Friday, 24 August 2012
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Constructing Our Theology Through Fear
By T.G. Blankenship at The Gethsemane BlogWhen I face a theological view that I disagree with (a view which would change many of my corresponding views if I recognized it as true) I work very hard to discern whether I disagree with it in actuality through exegetical knowledge of the scriptures and reasonableness or merely through fear. Too often we continue to hold the views that we hold out of fear and not faith or any type of reasonable certainty.
This means that what we claim to believe is not the thing we truly believe. We believe in fear at that point. Why would it be fear that we live in instead of what we claim to believe? Simply because it is no longer the view we've held that is important and powerful within our heart and mind but rather it is the opposing view that holds all the importance and power. It it this opposing view which we feel we must stand against lest it bring drastic change into our lives which would bring great discomfort. If this were not true then it would not be our focus.
Perhaps it is the view but more likely it is the consequences of possessing that view which we fear. After all, change is scary, especially when some changes of perspective also mean a change in the expectation of actions and even our own identity. We fear the consequences of that view, or the very view itself, and when it is this motivation that keeps us devoted to our original position, to claiming what we have previously believed, as opposed to the power and faith in the view we've previously held bringing motivation to continuing our possession of that view, we must call the motivation nothing but fear.
When we speak more about what we don't believe than what we do believe, or we only state what we do believe in an attacking manner then there is a good chance we are dedicated our belief by the motivation of fear. Those who are not ruled by fear are able to communicate what they believe in with full confidence and without the need to prove the view. A person who is confident in their view knows that if it is indeed true that it will prove itself true whether by it's own power or by the downfall of the opposing view. For is the opposing view is indeed false then it shall eventually come to it's end.
Then, whenever we find ourselves in disagreement with someone over an important view, let us ask ourselves if we disagree because we truly have confidence in what we currently believe and are fully persuaded by it's support or if we are disagreeing because we are afraid to agree. We must be willing to entertain the possibility of agreeing with our opponents if we desire to truly and fully disagree with any legitimate certainty.
The only type of disagreement that can breed an honest confidence in one's position is the kind which derives from having already walked in the shoes of the opposing position and seeing where it leads in terms of consequences. A tried opponent is the only defeated opponent. A tried victor is the only kind of victor. If we are unwilling or unable to entertain a position which is opposed to our own, and entertain the consequences of such a position (in humble honesty I might add) then we know for a fact that we are overcome and ruled by fear and that faith is not the driving force behind our claims.
It is my hope that I, and all my brothers and sisters in Christ, would be able to construct theological views through faith and reason rather than fear. May we never be afraid of change, no matter how intimidating it may be. My we be willing, like Abraham, to lay our firstborn (or what we've come to believe) on the alter, trusting God the entire time, knowing that he leads us faithfully and lovingly so that we may be closer to him in every way.
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- From: TheGreatBout@xanga
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Comments (26)
I like the title of this post. I read that and I thought "yup most Christians are completely controlled by fear which means fear of change".
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga - Thanks ... I'm reading you site. I really like your stuff.
Since Jesus is the source of Christian theology, those who try to "construct" it themselves are deluded heretics.
It is fear that leads to being agressive and failing to admit perhaps doubt. Athiest do the same thing I believe, we all do. Our beliefs are important to us and we fight to hold on to them. Thank you for this very good and thought provoking post.
peace
mark
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga - Ladyboy, you are just angry at Christians, at least some of them, in how they react to you, too bad you don't have the ability to self reflect but only react. If you want others to understand you, perhaps it would be good to try to undestand others as you would want to be understood. The Christian path is not one of fear, it is just that we humans fear so easliy. I would say that includes you.
Peace
Mark
@markdohle - actually Christians have taken my constitutional rights (DOMA) away. I have no other choice then to fight them in the culture wars. You would do the exact same thing if you couldn't be together with that lady in your picture because of a group of self righteous control freaks urinating on the constitution. Not to mention all the teenage suicides you clowns are responsible for. And let's not forget an entire nation of American Indians your religion murdered, raped, and pillaged. Your days and your ways of running people who are different into the ground with your words are coming to an end. Not you specifically.
I know your post is about us making our own minds up about Theology, but to aid in this decision here's some good examples of Theologians with no built in fear:
Hans Urs von Balthasar, the Swiss Theologian, he is centered around Jesus and the Catholic Church, makes things make sense, shines light in dark places to show us there's nothing to fear if we follow Jesus.
Charles Peguy, the French guy who puts social man and Christianity together -- very bold, fearless.
Soloviev, Russian genius professor who boldly asked to Tsar to forgive some bad guys -- Soloviev was pushed out because he held so tightly to Truth... with no fear.
We own the world because we gave it back to God.
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga - Well you are wrong on most of the above. That is what I am taking about. If you want to waste your obviouly good mind on this kind of black and white thinking that is your right and I wish you the best. Christians have the right the same as you do to speak their mind, even if some like you come across as emotinally over the top. I really doubt you are like that however and sorry that you have gone through some rough times with others, who call themselves christians but perhaps act not according to their beliefs.
You can say whatever you want, believe what you want, and that goes for those who perhaps don't like whatever it is you represent, or want to make into law or whatever. If you want to think I am fearful, and an idiot etc., fine, don't care, we all have our opinons....but don't go overboard in shouting down those who do the same thing your doing. Like attracts like. If I met you I have no doubt i would not have any trouble, you seem smart and interesting, so not all Christians will look down on you, or try to change you etc. My point, the shoot gun approach to anger does not work and in the end will only make you angier and more frustrated.
Peace
mark
@markdohle - Wrong on most of the above??? Obviously you never watch the news or read.
@markdohle - But honestly Mark I don't understand why you don't give Prisoner of "love" above a hard time. He is making a fool out of your religion, as a result helping our cause. But that's fine let him continue that much less work for us.....
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga -
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga - There has been a great deal of harm done to the native americans in this country, that is what humans do, take over and get rid of the weaker inhabitants, not right but it happens and will happen again. I am not happy about that. It was the United States government that caused the harm to the indians and forced them on reservation, how that can be blamed on the Christian relilgion is beyond me.
I think you should fight for what you think is right and I believe that you should get the respect you desreve tht all human deserve being make in the image and likeness of God. Christians are called to love others, to not judge or condemn, when that happens then there is failure. Again a human situation common and will continue.....I fail often to live out my faith....being a sinner allows me to continue to start anew each day in God's love and mercy, that is open to everyone, no exceptions. I am not a Calvinist.
By the way the picture is of man that I take care of, it is a small pic so I understand how you could think it was a woman. He has severe dementia and we were friends before he got sick.
I wish you well, hope you find happiness and do not fall to bitterness and hatred......I think you won't.
Peace
Mark
PS: The "prisoneroflove" is a Christian and he speaks his mind. I always don't agree but he does not bring shame on the faith.
@markdohle -
It was the United States government thatcaused the harm to the indians and forced them on reservation, how that
can be blamed on the Christian relilgion is beyond me.
I think we should ask the American Indians about this. They vehemently disagree with you. You were not locked up in border schools with your religion ripped away from you and forced into Christianity. You should study a subject called history some time.
PS: The "prisoneroflove" does not bring shame on the faith.
You are obviously on a lot of medication.
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga - I have native American friends and none of them experienced that, though I am not saying your are wrong, it could have happened. Still that does not inviladate the truth in the Christian path, it only illustrates how easy it is to forget the central themes in the scriptures. My friends were taught by Nuns and have only pleasant memories of them, again this may not be true for others. Modern sensebilites were not present in the near past, so what is considered evil today or cruel may not have been back then, though that did ot make it right.
I think with abortion, in the future, people will be shocked at how we as a culture looked at it, as well as the state of our cities and towns that would need that kind of thing. There will always be much that we need to work on, we are a messed up speices, sinful if the word must be used, short sighted and self destructive as well. This will show up in our governemtns, schools and religions as well as social movements. I am hot surpersed an what you tell me, I know what is in me and what I am capable of without the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Peace
mark
@markdohle - The American Indian genocide and the Christian ideology behind it is not even a question among unbiased studied historians. Unconstitutional DOMA and teen LGBT suicide propelled by Christian ideology is also not a question.
@LadyboyRevolution@xanga - So, unbiased historians are the ones that agree with you, right.
peace
mark
@ProdigalPat - Of course, she has a point. The history of Christianity is checkered because of our fallen, broken, sinful nature. That is why the faith is seldom lived out fully by groups because of the desire of power and control that is so strong in us. Secular philosophies have fared no better, so I am not saying you are wrong, but agree. Christianity is about loving God and others, about being open to grace and by doing that we grow in compassion and empathy for others. The Christian faith is maturing with age, though it is not a straight shot, for like my own spiritual life, I have stops and starts, I fall and get up, and even leave the path. So it is no surprise that we lose the centrality of Christ Jesus and wander off as a group at times, at least our leaders can and do.
I agree, fear needs to be let go of, but it is part of the journey as well, it was part of yours as well as mine. We both know when to let go of it by making conscious acts of trust in the Love of God for all....all....I am not a Calvinist by any means, or a follower of Jansenism.
I like ladyboy, he has been through a lot of suffering and only wish the best for him. I have read his blog, and while I don't agree with much of it, he comes across as an intelligent, sensitive young man and I hope only for his best. I also trust that God is at work in his life, just as God is at work in your life as well as mine. God is no respecter of persons.
Peace
Mark
@ProdigalPat - Thank You!
@Reality_Rules@twitter - I'm glad God created and delights in both oil and water.
@markdohle - LADYBOYREVOLUTION is someone your faith would toss into Hell. I didn't say that, remember, your own scriptures do. He/she/it does not fit the Christian mold. Nor do I, for that matter, my own 'theology' being fascism in principle. LADYBOYREVOLUTION is irrelevant to your religion. That's why he/she/it hates it. I hate it because it seeks to control people into believing there is a being greater than Mankind, when there is no such thing. We are far too advanced for this 'God' silliness.
@ProdigalPat - Manifest Destiny had nothing to do with religion. As a Canadian whose ancestors kicked your fucking asses back across the border in 1812, I know this to be fact. Manifest Destiny was about TERRITORY, nothing more, which is why you tried to take ours. Thankfully, our British overlords made you Americans their bitches. Ironically, all with the help of the Natives, which amuses me to no end.
*ROTFLMAO @ the American Indian 'genocide'* Unbelievable. Liberals are still harping on this propaganda. Uh, if it was 'genocide', they would not be around anymore now, would they? That's how easily we could have destroyed their entire race, but we did not. By far the majority of 'natives' were killed by disease.
@CanuckFascist@xanga - Thank you for sharing your point of view my friend. Maybe one day I will reach you level of advancment, until then I will continue on my Christian path, I wish you well just as I do ladyboy. If you both hate my faith and perhaps me, it does not matter, I don't hate either of you.
Peace
Mark