August 27, 2012

Making Space for Theological Reflection

Last Wednesday I participated in a discussion about Soren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling with other members of my church. Kierkegaard is writing about the question, “What is faith?” It’s a big question. Thanks to a knowledgeable group leader, we were able to sort through some of the difficult ideas in the book, and have a lively discussion.

Kierkegaard felt it was an important to not take anything for granted. In a time when the structures of faith are somewhat tenuous, our communities and families are increasingly scattered, and we are constantly exposed to new ideas and ways of living, it’s still important to ask these fundamental questions: not just what does this passage of scripture mean, but why do we believe scripture is the word of God? What is faith?

Theological reflection is something that most us spend little time doing. As the new program year starts up for churches around the country, it’s important to make time for discussions that ask the big questions.

This requires creating time and space, as well as creating a compassionate atmosphere that encourages honesty and openness. I don’t believe that priests and church leaders should take it upon themselves to teach “correct theology,” if there even is such a thing, but rather to ask questions and to allow people to answer without fear of judgment. Church leaders can be models by being open and honest about their own theology, asking serious questions, sharing what they know, and not being afraid to say they don’t know.

Sometimes these discussions might be difficult. Perhaps you are a liberal congregation where conservative members feel muzzled, or visa versa, and these differences and tensions may be exposed. People may even find that they need to find a community that better suits their theology (which is OK), but in the end, if these discussions are done with love and empathy, they will create more authentic communities. We may never come up with the final answers, but in this process we can get to know each other and ourselves better, and clarify how we are called to live.

Are you making time on Sunday morning adult education, in your sermons, or during weekly community meetings, whether they are Bible studies or theology discussion groups, for serious and compassionate theological reflection?