What makes a theologian

Thus, the second thing that makes a theologian of the cross is Christ preached, and him crucified. Being made Christians, we are bound to the hidden God: the deus absconditus , the God who only lets Moses glimpse his rearward parts.

We have no problem blabbing. The theologian of the cross, thus, is called into a new vocation. The theologian of the cross is no longer a purveyor of legal remedies or hands-on programs for success in the justification game. They can seek out other sinners with troubled consciences and delivering to them the very thing that changed them and gave them life. In short, what makes a theologian of glory is a toxic mix of free will, causation, and self-continuity.

What makes a theologian of the cross is nothing short of death and resurrection. At this same moment, Christ is carrying you to the font, the watery house of Ananias, so the scales can fall, and you can see your new vocation.

Good theologians are both passionate about their subject and careful with their words and expressions about God, aware that how we speak of God is re-telling the story of who God is. So as well as attempting to think and speak truthfully about God I think that good theologians have a sense of the contingency of their work; God has made himself known in Christ by the Spirit, but there is so much yet to discover.

This process of discovery constitutes the ongoing conversation. Becoming a good systematic theologian entails a lot of reading: of the Bible, of ancient texts, of key works throughout the ages, and of contemporary developments and debates.

I think only a few people are well versed in all texts and all topics. It helps, however, to be aware of the questions that systematic theologians ask and why. Good theologians are inquisitive, enjoy discussion and debate, are prepared to change their minds, and admit that there is always so much more to learn!

Christianity church history Does God Suffer? Ben Affleck is Human! And Married! Excellent point, Rick. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Enter your comment here Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:.

Email required Address never made public. Name required. Fredrik deBoer. Slate Star Codex. The Calvinist International A forum for research, resourcement, and renewal of Christian wisdom. The Witness incompletely reformed thoughts on God, ministry, and life. Snakes and Ladders. Theologians, Inc. Church Grammar incompletely reformed thoughts on God, ministry, and life. The grace that is worked through the Holy Spirit The agonizing struggle Experience Opportunity Constant, concentrated textual study Knowledge and practice of the academic disciplines Luther goes on to say that three rules should govern the life and task of the theologian.

Like this: Like Loading Leave a Reply Cancel reply Enter your comment here Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:. Email Address never made public. Next Post The Power of Vulnerability. Follow Following. Sign me up.