2 Lent
One of the characteristics of the Bible is precisely the absence of a sense of systematization and the presence, on the contrary, of things held in dynamic tension. The Bible is a repository of many ways of interpreting the same events and reflecting upon the same problems. In itself it urges us to avoid excessive simplification and narrowness of spirit.This is why an overemphasis on "doctrine" and "systematic theology" freaks me out. If you need a chart to explain your theology, it's probably wrong. When we start going around and systematizing what the Bible is not interested in systematizing, we run a serious risk of replacing the authority of the Scripture with our own systems.
- The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church, Pontifical Biblical Commission, 1994
That's what we call an idol, boys and girls.
It seems to me that the Bible is interested in telling the story of God and his people. Telling and retelling it. Sometimes different emphases are put in different places. There were editors. I don't think it hurts anything to affirm that. Am I wrong?
Comments
4 comments:
"If you need a chart... it is probably wrong."
Loved it! Great post! I couldn't agree more!
Thanks!
Dude we totally want another PodCast. Maybe you can provide it as a culmination of this series or something. A brief synopsis from the Most Holy & Reverand Potter.
Thanks, guys.
Brandt, I do think you make a good point, which is why I said "overemphasis."
It's the phenomenon of people trying to nail down their theologies as if their apprehensions of the truth could be treated as truth itself.
I don't think many authors of systematic theologies do this, but many readers do.
Cheers!
Woot woot for theology!
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