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Therapy Session for the Theologically Jilted
by C Michael PattonMarch 3rd, 2010
16 Comments
Theological Avoidance fallacy: n. Thinking theology is impractical for true Christian living.
This is very common in our world. It is also, to some degree, understandable. People are tired of the search for answers and have decided to just enjoy the journey. While it may not be called “emerging” anymore, the mood is still present and represents a large portion of our culture and church.
For these, the search has brought them nothing but confusion and disillusionment. There are so many things that they used to believe—used to passionately believe—that they no longer believe. They are embarrassed about their former commitments. Because of this, the best approach to theological issues is a sort of “soft-agnosticism.” In other words, people are not saying that truth does not exist, they are simply saying that they don’t know what it is and they don’t think you do either.
As a coping mechanism, theology is distanced from “practical” (Christian) living. Orthodoxy (right thinking) is disassociated with orthopraxy (right living).
A few words of advice for those who find themselves here or heading here:
1. There is no way to distance yourself from theology. Even the belief that theology is impractical for Christian living is a theological belief. One would have to assume quite a bit about theology in order to make such an assertion. Agnosticism is a theological stance, and quit a complex one at that. You are a theologian whether you like it or not. The question is can you give sufficient warrant for your beliefs.
2. No one can live rightly without believing rightly. Most fundamentally, people act according to what they believe. As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat,” a better version of this is, “you are what you believe.” Just because there is the possibility that you could be wrong, this does not justify an apathetic attitude toward theology. I appreciate people’s timidity and I wish that some people had more. We dare not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Silence is often better than speaking. But to harden one’s self into such a philosophy is the most dangerous proposition of all. When our practice is devoid of foundational beliefs, we will be carried about by every wave and current of thought simply ascribing to that which seem the most pragmatic at the time. Today, it is faddish to be apathetic toward theology. But this is not Christian. The Christian worldview is about theology first. It is about who Christ is. It is about what God has done. It is about following a definite person who we can point to and distinguish from others. It is about a definite hope. If you were to take these away, the who? what? why? and where? of our practice is void. Therefore, our practice is void.
Christianity rests first on what we believe, not what we do. What we do is a product of what we believe. Practice without belief does not please the Lord. There is simply no room for it in the Christian life.
3. Get over the fear of being wrong. Like the jilted lover who fails to seek a relationship because of the possibility of being hurt (again), many people fail to believe because of the possibility of being wrong (again). We are all going to be wrong about many things. But, there are many things that we are going to be right about. The Lord assumes such. The Proverbs commands us to be wise: “Acquire truth and do not sell it” (Prov. 23:23). You may have been jilted by truth before. Our way is called a “narrow gate.” You may be scared of recommitting yourself to the search. You may think you are beyond commitment. But you must do so anyway.
Who ever said the Christian life was easy? If you are looking for an easy life, join in with the world. There you can find enough apathy. Here, in Christianity, we will normally be called to go against the current. We usually take a road less traveled. We pick ourselves back up time and time again and continue the journey, knowing that there is a definite destination. The Christian life is about new beginnings.
My encouragement to those of you who have been jilted by theology is to stand back up. Let go of the assumptions that led you to think that it is always easy. The truth is like gold, fine gold. The truth will produce in you fruit that the unfertile ground of apathy cannot ever yield. Don’t commit yourself to the mire of disillusionment. So you have been wrong before. So what? So you have been misled before. So what? So you have fallen and been humiliated. So what? Get up. Just be careful. Learn from your mistakes. But open yourself up again to commitment. Don’t live a life of apathy. Take the road less traveled.
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16 Comments
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The problem is that theology can be like walking through a minefield. At night. Blindfolded. With people throwing large rocks at you.
My fear of theology is not about being wrong, it’s about being torn apart by those who believe I’m wrong, and show so little grace to those they disagree with. For reasons that I don’t understand and fear exploring, they’ve most often tended to be Calvinists.
I enjoy reading your blog, Michael. It’s the only theology-oriented blog that remains in my feed reader; you lack that stridency that I’ve read and seen demonstrated so often on other blogs, and in other blog comments.
I’m struggling to explain this, because it generates so much emotional feedback within me. There’s an awful amount of damage inside that just can’t be rationalised away.
Basically, if it comes down to a choice to engage with theology but get torn apart for disagreeing with something, or remaining unengaged and sane, I’d rather stay sane and on the fringe.
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CMP: “Christianity rests first on what we believe, not what we do. What we do is a product of what we believe. Practice without belief does not please the Lord.”
Makes sense to me.
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How odd, I’m just on the edge of theological agnosticism, and then you post this up.
I’ve been wandering the Catholic/Protestant divide for a while (became Catholic), and I’m at my wits end. I don’t know how to make sense of Church History and Scripture from either stand point anymore. Now I’m doubting all sorts of things, such as Biblical inerrancy, Church infallibility; it may not be long before that doubt extends to doctrines considered orthodox by both sides.
The problem is that I don’t see how I could possibly “get over the fear of being wrong” when Christianity has hell as a consequence. People from both sides are convinced that if I choose wrongly, I’m going to hell. Even a small chance of that wretched eternity is too much to bear, and it doesn’t help when personal friendships/commitments are so affected by conversions.
What is one to do? How much obsession with “finding the TRUE Christianity” is too much? When can one rest in a theological position with true peace?
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Getting this truth across to the average Christian is one of my passions in life!
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@Steve – riding that divide can be a very confusing thing, since both sides differ on what is actually true. Praise God that He has given us His word, and it is very clear on some things. One of them being your salvation. Catholics believe (wrongly unfortunately) that one is saved by meritorious works, or the result of good works lived by faith. Protestants (which I hate that word, by the way… should be Christians) believe that a person is saved by God’s grace, and not as a result of works. It is by faith, because no amount of good works can satisfy God’s wrath. Only a perfect blood sacrifice can satisfy God’s wrath, and He took care of that by putting His own Son on the cross for your salvation.
So, the question isn’t, “Am I good enough to go to heaven?” No one is! The question is, “Have I trusted in God’s only provision and propitiation and grace for my sin, which is Jesus?” If you say “Yes”, then you are saved, whether you feel like it or not. The devil will always try to play with your emotions to try and make you believe the lies rather than the truth from God’s word. God declares sinners justified through the blood of Jesus. If you believe that, you’re saved. Period. Now, as Jesus says in the gospel, go and sin no more. And as the apostle Paul communicates, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Paul doesn’t exhort people to live this way to ATTAIN the forgiveness of sins; he exhorts us to live this way in light of what Jesus has done for all. God takes our sin serious, so much so that He gave up His only Son so that we would not have to endure the wrath of God. Therefore, go live as Jesus lived so that nothing worse happens to you.
Anyways, let me know if you have any questions. I love talking about the greatest news in the world!
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Steve,
I have been where you are before. Not exactly, but close when it comes to other things. The influences and advice you recieve at this point is so critical to the direction that you choose. I don’t know what to tell you since I don’t really know the particulars of your situation. I imagine that even if I did, I would have few words other than what I have said here.
You said:
“The problem is that I don’t see how I could possibly “get over the fear of being wrong” when Christianity has hell as a consequence. People from both sides are convinced that if I choose wrongly, I’m going to hell.”
I don’t know that both sides would say this. I know that there are people on both sides that would say this, but everyone has their passionate extremes and represenatives of such. I believe that Christianity is focused on the person and work of Christ. Who he is and what he did are by far the most important issues. It is not that other issues are not important, it is just that these are so important. I think that if you find some foundational rest in these, the other issues that people are so ready to send others to hell over will find a diminished role in a new perspective. This new perspective can give you tolerance and passion. It is where I have to return to all the time, living in the middle of the battles so often. I do get confused about many things. Mainly, I get confused about how willing (and almost desirious) people are to condemn each other. However, I have to keep in mind that these are among those who need help as well…more importantly, I have to learn to extend grace to the graceless. Once I am able to do this, I find the the most foundational beliefs (the person and work of Christ) meet the most foundational practice (grace to others) and my endurence is refreshed.
God bless you my friend.
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Warwick,
Funny thing is that I read your comment and I think that the words that I said above apply to you as well.
I know how hard it is…especially on the internet. Grace and truth do not abound. For it the truth is given without grace, it is not effective. If grace is given without truth, it is sterile.
I pray that God will renew your spirit and love for truth my friend.
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What we believe IS important. Good doctrine IS important.
But, we are not saved by it.
I doubt that there are any who get everything exactly right.
But we should strive to make known the truth of Jesus Christ and His gospel for the forgiveness of sins, and to use good theology (the best that we can do) so that the whole salvation project is centered around Christ and what He has done…not what (as you so righly say) WE DO.
Thanks, very much, CMP.
- Steve Martin
PS- Here’s this week’s sermon that reflects what you have said in your post:
http://lightofthemaster.com/Sermons/Entries/2010/3/1_Gospel_of_Luke.html
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Ephesians 6;10-17 tells us to “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is THE WORD OF GOD”.
There is great encouragement for us in Ephesians 3:14-21:
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
____________________________________________
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I used to never care about theology. That made me so pliable that unbelievers could first “tell” me what my beliefs were (often with a healthy dose of heresy) and then when I tried to defend what they suggested I would get ripped to shreds. It wasn’t long before I realized this game, and figured I better learn fast. I wish someone had taught me this stuff when I was younger.
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Re: People are tired of the search for answers and have decided to just enjoy the journey.
Hello
I don’t know if people are actually tired of the search for answers. More likely they are (a) acting out of habit (b) afraid of the truth.
For me, the Gap Theory made the Bible real (Gap Theory is correct) and answered prayer confirmed Jesus is Lord. (I was addicted to cigarettes so I asked Jesus for no withdrawals. Done instantly)
The first thing I did as a new Christian was to enter the Church.
Being born into Greek Orthodoxy I chose this denomination. It did not take long to figure out they were contrary to the Bible. But even after leaving I still found myself performing Orthodox rituals. It took months for me to break the habit. I also had many discussions with people so afraid of certain clear doctrines found in our Bibles they simply decided to allegorize instead of change to conform.
In closing, I do not worry about other people who think they know the truth for it will be settled at the literal return of Jesus who is wrong or right:)
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This touched me in a couple of ways, it’s a little personal but I feel compelled to share…
I’ve been here before, I did leave for a time. I’m back but I’m heading here again and for a similar reason with a couple of important differences.
I took the ride when I was younger, Theology was for ministers (and a conceptual term that meant ‘confusing words’), so I let them fill my head with their concepts. I followed and ran on cruise control for a long time, then a funny thing happened. I got older, I watched people crash and burn, hard. And I started asking questions, the more questions I asked the more I got confused, getting straight answers can be hard sometimes. I finally hit a point where I had no trust, so I left, walked away…
I’m back (or should say called back), I’ve done it differently this time, I’ve decided that I can’t ask so I need to figure it out. TTP has been a blessing to me, it’s feeding the desire to *know*, and it’s allowing me to mature.
But I’ve entered what the Internet Monk calls the ‘Post Evangelical Wasteland’, because of my experience and what I’m learning. I have run into more than once ministers who should be Theologically sound and aren’t, who don’t want to tackle deep issues. So my distrust has come back, I can’t help it. I’m looking for the ‘Post Evangelical Church’ and I can’t find it. And I’ve been looking for a while now, no one wants to put their doctrine up front, I’ve had to drag it out of some and others just don’t know. Theology is even worse, I’ve had mature christians pale at the concept. No one wants to tackle it, so it’s been impossible to find people to lean on.
This is a good article Michael, but for those of us willing to do it, how do we find resources?. I’m not interested in being the lone voice in the wilderness, mostly cause I hate locusts and honey
-Paul-
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I always find it interesting that Calvinists always seem to be the most prideful, most dogmatic, most likely to attack the “wrong”
I’ve met Roman Catholic, “liberal” Protestants, Emerging/Emergent types and Pentecostal/Charismatic types who are infinitely worse than the most “cage-stage” Calvinist. The only problem is the infinitely arrogant Calvinist doesn’t sugarcoat his disdain while everyone else does – and all sides need to just stop…
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In regards to “Most fundamentally, people act according to what they believe,” I recently read a fascinating study (sociological journal? psych mag? I can’t remember) about belief. It seemed to come down strong against this assertion. People rather change their beliefs all the time to fit their actions. Maybe this doesn’t apply to fundamental/hard-wired beliefs, but I see it everyday:
My ultra-conservative bro-in-law rants against immigrants and immigration policy all day long. But he appears to have a don’t-ask-don’t-tell policy when it comes to hiring day laborers for his construction business.
Another friend is staunchly anti-abortion, refusing even an IUD for birth control… that is until she had a reaction to the “pill” and her husband refused other means of birth control. Now the IUD is just great.
I even see this tendency in myself, always struggling to act what I say I believe…
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The problem I have with theology is finding people who teach it well (or even teach it at all). Most churches I’ve been to offer sermons about how to live Christianly with some theology sprinkled on top. Nothing wrong with that exactly but there needs to be a good dose of theology taught also.
I had to go to seminary to get real theological instruction and miss it greatly now that I’m not in school anymore.
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” No one can live rightly without believing rightly.”
So if one does not believe “rightly” they are not living rightly? I see plenty of contradiction to that in life.
Seems to me an ounce of practice is worth a pound of theory. Most people learn something new everyday, and often it is that what they learned the day before was wrong. Beliefs are tricky things, and believing in them staunchly is often no different from blindness. To reference the movie Dogma, I would rather just have ideas… you can change an idea. Beliefs are trickier… people die for them… people kill for them.
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