Fall 2008 Online Certificate Students:
View all sessions below. Then log all your comments, questions, discussion question answers, criticisms, or thoughts below. Time spent in the comments section will apply toward your one hour of community time per week. To download audio sessions, visit the course homepage on the TTP site. The next session will be posted each Wed.
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What exactly is theology and who is a theologian? Why are there so many bad theologies out there? Are you a Tabloid theologian, believing everything you hear? Or are you a more skeptical theologian, who won’t believe anything? This session will cover the different methods and commitments, good and bad, that people bring to their theology causing them to be a good theologian or a bad theologian. During this session the student will be persuaded that everyone is a theologian because everyone has theological persuasions and convictions, even if they don’t realize it. The student will have to decide what type of theologian they want to be. One can be a sloppy theologian, by naively receiving their belief system without a constructive methodology, or one can be a theologian with integrity, by exercising critical examination.
What is Theology? [13:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download Who is a Theologian [17:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is Tabloid Theology [10:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What is Folk Theology? [23:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What are other types of Theology? [7:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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August 28th, 2008 at 1:48 am
Hi,
I just finished watching the video clips for session #2. I didn’t “quite” get the one on Folk Theology the first time through so I had to watch it twice! I’ll try to layout my understanding and you guys can tell me how close you think I am.
As I understand it (and this is what kinda confused me the first time through), “Folk Theology” can refer to a particular belief OR a general method for obtaining and holding those beliefs. An example of a belief of “Folk Theology” might be “Angel Wings”. An example of a ‘folk theological method’ in action might be accepting the Resurrection as undeniable fact simply because your parents told you it was so - in addition to many other core beliefs.
A “Lay Theologian” (i.e. a person who uses the ‘lay theological method’ as a rule) might accept the Resurrection on his parent’s authority but he would eventually do more work to try verify this belief and integrate it with his other beliefs. This ‘provisional acceptance’ of religious belief ‘X’ would be one of the key things that would separate a ‘Lay Theologian’ from a ‘Folk Theologian’.
Also, since folk theology can refer to either a belief or a method, a “Lay Theologian” could hold a “Folk Theology” belief but (if he’s consistent with his method) it wouldn’t be held with a high confidence (let’s say about 53%) and it would be dropped when he finally got around to subjecting it to his method of investigation.
Does this sound about right to you guys?
I guess a committed Lay/Ministerial/Professional Theologian could understandably hold some ‘folk theological beliefs’ all their lives if the belief wasn’t central to their faith. It’s hard to get around to it all. May there’s support for that comforting guardian angel belief in Obadiah or Zephaniah somewhere… =)
Thanks,
Archie
August 30th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Here I am again - trying to get more online time for a decent grade. =)
In my previous email, I mentioned that it looked like the term “Folk Theology” was being used to refer to two separate concepts: a belief and a process of obtaining/accepting beliefs. Grudem, I think, would like to distinguish these two concepts as ‘doctrine’ (the belief) and ‘theology’ (the process), respectively (Grudem, p. 25). Olson recognizes that doctrine and theology are frequently uses as synonyms (Olson, p. 22) but I think he’s going try distinguish them in his book as well.
In light of this, maybe beliefs like ‘angel wings’, ‘Satan with a pitchfork’, ‘Peter at the pearly gates’, etc. are more clearly classified as ‘Folk Doctrines’ and the process of uncritically accepting traditional doctrines would be ‘Folk Theology’.
But maybe I’m the only one who cares about minutiae like that… Just throwing some thoughts out! It’s also easier for me to retain these kinds of details if I write them out…
So it looks like reading Grudem and Olson clarified/reinforced a few things for me. Imagine that - the reading actually complemented the video session! It looks like Michael and Rhome know what they’re doing after all! =)
August 30th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
At our last discussion group, it issue was brought up that a lot of people at Church pay lip service to the importance of the mind but you don’t see it in their approach to Bible Study, doctrines, etc. Someone else brought up the idea that, eventually, if you follow a line of reasoning far enough, you have to step out in “faith”. Maybe many church goers believe that all critical analysis of religious things ultimately rest on a step of faith so there is no point spending a lot of time on it.
Moreland, when speaking about how moderns relate to religious ideas, (”Love your God with all your Mind, p. 77) notes that “But now, religious assertions are regarded as mere expressions of private belief or emotion, far below the level needed for argument itself to be considered at all relevant”.
If someone truly believes that all religious arguments ultimately boil down to religious assertions that must be taken solely”on faith” (when faith is essentially in opposition to reason) then wouldn’t it be reasonable for such a person to view Lay/Ministerial/Professional theology as a waste of time? Does it really matter much if your doctrine is taken uncritically in 1 step (Folk Theology) vs. being taken uncritically after ‘X’ steps?
With this line of thinking, the distinction between Folk Theology and Lay Theology melts away. Maybe many in the Church are thinking (more or less) this way - they think that the Lay Theologian is ultimately deceiving himself. His study is a placebo that he uses to psychologically escape the fact that his theology reduces to Folk Theology when “pressed”.
What do you think?
August 31st, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Ghost story or UFOs
First I loved Michael’s story from this clip about how they were awakened in the night by the toy. I don’t know how many times this has happened to us with the new brand of toys these days that start themselves up in the middle of the night - or is this folk toyology, lol?
But along with Michael’s thought s about how demons might actually want to encourage ghost stories in order to further mislead through folk theology, I ‘ve heard of a similar theory but having to do with UFOs. I don’t know if there’s much substance to the theory, but generally it connects the Nephilim from the Old Testament with sightings of aliens conjecturing that UFOs are using demonically driven technology to make people believe that there really are aliens visiting earth. The theory goes on to speculate that a purpose to this may be to convince people that there is no God, just aliens. There are some videos on GodTube that give more info. There may not be anything to it, but entertaining anyway, lol.
August 31st, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Here are my answers to the discussion questions for week 2
1. Reference was made to the quote from R.C. Sproul that we live in an antiintellectual culture. Another person once said that the sins of the culture become the sins of the Church. Further discuss the ways that the sin of antiintellectualism is evidenced in the Church.
There are very distinct ways especially in these times where the Church has dropped the ball by avoiding thinking. One main issue to me is the Church’s avoidance of addressing the Creation/Evolution debate at least at the lay level with any regularity. Occasionally the issue is addressed but largely it is either ignored or seriously compromised on to avoid the battle entirely. This cedes enormous ground on a key area unnecessarily. There are a number of apologetic areas like this that most of the Church avoids engaging most of the time.
2. Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard to spiritual matters.
Like the Church there have been times and issues where I have tended more towards oversimplified answers to avoid fully engaging the intellectual battlefield - a sin of laziness on my part! Sometimes it’s also a sin of avoidance on my part when I see an issue coming I don’t want to deal with - sometimes even because I know it’s one I’m weak in, lol.
3. Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual life from the spiritual life? Discuss.
I think it comes back to the same reason it seems so easy to separate other areas of life from our spiritual life. I think the tendency is to associate one’s spiritual life to a place (church, group, etc.) or feeling. When one moves to a different place or mood, the association is lost, so unless one makes a conscious effort to keep one’s spiritual life up front, the connection gets lost.
4. Many times I receive e-mails that include a short Scripture and prayer. The sender then attempts to persuade me to forward the e-mail to a certain number of people so that I can receive a blessing from God. How does this evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.
It evidences tabloid theology in appealing to a sense of novelty without scriptural basis. It seems like an easy way to ‘do ministry’ - a way where actual in-person contact with ‘undesirables’ isn’t even necessary - how convenient, lol. And while many online ministries can be quiet effective and relevant, this one promises goodies from God for simply clicking some buttons. It also smacks of pyramid scheme-like expansion tactics. A genuine email sharing of scripture and/or prayer is typically personalized for one person and what that one person is dealing with or celebrating (although I realize there could be exceptions to this).
5. Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?
The one probably obvious example that stands out to me is when I was younger, of course the most interesting thing to speculate about was end-time prophecies. This was right about the time the Hal Lindsay books came out, and I had to read them all, lol. I think it is naturally attractive to us to pursue those seemingly (on the surface) most interesting aspects, and have our attention more easily caught by those sensational titles. I think the big buzz now is the pro and anti ‘daVinci code’ stuff. A lot of authors and unfortunately pastors have made quite an extensive career off of this.
6. Folk theology, unlike Tabloid theology, is rooted in traditions that have been passed on through various sources. But like Tabloid theology, Folk theology is baseless and naive. Further discuss and give examples of Folk theology.
Some examples of folk theology I’ve been exposed to include many that have been discussed in the lectures and forums. Some others I’ve seen or heard of include beliefs that tipping is wrong (no kidding, some actually think this is Biblical…), all dancing is evil, that church attendance and/or tithing is a requirement for being a Christian, that one should never go out of one’s way to achieve things (not ask, seek, knock!?), and the flip side that one should overachieve as that will be the only way to be a significant witness. I think folk theology has a lot to do with compromising theology with the environment. Those influences from the environement find an easy way in and often aren’t questioned as closely until over time they become a part of the theology.
7. In your notes there are examples of how theology affects a number of different areas in a section entitled “How do we do theology everyday.” How are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?
When we get sick - our theology has strong influence here in part because here we are vulnerable. Also we are seeking answers more acutely. Finally often when sick, we have more down time with which to think more reflectively.
When we choose schooling for our children - This is becoming a more critical issue as I think many like us (wife and I) want to make sure our children are both exposed to the values we believe in and not overly exposed to negative ones that are made to seem acceptable norms. Even further, we plan on homeschooling, but not solely due to the values issue or even the education issues. We could possibly supplement any lack there ourselves. An honestly bigger issues is that public schools have utterly failed to maintain enough control to guard against even the simplest dangers to students like murder, drugs, sexual assault, losing kids, leaving them in bus yards alone, etc. So for us it becomes a matter of simple responsibility not to expose our children to that when in our case (home-based businesses), we don’t have to - of course some families don’t have a choice so then it comes back to a matter of trusting God to take care of them, that’s understood.
But I can’t help thinking that this failure and seeming lack of actual concern over these consequences by public schools is a result of a chosen theology of departure from Godly values - just my opinion here, but this is the connection I’m making with the theological influence on our choice (as well as the responsibility one for our particular situation).
UPDATE since I first wrote this for the self study program: We have found what we hope is a sort of best of both worlds solution. We started homeschooling my daughter for a year, and it went pretty well. But then we found a local private school doing what’s called a university based model - kids go to school two days a week (three for upper grades) and then are homeschooled following the lead of the teachers’ curriculums on the other days. It’s a Christian based school that seems to be a well run and secured one. So there are many alternatives out there.
When we vote - Our political beliefs are strongly influenced by our theology as often people vote their values whether that value is a healthier family or a healthier wallet.
When we decide who we will marry - here I have to say theology doesn’t hold enough sway in today’s society. Finding a truly equally yoked partner requires agreement on some fundamental issues, both with core beliefs and some derived issues like male/female roles in the home. Today many people believe whatever their TV or music tells them about relationships.
8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?
There wasn’t anything I really disagreed with. I found the greatest gain in fact in internalizing the distinctions between the types of theological arenas. I think this and the irenic/polemic/apologetic distinctions are the best concepts I’ve gained so far.
An issue I find tricky is the folk theology of thinking suicide is an automatic ticket to hell. I wouldn’t actually disagree with the lecture myself that this is not necessarily true. However my problem from a personal experience is that I had a close friend who committed suicide and his belief system was one that said suicide automatically means hell - he had deep problems for a long time, and this belief had kept him from doing it many times in the past. So I wouldn’t think myself that suicide would be an unforgiven or unforgiveable sin, but the thing is he believed that, so… does that mean he was dealt with according to his own belief or by the standard of a higher mercy? I don’t know and will probably never be sure on his particular case until I find out for sure some day…
9. In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write them down.
Primarily I want to begin with this program applying the idea of going from lay theology to ministerial theology. I hope to apply this lesson to becoming more effective at ministry as well as the at the irenic, polemic, and apologetic processes. I think specifically in the coming week I can begin to think more specifically and target ways in which doing theology in this new arena can make a significant difference in living out my faith!
As far as specific lessons, I can identify further how my beliefs are soldily based or where some may not be. I kind of have gone through this somewhat in past years, but there can always be further work done here in refining solid basis for my beliefs. I can also note how others beliefs may be of the tabloid or folk arenas and perhaps consider if any warrant challenging - probably not, probably for the time being I’d best stick with getting the planks out of my own eyes, lol.
August 31st, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Hey Archie,
Enjoyed reading your comments!
I think you have the right sense of what folk theology is. And good point about possibly distinguishing between folk doctrines and folk theology.
In your third comment, I think you bring up an important point about how little consideration is given - or just lip service as you mention - to the mental aspect of beliefs. In fact at one Sunday School class I was at, there was actually a substitute teacher that came in and told us how bad theology was because it wasn’t ’spiritual’ and emotional enough (yes he actually made an argument that emotion is MORE important to faith…). The really funny thing was that the teacher he was subbing in for is a seminary graduate that usually delivered theologically sound lessons or at least ones that were based more on reasoning from the Scriptures. Perhaps if churches gave more real consideration to mental aspects, they could answer the questions you raise.
August 31st, 2008 at 9:07 pm
This is a time, and there is a time in order to share your thoughts, and in this venue, every session should be a time to share with others in the battle against the evil one. This way we can be in unity, and if one strays we may bring the other back for His glory.
Question 1: Sins of anti-intellectualism is missing from the church by preaching the “I’m ok, and you’re ok!” message. This is just a shame, heartbreaking, and misleading. These are false messages and should be rooted out by the church’s elders, boards, and members. If someone is sinning, they are sinning. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. There is no sign, non scripture that I have found which substantiates God allows sins without consequences. When we sin we reap the benefits no different than if we don’t sin. There is a saying, “What comes around, goes around.” This may have been from many verses in the Bible where we are held accountable for our sins in one way or another. Sooner or later our sins catch up with us. When a preacher, (and there is a difference between a preacher and a pastor), preaches that Jesus loves you, accepts you, and does not discuss the cost of following Christ, and the cost of continuing in your sins, that preacher is guilty of misleading. Christ always tells us to know the cost of following Him. He wants us to be prepared, and know ahead of time that we will be persecuted in one way or another for following Him. So when we are taught that “I am ok, and you’re ok” it is misleading and not preparing a flock to be structured and given the proper tools to defend the faith, and therefore not being able to defend the body of Christ. When a preacher does this, I feel he is no better than having a millstone tied to his neck and thrown in the deepest of deeps. A shame and harsh feeling, but this is a War against the evil one. We can not, and must not settle for this kind of message. We must be educated and prepared for the second coming of our Lord and Savior. What will each of says when we are confronted with the question, “What have you done to defend my Word?” We have the shield, the sword, and the tools for all that we need in order to defend the Word!
#2 Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard to spiritual matters.
With Anti-Intellectualism in reguard to spiritual matters, I believe that remains to be seen. I have always been an intellect and have a tendency to ‘over think’ things. I am also very ctitical of those who place themselves in charge. Do I know where they come from, and if I don’t, do they care if I care where they come from. I need to be shown a reason to trust them. I have been burnt too many times by those who claim they have been placed in power because of God. I like to ask them the question as to why, and how they have come to know God asked them to be in the position they are in. So that is spiritual and I am using the Word to substantiate all things placed in front of me.
#3: Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual life from the spiritual life? Discuss.
It isn’t easy for me. Maybe I don’t understand the difference. With my life it has been so intertwined, and so integrated within my being and my ability to ignore things and try to rationalize why I do things I know I shouldn’t do, and rationalize why I don’t do some things, knowing full well that I should be doing them. I have now accepted the path of God guiding my path, and directing me to do His will before I think of my own. And there have been more times that I think through, and swallow my pride in order to do things the Lord has asked me to do, or at least feel that my Lord has asked me to do.
#4 Many times I receive e-mails that include a short Scripture and prayer. The sender then attempts to persuade me to forward the e-mail to a certain number of people so that I can receive a blessing from God. How does this evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.
Tabloid Theology is just believing what others tell you. I don’t think my salvation and blessings are controlled by an email. It is my personal relationship with Christ.
#5: Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?
I have been influenced by falling for the “email” as described earlier. Because of the “what if” syndrome. What I mean by that is the “what if it is true” than I feel stupid because I don’t nor still find that my salvation and blessings is related to thy holy email.
#6: Folk theology, unlike Tabloid theology, is rooted in traditions that have been passed on through various sources. But like Tabloid theology, Folk theology is baseless and naive. Further discuss and give examples of Folk theology.
The fact that a bright light guided me to a safe spot. That bright light was an angel. How do we know? How do we come to believe this? That bright light could just well be a bright light guided by God for us to follow it to a safe spot. But through “tabloid theology” we are taught to believe all the stories of bright lights being angels.
#7: In your notes there are examples of how theology affects a number of different areas in a section entitled “How do we do theology everyday.” How are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?
When we get sick. When sick, I pray. When others are sick I pray. Prayer is a communication with God and will always be. He hears us, and give when He chooses to give. He heals when He chooses to heal. We just ask that His will be done, and that we forget our will and accept His. If he chooses to bless us, than we become blessed.
When we choose schooling for our children. What are the values, or the mores of the school. Does it coincide with what I believe and will educate my children in those values?
When we vote. Does this vote for this person coincide with my values and mores?
When we decide who we will marry. Pretty much the same as the others.
#8: How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?
I had to re-examine my priorities, and where are my values really are coming from.
#9: In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write them down.
By keeping quiet and being still knowing that God is in control and not me.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Tony,
I especially liked your answer to number 1. Have you been watching Paul Washer sermons, lol? But seriously I agree that it’s a real problem in misleading many. I think that’s part of the whole point to this program - to avoid the danger of forming one’s theology with all emotions and no reasoning.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 am
I am ashamed that I don’t know Paul Washer. I am sorry. But I tried to google him and everything but a pastor, or preacher comes up it seems for pages. Would you explain? Thanks and God bless!
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I am a fairly new believer and only have experience with a couple of churches. Fortunately, they have been very good ones. There are some things, though, that can encourage anti-intellectualism, like the strong encouragement to accept things on faith without understanding. i.e. ‘I don’t know why I’m sick, but I know that it is God’s will.’ Well maybe and maybe not. This is actually a good example of how I can sometimes be anti-intellectual. I seek some medical opinions, and follow some, but disregard others that seem new to me.
I think it is difficult to separate intellectual from spiritual sometimes because I think I seek spiritual answers when there are no intellectual answers. But if there’s an intellectual answer, then people might tend to ignore a spiritual answer.
Email forwards represent tabloid theology because there is an assumption that IF AND ONLY IF we send it to a certain number of people that God will bless us. It is both tabloid and folk, in my opinion, because it is works-based. “If only… then…” Perhaps it is even idolotry because it puts our trust in an email instead of God Himself.
We tend to be tabloid theologians because we tend to give people the benefit of the doubt–we trust the source, therefore we trust the information.
Folk theology is often learned before true theology, from our grandparents or in grade school, or from our parents. Since we learned it at such an early age, primacy sets in, and whenever the going gets tough, people resort to primacy.
I was challenged by identifying some false theologies as more common and subtle than I originally thought.
This week I can more easily identify some folk and tabloid theologies.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:24 am
Wow. Some great stuff on which to comment. I don’t think I can even remember everything I wanted to say. First off, before I forget, Forest–I have heard of these UFO=Nephilim theories. I give some credibility to it as it being plausible, but it’s one of those things that’s really just speculation.
Archie: In your third post, you proposed that perhaps some in the church reasoned that if they were going to end up taking beliefs by faith anyway, then critically thinking as a lay theologian would just be a waste of time & effort. I’d say that’s possible, but my gut feeling is that it’s really more a matter of laziness. If I don’t continue to challenge my children to pick up after themselves, they wouldn’t do it. If the church is no longer challenging believers to think through the issues of doctrine, then they don’t do it. If intellectual reflection isn’t taught to be important, then naturally a new believer would likely think it to be unimportant. More on this in one of my answers.
Here they are:
1. …Further discuss the ways that the sin of anti-intellectualism is evidenced in the Church.
I do believe that “blessed is he who does not see and yet believes,” but the church, some persuasions more than others, can raise faith above reason to a fault. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with having faith, but we see far more services of faith (healing services, prayer services, etc.) than classes teaching doctine and sound biblical study. There is also the real concern of the “marketing” of church. Churches are becoming so concerned with numbers, that they end up having a large church of baby Christian (or non-Christians) that are not being discipled to grow. Very wide, but not at all deep. As a consequence, pastors have to “dumb down” (as Mr. Patton likes to say) their sermons and simplify doctrines and disciplines of the faith.
2. Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard to spiritual matters.
Over the past year or so, I’ve really opened my eyes to some church traditions and folk theologies that have no basis in scripture. Since that’s what I’d been taught, I accepted it without scrutiny.
3. Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual like from the spiritual life? Discuss.
This is how it’s being taught now. This is the one area of our life where it is acceptable to just take it all on faith. That’s how we’re “supposed” to do it. Besides this, it’s easier; a more user-friendly kind of spirituality. People can have the warm fuzzies without any real need for brain power.
4. Emails. How does this evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.
It’s taken as true just because the e-mail says it’s true. These have no basis in truth and are supported with no evidence.
5. Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?
We don’t want to appear like we don’t believe God can do certain things or perform certain miracles. We don’t want to be labeled as skeptics or “Spirit-quenchers.” I like to feel as if I’m “up” on what the Holy Spirit is doing in the world and in the church. I admit, I’ve read the Bible Code, I keep up on end-times theories, etc. I don’t hold any beliefs clinched in my fist because of these, but I do watch for this stuff. Is my grade gonna get cut now??
6. …Further discuss and give examples of Folk Theology.
We discussed a lot of these already. I did think of on area we didn’t get into though (and I hope I don’t step on too many toes here). This one isn’t so novel and is widely accepted. It’s that of Mary being a “coredemptress” and intercessor for us. There is also a prevailing belief that we can place our orders with God like going through a drive-through, and He will be our genie and grant our request.
7. How are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?
Sick–Our theology affects our thoughts on why we’re sick, how we’re suppoed to deal with being sick, how closely God is interacting with our sickness, etc.
Choosing schools–It affects our choices based on how we think it will impact our children’s spiritual health and on God’s will.
Voting–Our theology shapes our beliefs on the major issues which determine for whom we vote.
Marriage–We want to marry someone that is like-minded about these issues. As Christians, we also want God’s will for our marriage.
8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?
I have been challenged to continue to find those folk theologies that have crept into accepted teaching and to compare everything with scripture.
9. In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write them down.
Be more cognizant of my acceptance of spiritual or theological “breaking news.” I have also been convicted to spend more time in deep study of the Word to sharpen my sword.
Whew. I don’t know if I’ll post my answers for every lesson or not. That’s a lot of typing. Hope I didn’t bore you.
September 4th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Okay - great answers form everyone so far. The interchange we had on PalTalk today reinforced a lot of this. My answers to these questions echo much of what has gone before. I will only add a smidgen to all of that, then:
1. Systematic, expositional preaching/teaching of the Word is becoming something from a bygone era. For the past several years, much of Christendom in America has become “market-driven” (good title for a book, Rick?) and shallow. For the most part, the church is becoming spirutally anemic because solid exegesis and exposition have been replaced with video/lighting/sound systems that welcome us into the auditorium instead of the sanctuary. Pop-psychology has replaced nouthesis. Many people have not been taught how to read and study the Bibl,. but instead have been guided to “experience” God because that’s what really counts.
2. For me, when reading through a familiar passage of Scripture, it is much easier for me to lean on what I already know and uinderstand about the passage than to purposefully come to it with an open heart and a fresh wonder, seeking the Holy Spirit to illuminate some facet that I have missed before. To borrow from the rest of you - “pure laziness”, at times.
3. Separating the spirtual from the inteelectual and vice-versa is so easy becasue, for one, as a man, I compartmentalize anyway. Secondly, who wants to be accused of “quenching the Spirit”, and overthinking everything? See, peer pressure affects us grownups, too.
4. Emails with something about Jesus in them - who would dare to delete Jesus…I ask you? And, what kind of calloused, hard-hearted person would it take to scoff at the story of the kidnapped teenage girl whose mother has been searching frantically for her and just wants us to pray for her to be found? Oh, and I almost forgot, since this is all “news”, and has to have touched my heart, and I know the person who sent it to me, how can I NOT take it seriously?
5. As I mentioned in the online group tonight, when I first became a believer, I was convinced that I wasn’t really saved because I wasn’t able to speak in tongues and so many people around me were able to do so. If everyone else - these maturer Christians and these pastors and the like - are doing it and telling me the Word of God insists on it, who am I to doubt and question?
6. Aside from all the ones mentioned on the dvd, the first thing that came to my mind was the one Krystal raised about the “co-redemptress”. Perhaps the most prevalent one I see in my ministry, though, is that many people believe that they have to pray “just right”, or God isn’t going to answer their prayer. First off, God answers every prayer, even if the answer is, “No.” Second, that would mean that my acceptance by God is based on my performance instead of on the righteousness of Christ credited to my account by grace through faith. Third, and this is the part that people miss the most, is that it grossly contradicts the character of God as He has revealed it to us in His Word.
7. Our theology affects our worldview - even when we are small children. It is through our worldview that we view and make decisions about the world around us. How a person views God and what a person thinks and believes about God - even when they believe there is no God - is what determines how we respond to everything else. What we live is what we believe, and what we believe is what we live - I see no getting around this.
8. It made me re-evaluate if I have been taken captive “Colossians 2:8), and if so, where. It also gave me pause to consider that I have to repent of my laziness and alacrity in approaching the Word.
9. I am now authorized to be skeptical of what is presented to me as true - from whatever source. As Michael says, “Keep the gates closed until I am compelled to open them.”
September 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Tony, sorry I’m just now getting back here to answer. You can go to GodTube (a sort of Christian version of YouTube) and search there for “Paul Washer” and find a number of his sermons. He’s not very popular with a lot of churches, but you’ll see why. And of course I don’t know if he’s right on everything, but he challenges a lot of what is commonly accepted in many churches.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Mitch,
I think you bring out a great point in your statement:
“We tend to be tabloid theologians because we tend to give people the benefit of the doubt–we trust the source, therefore we trust the information.”
In a way by blindly accepting what some human is saying, we are also failing to trust God in not believing if we put the time into studying His word we could get what we need out of it, which would include easily being able to discern what is tabloid nonsense or folk theology. I think this program is a good step in that direction.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Krystal,
I liked your point about how the churches are too often just producing generations of baby Christians that don’t grow beyond that. This aspect makes the mental atrophe even more anti-scriptural - not learning to digest ‘meat’, etc.
Also,
“Whew. I don’t know if I’ll post my answers for every lesson or not. That’s a lot of typing. Hope I didn’t bore you.”
You can copy and paste your answers in the comments box - unless you mean you just wanted to answer them in your mind or on the talk sessions without typing them out at all.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Warren,
First, this:
“For the past several years, much of Christendom in America has become “market-driven” (good title for a book, Rick?)”
cracked me up, lol.
And on deleting Jesus, hey, if He’s trying to spam me… But seriously, I agree that peer pressure does play into these problems significantly.
September 6th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
#1. People will follow church traditions rather than learn God’s word for themselves. Many people would rather be an “audiance” and be entertained rather than be an active participant in truly worshiping God. Many people believe if the church as a whole says it’s O.K. to do something than it must be o.k., even if it directly goes against scripture.
#2. I personally try to read through the scriptures that have been presented in church and see if what was said matches up with the passage and its intent. But, sometimes that doesn’t happen and I can rely too much on the pastor to be accurate.
#3. Because the world compartmentalizes the two into different categories. Your spiritual life is something you “do” at church and you use your intellect on the job or in life in general. People don’t usually view intellect as a God given gift.
#4. Many people will believe anything they hear. Men and women are counting on the false assumption that they will receive a blessing just like the person in the e-mail. When people are desperate, they will try anything. Also the old saying, if it is in print, it must be true.
#5. I personally cannot think of a specific example, but I am sure it has happened to me too. We all like a good “sensational” story.
#6. Folk theology reminds me of traditions repackaged as religion. Example: You must go to church every week or you will go to hell. You are sick because you have sin in your life.
#7. When you get sick - Should I take medicine or go without. See an MD (if it is not too serious) or rely on God to heal me.
When we choose schooling for our children - What will the school system teach my child in a particular grade and how does it line up with scripture.
When we vote - Will I vote for a candidate based on one issue or on the character of the candidate. Is he “religious enough” (and I use that term loosly).
When we decide who we will marry - Does my future mate believe in God and will we rasie our children with the same values and views.
#8. I never really considered the different categories of theology. I always viewed theology in two categories - Good or Bad (right or wrong).
#9. As I talk with people, it will become more clear what type of mindset they have with regard to theology. This can further open up discussions to the truth based on God’s word.
September 7th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Wendy,
I can relate to your answer to number 2 - time is a heavy constraint on our lives. We really want to be able to trust that we don’t have to double check every little reference that is preached, which would make actually listening for the intended point difficult as well. Probably there’s not anyone who has escaped at least some bits of false theology from getting in.
September 30th, 2008 at 8:52 am
1. Reference was made to the quote from R.C. Sproul that we live in an anti-intellectual culture. Another person once said that the sins of the culture become the sins of the Church. Further discuss the ways that the sin of anti-intellectualism is evidenced in the Church.
In our culture we tend toward anti-intellectualism. We base our “knowledge” on passive learning. We accept because something is said. It may be a political issue, an emotional issue, whatever. Someone says it so we believe it. In the Church this can be manifest as a sin. This, I think, can be attributed to the laziness we sometimes have in regards to learning scripture and what scripture means. To hear a passage, a sermon about a passage, whatever, and accept it emotionally and so, “believe” based on our emotional response, without fully delving into what the core teaching was in the context of when it was written and how the lesson of that time applies to our lives today, is a self focused, lazy effort at belief. God gave us his word so that we would understand it, act upon it and live to do His will. By passively accepting what is said to us, we minimize or negate the opportunities God has given us to do his will, because we simply don’t take the time to learn what He is really saying. This seems to me to be the sin of anti-intelectualism.
2. Now discuss ways in which you tend to become anti-intellectual with regard to spiritual matters.
In my answer to question 1, I addressed what I think may be the core manner we become anti-intellectual. Some additional ways may be:
- being delusional about the real effort we are putting into our Bible study
- acting in a manner that indicates we have learned all there is to learn and so, we may pontificate to others who blindly accept what we say. This can spread anti-intelectualism under the guise of ministering.
3. Why is it so easy to separate the intellectual life from the spiritual life? Discuss.
I suspect because as sinners we tend to focus on ourselves rather than God. As we have learned, our focus should be God centered. By separating our intellectual life from our spiritual life we can walk through day to day living without the “pressure” of having to evidence God in all we do. It’s sometimes easier to segregate the intellectual from the spiritual, so that we don’t get into the conflicts and feel the discomfort that can accompany being open about God with others. Instead we need to put forth the effort to be open about God recognizing the joy this will bring. This focus seems to me to be both an intellectual, spiritual and emotional way of life.
One question I have and ask so I can grasp these concepts more thoroughly, is the idea of what I think I know versus what I really know. Am I correct in understanding that in an anti-intellectual world we can easily be moved away from our spiritual life by anti-intellectualism; that our spiritual life should be based on what God has revealed as we are able to understand it more completely through deep study and commitment?
4. Many times I receive e-mails that include a short Scripture and prayer. The sender then attempts to persuade me to forward the e-mail to a certain number of people so that I can receive a blessing from God. How does this evidence Tabloid theology? Explain.
Often there is no biblical basis to these emails. The message is often hearsay. The concept that forwarding an email will bless you is a faulty position as there is no evidence they are God inspired or even accurate. These distributions can be a placebo for ones need to feel as though they have done something God focused. But in fact as the idea of obtaining a blessing for forwarding an email seems to me to be just another manifestation of self. It makes the sender feel good.
5. Discuss ways in which you have been influenced by Tabloid theology. Why is it so common for us to be Tabloid theologians?
It’s easy and can sometimes even be fun to be distracted by the excitement and newness of a tabloid theology message. I guess my thought here is we must be resolute, in our evaluation of what is the basis of the theology. Is the topic based on essential truths, or man-made supposition? We need to disregard or otherwise properly evaluate and prioritize, anything non-essential.
6. Folk theology, unlike Tabloid theology, is rooted in traditions that have been passed on through various sources. But like Tabloid theology, Folk theology is baseless and naive. Further discuss and give examples of Folk theology.
Folk theology is rampant in many sects of Christianity. Having been raised as a Roman Catholic, I lived with this throughout most of my life. Some examples discussed in class and one’s I have heard or even been taught as a Catholic child are:
Angels look like men with wings
Each having our own “Guardian Angel”
Views of Heaven (pearly gates, St. Peter with his ledger, etc)
Satans appearance
7. In your notes there are examples of how theology affects a number of different areas in a section entitled “How do we do theology everyday.” How are the issues listed below influenced by our theology?
Our ability to act in a God focused way is directly attributable to our theology. All the items listed will be impacted by this. As we study theology and gain a deeper and richer understanding of God, we should be in a position to better act with a God centered focus. This will help us make better decisions, be better able to minister to others, and grow in our relationship with God an all aspects.
8. How was your thinking most challenged by the lesson?
The question on anti-intellectualism stumped me for quite a while. It has challenged me to think about the implications of study on my relationship with God. ie. What I should accept, what I should question and what I should stop questioning and simply accept.
9. In the coming week, in what ways can you apply the lesson learned? Write them down.
Use good study habits and proper questioning to determine the validity and veracity of my beliefs. Just because I believe, doesn’t mean what I believe is always Biblically correct.
Open myself to God so as I do learn more, that I can let the Holy Spirit work in me in a way that Glorifies God and helps me do His will.
Accept the understandings I am coming to humbly and use the knowledge I gain, not to elevate myself but rather to fulfill whatever Gods plan is for me.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Pete,
I think part of your answer to number 2 identifies a problem associated with anti-intellectuallism in the church.
“- acting in a manner that indicates we have learned all there is to learn and so, we may pontificate to others who blindly accept what we say. This can spread anti-intelectualism under the guise of ministering.”
So many times I’ve seen teachers within the church become popular and gather their own following - often partially based on good teaching, but also based on their growing popularity. I think this is actually a similar type of laziness because people find the one person they want to listen to and then hang on their every word without any further critical consideration.