What Shapes Your Theology

Experience, Reason, Tradition, Scripture
What Shapes Your Theology

Experience, reason, tradition, and scripture, all play important roles in the formation and continuation of one’s theology. Without scripture, one has no firm foundation. For what would we have without the scriptures meticulously passed down from generation to generation? Something wholly different. What would we have without the tradition of the passing down of scripture for is scripture, itself, not a tradition? Again, something wholly different. Tradition and scripture are inexplicably intertwined. One does not exist without the other. Yes, pentecostalism has a closed cannon, that is to say, a set of sacred books which cannot be added to, but these books are part of a greater tradition known as Protestantism.
If tradition and scripture are passed down from one to another and are intertwined, how does reason and experience facture into one’s formation of theology? The answer to this question is quite simple and, yet, too complex for a short essay in an undergraduate class. The simple answer lies with the definitions of experience and reason. Reason is defined as “the power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.” (Oxford) With critical analysis and a process of logic, one can evaluate scripture and tradition to gain understanding. As the ancient proverb exclaims: “Get wisdom! Get understanding!” (Proverbs 4:5a NKJV)
The entire process of evaluation, application, and reevaluation is known as experience. An old saying states: “If we are free to make wise decisions, then we must be free to make foolish decisions. For it is often in our foolishness, we gain wisdom.”
Since each individual has different experiences which shape their theological framework, one must take the time and make the effort to understand the other’s point of view. Otherwise, both people may find themselves talking past one another instead of with one another.
Take the local church as an example. In my local church, we have two prominent families who trace back to the founding of this congregation over one hundred years ago. They have roots that run deep. They, their parents, and grandparents labored in this church. To disregard their viewpoints or convictions would be foolhardy. They are generous and compassionate. This is exemplified through the foodbank, monthly food giveaway, and summer lunch programs. Their service is an extension of the theological understanding that we are to be generous as God is generous and take care of the poor and destitute. If we are not in the community and affect the community through our very lives, then Christ’s death is in vain and is not in work in us and through us. (1 John 3 summarized)
As for other social issues, they do not seem to be sources of conflict nor issues of interest affecting my local church. Therefore, I cannot speak of such topics as affecting the local church, but can only speak to them in broader and subsequently more academic terms. In all areas of life, one must fall on the universal truth of God. As the signers of the Declaration of Independence so concisely appealed to: the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God. Through one's own reason and experience, they may know God, but only through the truth of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can anyone be saved. For without the understanding and realization of one’s own depravity and lawlessness, all of the generosity in the world cannot redeem one’s rebellion against God and these acts of social justice are hollow and for not.
I leave the reader with this: as the interviewer states,
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV)

90 & Out is written, directed, and presented by Timothy Holt.
Timothy Holt believes the Christian Bible can be read easily but may take some effort to understand. With so many variations out there, how does one start their search for the truth? Hopefully, this channel will help you read and understand the Christian Bible more fully, as well as being entertained.

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