom and grace due to their coming of age theologically. All the things they thought they knew as a teenager goes through the trials of life. Doctrinal battle scars evidence a ripening of the fruit of belief. Their categories become more diverse. They realize that while there are some black and whites to our faith, there is also a lot of grey. In other words, they recognize that there is a lot we don’t know. They tighten their grip on the main things and losen it on others. They choose their battles very carefully. It is a transition from ignorance to arrogance back to some degree of informed ignorance.
At this point, fellowship can resume. The lynch mob is sent home. The invitations to parties trickle in. The lantern of the hope of the gospel is shinning bright. At this point, the dark side of theology is over.
125 replies to "The Dark Side of Theology"
Ben, definitely! Credo in the UK would be amazing.
I know what you mean by the dark side of theology. You come out of it much wiser and stronger. But the devil is still there sitting on his throne so life is still not complete bliss neither is it easy. Can’t wait for Christ to return to tear down the devils throne that this world still allows him to sit in.
@CMP Yeah it would. We have way too much ignorance in the UK (myself included as the wife pointed out!;))
I am serious by the way about a Credo House in the UK. I would love that, I want to find a way of setting up a system of getting churches here to do TTP. I got plans. The UK church needs this badly.
Thanks for the article, Michael! Reminds me of what I was in my “cage stage” (as Phil Johnson calls it).
Btw, just a word about Swendenborg, he can be brilliant at moments, but he was a mystic more than a biblical Christian, and simply and certainly Monarchist rather than Trinitarian. But reading Arcana Coelestia is always interesting. But certainly one needs to be well grounded biblically & theologically before reading him.
The person from the dark side: A critical person who criticizes others positions finding fault in nearly all that is done.
The person who is enlightened and spiritually mature: The critic of the critic.
Me thinks thou dost protest too much.
Good one Jeff!
But there is a difference in chronic criticism and acute criticism. Therein the difference lies.
Now that things I have cooled down a bit, I just wanted to note, that I did not see CMP’s piece as an attack on Theology, myself. But more a statement towards those that write somewhat “theologically” in an indiscriminate manner. Indeed we are all on something of a theological learning curve. Some of us have theological education, and some do not. But the point is that aspect and reality to learning, and I think personally the more we learn, the more we are really humbled by the whole depth of the doctrine of God.
This all reminds me how after many years of scripture (reading), a verse finally struck me as amazing in how I had read over it so many times before it’s simplicty was understood.
This was 1 Cor 2:14-15 “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Patton,
Loving theology is not also loving God. “You shall not have any other gods beside Me.”
Theo,
You just don’t get it! The whole study, doctrine and mystery of God, is not really an intellectual thing alone, as it is a so called “existential” reality – note that is not just a conceptual thing, which appears where you are stuck! As Jesus said, here is “spirit and truth”.
There’s good theology, and bad theology.
The bad tries to insert our wills into the picture. The good keeps Christ and His gospel and Sacraments at the center…even when it is uncomfortable.
Robert,
I don’t get it? Well well I guess I struck a nerve. Friar Tuck isn’t it you who taught little Billy Morris to call you father inspite of the fact that God has commanded little Billy not to call any man on earth father? What did you also teach little Billy to do? Blow Gabriel’s horn. There seems to be a lot of news about people lately who teach little boys to call them father who also teach those litttle boys to blow a horn too. And they know theology inside and out just as you do.
Theo,
I am really willing to work with you here. But here is what I need from you to stay active on this blog: follow the 10/1 rule. Ten positive comment for every criticism. Right now it is just the opposite. You have to gain an audience before people will listen to you. I know you mean well and you think what you say is correct. But you can’t voice every criticism and expect an audience. And you cannot speak to people with such biligerance and follow Peter and Paul’s admonishment toward gentleness and respect.
If you post another criticism (warranted or not) in your next ten posts you will unfortunately be banned. And in the five years I have had this blog I have only banned 6 people. Distinguished? Yes. Glorifying to God? I don’t think so.
Please my brother?
I agree, there is a dark side to theology and that dark side exsist when the theology we teach gets in the way of the grace of God. When we use are theology to condemn rather than exhort. The bible teaches that there is turth that can be taught in love and without hypocracy
THANK YOU for the topic message. I totally agree and appreciate your words. Perhaps some of us become OCD on doctrines is that we did not discern in the beginning of our confusion/quest that we were victims of arguments and un-reconcilation because of the vast denominations that have separated from each other. Perhaps we were even overwhelmed by the hostility we received not even knowing that we offended anyone by asking a question about a certain doctrine. But I have discovered in so many ways we are wrestling with things that are too high above us. I think the best teachers are those that can deliver to another the whole Bible and not just part of it. For I do not know of too many churches that are getting their views OUTSIDE of the Bible, but rather from the Bible. If we were gracious enough, we would understand each other. Even more, we should be ruled by the Holy Spirit. That is where True Revelation is and our very Peace. God bless you!
“Theological” connections are far from rational. One might as well study sympathetic magic. What if Jesus’ didn’t die from having his blood shed but was hung, drowned, poisoned or electrocuted? And how does death lead to forgiveness? And why should everybody be doomed to eternal punishment simply by virtue of being born a primate on planet earth? And I haven’t even brought up the “trinity.” http://edward-t-babinski.blogspot.com/2010/08/trinity-three-states-of-water-bill.html
Ed, thanks for stopping by. But your comment had nothing to do with the post. Please read the rules and stay on topic. Or maybe you thought you were commenting on another post? Either way, good to see you!
Ignorance of the word of God is dangerous and very useful to satan. But ignorance of the word of Calvin or Augustus C Toplady is a blessing, not a danger. You say many things that are worth reading, although I am not a Calvinist. But did you ever think, the whole promotion of the intellectual traditions of men as this heady, exciting thing, when it ought to be sober and humble instead, is part of the problem? You give way too much credit to the thoughts of mere men, when we ought to be looking away from the thoughts of man and to the word of God. And loving theology? If you mean that you love good, sound doctrine, this is goid, but “theology” as a whole? What’s to love? The whole discipline? Doing theology? If a little leaven leavens the whole lump, theology is a seriously compromised lump. Apparently “sola scriptura” means some arcane thing that is above my head, since it apparently does not mean that we look to the Bible alone as our authority, or look to God to show us by His Spirit what He wants to show us in His word, as in, you have no need of a teacher. (I believe in listening to teachers, but we must try what we are told by comparing with the word of God, ourselves–like the noble Bereans. Teachers are responsible for what they teach, but we are responsible for what we believe). I guess that I am just this twice-bitten, badly-burned one who learned the difference in following and trusting God (as if He is real) and getting ensnared in the thoughts and teachings of ambitious men who purport to be the only way to understand “sola scriptura,” although again, I guess I do not understand the way that term is used. That’s OK; I prefer what I thought it meant. Theology is the thoughts of man about God, nothing less than that, but nothing more, and it is ignoring the advice of the Lord to elevate the thoughts of man so much, into a virtual Bible that must be adhered to and obeyed! Yet everyone wants to seem intellectually credible, so they talk about theology as if it was the word of God once removed. But it is not. It does not have the power of the word of God, but is loaded with dangerous error. The moment it gets away from sober, trusting faith in Jesus Christ and the word of God, it is harmful. Tell that to the swaggering boys of theology and they ROFLOL. Yet, it is the hireling who doesn’t care when the wolf approaches; the good Shepherd or good undershepherd is not so flippant about it. I just cringe at the word “theology” when I hear it, but I realize there is a necessary component to it. It is our restatement of what we believe God is saying, kind of like recitation in study. We put what we believe God is saying in our own words. Then we need to humiliate, or humble, our own words, and realize that truth is not going to ever belong to our words in the way that it does to God’s word. We can’t put our own words on the same level and we shouldn’t think that the Cliff Notes version offered by theologians is ever adequate. We are all fallen sinners and, as such, we are all dangerous.
Sorry, but I meant to add that the reason we should not enjoy theology as this heady thing is that its subjects are the issues of life, the most important ones. As such, the dangers of misleading someone are so serious, and the chance that error will be perpetuated, written in stone for someone, when it should never be.
“theologically transformed”–kind of a strange concept. Being theologically dangerous is a universal affliction as far as I can tell. Fortunately, some recover from it.
Very good article. I like the idea of “theological humiliation.” It teaches us that our knowledge of God is rather tentative, that we simply do not know completely what is unknowable and much of what we do know is simply opinion, even if learned opinion.
To pretend we know all things is something I grew out of long ago, when I realized how broad theological study was, and how minute theology itself was in the vast range of knowledge and information out there. The more I study, the more I realize how small my range of understanding is.
Theologians are model builders. We take the data we have and work to integrate it into a whole paradigm. To pretend that my theology is absolute is like pretending a car made of Legos is a real Ferrari. It does not matter what we want it to be, it is still just a toy, just an imperfect, rough model of the real thing. I think we need to see our theology as such. It is not that theology is not important, but it is imperfect because we cannot see all there is to see about the object we are modeling, which is God himself.
Great post Michael. Thank you!
That was a good reminder for me Michael. As you know I have taken many classes from you over the years and at times I myself have fallen into the dark side. I get excited while leading a bible study and my excitement sometimes may come across as arrogant and possibly condescending. I’m very passionate for people to know the God of the bible and to see and understand the plan of redemption and the beauty of God in Christ and if they don’t get excited it’s like, Hello this is God we’re talking about! I need to check my passion and just help those who don’t quite understand the text before us.
Thank you again for the reminder and Merry Christmas to you, Tim, and Carrie.
Terrific reminders there Michael. Much appreciated.
As one who has taught theology for almost 40 years I heartily concur with your assessment. Theology may be the backbone of our faith, but it is always subject to correction. It is never inerrant–as is the biblical text. The danger comes (as we have seen too vividly in recent weeks) when our theological reflections on the text become confused with the text itself. When this happens the person (for what are perceived as all very good reasons) has to defend his or her personal ideas about the text as if it were the text itself. Although there are likely exceptions to the rule, in most cases people paint themselves into these theological corners and feel it necessary to defend the truth–to the death if necessary. They are generally not motivated, as it were, from the “dark side.” Rather, they don’t see any other way out of the conundrum they have created for themselves by equating their ideas with biblical Truth. I think of the KJV-only advocates in this context. They have crafted a very precise understanding of how inerrancy must work in relation to copies and translations. Consequently, for them to deny their reliance on one singular translation is equivalent to denying inerrancy altogether. I guess the problem is that the “dark side” is just a “dark place” where people don’t really see things as they might if they were operating in the light.
All theologians operate in the dark.
Good post CMP. A healthy reminder for all of us.
I have two problems with theology: First, the ‘theologically dangerous’ as they are called here often fail to discern scriptural orthodoxy from ecclesiastical orthodoxy, thus most theology is nothing more than a tradition itself (a mere artefact of hermeneutics often wielding the full force of infallibility, lacking humility).
Second, it diverts the attention of the faithful from Christ and true humility, onto man (even pious theologian) and false certainty. We end up naming ourselves after Wesley (Wesleyan) or Calvin (Calvinist), rather than Christ (Christian). This is no different than claiming our baptism in Cephas or Apollos [1 Cor 1:12][1 Cor 3:22].
Christ alone has perfect theology. As far as I know, the Bible alone records it. Everything else is defective, and we be humble to remember that.
I could not help wondering as I read the article what we are to do with Proverbs 26:5? It would seem that even Jesus answered the foolish and he did it without arrogance. To say that one is arrogant and pompous as opposed to one who lacks the correct set of words for the discussion at hand may be due to misunderstanding the person instead of he or she missundestanding the scripture. Also by what criterea do you establish a person is arrogant as opposed to blunt or confident? Last I read 🙂 the Holy Spirit will continue to do a work in us untill the day we are taken home.
Lord Jesus bless you
This is for our so-called friend Mr. Theo: As regards being hated for being and speaking Christian truth, we can surely expect this, as our Lord said: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15: 18) As a conservative Anglican Christian myself, many of my liberal Anglican friends have certainly come to dislike me and my teaching, and really not a few also so-called evangelical “emergents”. This is again to be expected, if we are going to stand near the Holy Scripture, and the historical biblical and theological truth, therein. But it is quite another to be hated or disliked, because one might be simply narrow-minded & bigoted! It appears Theo that you border on the latter. I fear this is twofold, first your person/personality, just nasty mate! But ever more important, your lack both biblically and theologically! WE can only hope & pray you come into the Light of both God’s Word & Spirit! Which btw, expresses Christian love in all circumstances! We can never outrun the need of Christian mercy and love in and from ourselves!
If our increasing understanding of theology does not take us down a path of humility, then we must check the barometer of our hearts. Do we prioritize being “right” over living in service toward others. Mark 12:30-31 and Matthew 5:43-44
Excellent post Michael. Thank you.
I will hold my breath, plug my nose, and dive into this discussion…
I found this to be an excellent and insightful article, and the discussion to follow wildly interesting. Irony of all ironies, every one of us (myself included) who chooses to engage in this discussion is risking being theologically dangerous. Mr. Patton reports a phenomenon he has observed and we all toot our horns in agreement, clarification, or criticism. In doing so, we have engaged in stating or reinforcing a classification, stereotype, or observation. This necessarily elevates ourselves to the position of judge, which is one of the characteristics of the theologically dangerous, as so many have astutely pointed out.
Theology is a tool, and in my limited study, it has brought me to a place of greater awe and reverence for God the Father, Jesus the Savior, and life with the Holy Spirit. But just like any other tool, if theology is taken with the wrong heart, and is used for anything other than the glorification of God, it can become a terrible weapon.
We are all capable of being theologically dangerous, and probably most of us have been theologically dangerous at one time or another. However, my hope is that as we enjoy this discussion and article, we remain open to being theologically humiliated, which will bring us back to the essential truth that God is and always will be the main point.
I love hearing everyone’s insights and opinions. Thanks.
Stuart. That was an extremely we’ll written and humble comment. May your tribe increase.
Michael, it seems that you cannot resist poking the hornet’s nest with a stick! Great post.
Our generic lack as followers of our Lord is that it is relatively easy for us to learn “theological” things but it is much more difficult to live out that which we have gained through our salvation. As an example, although I knew many things about Brazil, I really had no idea what Brazil was like until I spent some time there and actually experienced Brazil (at least in part). My facts were not necessarily wrong but at best were only meager images of the real place. So it is often with theology. We can learn quickly but need some seasoning before our apprehension grows.
I am sure we all have been (and may be still) guilty of being theologically dangerous.
@ CMP: Lol!! @ Stuart: said it way better than I did!
Btw, “theological humiliation” is sometimes thought to incur when one changes his “theological” position or positions. But, sadly theological position changes all too often with some, and never with others. Seeking to strike that balance “biblically” is always the issue, “theologically”. Wow! My head hurts now! I am somewhat kidding, but really seeking to be pliable must always be done before the Lord, and sometimes only the bare Word of God itself will change us! And then later, we might understand the “theology” of that change. I hope that makes some sense? Indeed “theology” again is a learning curve, and hopefully we are always learning as Christians! But, may we always be able to say as St. Paul did: “For to me to live is Christ..” (Phil. 1:21).
We should note and remember, that the “doctrine & dogma” of the Trinity of God for example, was hammered out in the Church itself, though surely the essence of it it was always there in the NT and Apostolic Church! My point in all this is that theology is, or should be a very humbling experience, for our God is certainly as Barth said, the Totally Other!
Fr.
Great word: “But, sadly theological position changes all too often with some, and never with others.”
Now I might draft you to blog with us if you keep that up.
Thanks Michael! Just running along with your post really. I have to admit that I have changed my “theological” positions at times, but not without great strain! Indeed “theology” is sometimes work, and then all of a sudden it is as you have written, a great and grand “transformation”, but hopefully always bound by what Christ Himself said: “in spirit and truth”, both orthodoxy & orthopaxy in combination. As our Lord said here is “worship”!
I think we need to remember that grace is a myth and doesn’t exist. Being “theologically dangerous” means taking a Bible and beating the %^$# out of someone in the name of doctrine. Its how Christianity is today, and its one of the reasons why I walked. Everyone walks around with 110% certainty – even on the minor issues. God forbid if your life hits the shitter then you have to deal with people who tell you its due to sin, or that its God’s will. I really don’t know why I read some of your posts from time to time. I’ve had enough of fundamentalism and hyper reformed crap to last me for lifetimes….
The thought struck me that this ‘theology’ is being discussed as though it were engraved in stone, yet as most ‘interpretations’ in matters by man, upon specific teaching often found with many (perhaps divergent) understanding.
A case in point with my own ‘transition’ was the common belief concerning a Millennium, from scripture based primarily from Revelation-20. Speaking not of one but two ‘Thousand’, with the Greek ‘Chilioi’ found singularly only 8-times in the entire NT, 6-times in Rev-20 and 2-times in 2Peter 3:8.
As a theological subject, try with prayer reading my study article found at webpage:
http://rtpricetag.home.comcast.net/~rtpricetag/Millennium.html
Theology then has place as additionally commanded, testing ‘everything’ against the word of God for validity.
@Eagle: But grace & mercy do exist, fully in the face & person of Christ Jesus! HE has promised never to leave us nor forsake us! Indeed this world is fallen and evil, but Christ is the Victor and even the victory here!
Btw, it might surprise many here, but I am Historic Pre-Mill, and close somewhat to even the PD, or Progressive Dispensationalism. And yes, it is true that I lived and taught in Israel in the late 90s. And yes, I am Pro-Israel, and somewhat a “Biblical” Zionist. I say this with great humility however, for I have changed my position here over the years, having been both A-Mill, and Post-Mill. So I must walk quietly, and I do. We all must be pliable on the eschatological. 🙂
Fr Robert
Your statement of being somewhat Biblical “Zionist” entices me to share my research concerning the origin of Zionism, being rejected by Jewish leaders of year-1897 based upon Zionist Congress purpose in contradiction of vow’s taught from Torah.
Click on my name being a link to my webpage research-article.
In doing so, we have engaged in stating or reinforcing a classification, stereotype, or observation. This necessarily elevates ourselves to the position of judge, which is one of the characteristics of the theologically dangerous, as so many have astutely pointed out.
Could someone please explain the assertion that engaging in this discussion puts us in the position of being theologically dangerous as has previously been stated? How else are we to learn?
Would there not be a distinction between being a judge of others actions and being judgmental of others actions? I think the key is in the ‘mental’ part. Being judgmentally minded then, is surely not the same as making a judgment communally with our brothers and sisters as we are doing in fellowship here. We can say ‘person ‘A’ is living in sin and this is an example of it, lets avoid it because this passage of scripture says its wrong’ thats making a judgement. Or we can say ‘Hey person ‘A’, you are a sinner and you need to repent or be damned!’ thats being judgmental no? Being judgmental is a personality flaw and a state of mind, constantly going around looking for others faults and pointing them out. Making a right, theologically based judgment and following it is a strength. In respect of this post, I feel like CMP has simply pointed out what many of the more mature people here seem to recognize, because its a phase they have also been through. I don’t think it was judgmental at all. Some of the follow on comments were judgmental, like mine to Juan Carlos, sorry Juan, I did go over the top.
Ben
DeWayne: Yes, I am very familiar with the rejections of the Orthodox Jews towards Zionism, both so-called Modern and before. The Jews in Modern Israel today are a very mixed bag certainly. But for Christians we must be concerned with the Covenant/covenants and promises to Israel. God has simply not fulfilled all of them. (Rom. 11: 28, etc.)
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a light saber. – Matt 10:34
Fight the good fight, folks!
And choose your battles wisely?
As far as it depends on you be at peace with every man…
Fr.
A PD??!! Forget the blog. Now we need to talk about getting you your own Credo House!
Someone made a comment about their theological position changing from time to time. As one who has read the Bible from childhood, and studying it for 20+ years, I must admit that the most humbling thing in the world for me is to admit that you have me in check theologically. That is very humbling especially if you have been at it a long time. I can be wrong about anything else in life-but not about the Bible. I honestly shutter at the thought of being in error about some point in scripture, and I’m sure that I am, but I’m just not sure where. I not as concerned about not knowing it all (although something in me really does want to know it all), but that which I so confidently affirm, must be a clear understanding of absolute truth, otherwise I am no different than a cult leader or heretic! I know it is a pride thing, which is the reason why I must stay humble. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble as Peter said. Lord knows I need his grace! Pride is a dangerous thing and so subtle, especially in theology – ask Satan!