Parchment & Pen Blog

Howard Hendricks tells us, “All true learning only occurs after you are thoroughly confused.” Coming from a conservative Christian respected for challenging people in their teaching an learning, I hope that this would serve as a comfort for those of you who struggle with doing theology in such a way as presented here at RMM. It is very important that we realize that breaking the building of our theology down in order to build it back up is not easy. I tell everyone upon taking a TTP course that he most difficult thing about truly doing theology is not the big terms, papers, or theologians that you have to study, it is thinking in such a way that you are truly ready to let go of all you believe so that your beliefs can have intellectual integrity. This takes thick skin, thin skin, patience, Advil, and a presupposed trust in the value of challenging yourself.

I am not in the business of confirming anyones prejudice, even my own. Granted, the confirmation of prejudice business when it comes to theology is comforting, assures me of much sought “Amen” from my listeners, and helps bring in the big donations, but it would be unfaithful to my calling.

 If you are discouraged, disheartened, and confused for a time while doing theology, take heart. True learning always requires such. Your wounds will be healed and your faith will be strengthened.