There are differing levels of theological reflection. The deeper the reflection, the less participation occurs. In other words, more people think less. But it is clear that all Christians are theologians. It could even be argued that all humans are theologians. We all think and reflect about God at *some* point. And we all have some sort of belief system. How much reflection should we participate in?

It may not be obvious, but belief and understanding are separate and distinct facets to the complex cube of faith. One must always precede the other. Should we understand something first and then believe in it? Or should we simply believe and then seek to understand?

Aristotle taught that understanding comes before belief. Once we have an understanding about something – and only then – we can believe in it. Anselm later taught that it was the belief that came first. Belief is followed with investigation and understanding results. I would like to posit that Anselm was on to something.

Most of us do not have a clear understanding of relativity, thermodynamics or gravity, yet we believe in them. Likewise, our understanding of things like the Trinity, eternity, and miracles are sketchy: yet we believe. What next? Do we seek to understand? How?

Folk theology is the term associated with the masses of believers who accept everything with no initiative for understanding. This results in a complete lack of ability to defend those beliefs. This blind faith these people uphold is considered pious. It is an honorable thing to simply believe. Reflection and piety are antithetical: thoughts about theology and the blind belief are opposites. They see it as impossible to think and pray at the same time. In this day and age, it is hard to imagine that there are people out there who simply walk through life believing something they have never paused to consider. There is little distinction between folk theology and the belief systems of many cultic belief systems.

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

It is clear that faith is inherently blind. Simple acceptance will result in salvation. There is more to faith than simple acceptance, though. Just as there is more to being a believer than simply being saved. If we are to do anything with our lives as Christians, we must progress past folk theology. We all start there. How long will we stay there? A huge problem with this level of reflection and understanding is the quickness with which falling away can happen.

Mark 4:5-6 – Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.

Jesus explains what He meant in Mark 4:16-17 – And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

It is clear that we are meant to be good soil: the kind that yields “thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” (Mark 4:8; 20) How do we move from folk theology into the kind of reflection that results in yielding? Obviously time and effort must be reserved for such activities. The easiest way to begin is to ask questions. Why? How? Those are my two favorites. It is true that much of what we believe cannot be answered in this life. You will be surprised what can be answered, though.

Movement from folk theology will result in deeper and deeper reflection. This will aid in the belief; strengthen the faith. Doubt is an extremely useful tool. Use it. Increased reflection also results in increased teaching. Helping others understand.

Jesus commanded us to tell others about Him. The more you understand about what you believe, the more you will be able to share convincingly. Folk theology is a nice place to start. Now that you have started, get out of there. Reflect, my friends!

-z

Tags:

This entry was posted by zac on Thursday, December 7th, 2006 at 7:44 am and is filed under Weekly Jib Jab. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.