One of the issues that is seldom, if ever, openly discussed in church circles, is that of a perceived futility of theological discourse. Very few people, if any, would venture to express in a public manner the belief that theological discourse is not only not interesting, but also futile and sterile. They are afraid to be mocked for taking such a position, or afraid of being pressured into a discussion that would prove their long-held views to be wrong.
I personally do not believe that "no theology" is a better alternative to "bad theology." But I do believe that having a definite theology has its downfalls as well as its advantages. The downfalls that I see are the following:
1. The danger of ideological enclosure- Many people operate with ideology in the realm of politics, religion, and other branches of human knowledge. The immediate danger lies in thinking that outside of our theological ideology, whatever it may be, there is no truth. Our ideology, then, becomes our god, and we subsequently fall into the trap of ideological idolatry, i.e. deifying our ideology.
2. The failure to acknowledge the transcendence of God- There are many who believe that God is enclosed in and restricted to their theological dogma. In thinking in this manner, they believe that they have a monopoly on divine truth. When challenged by the possibility that God is not bound by or confined to their theological constructs, they get "all bent and out of shape." They come close to having a coronary when confronted by the the truth of God's transcendence and that they cannot restrict God to their theological boxes.
3. The distractions from life-Many people get so caught up in dogma that they become oblivious to their surroundings. An example of this is how Christians sometimes engage doctrinal debates about one thing or another, while at the same time disregarding and ignoring that suffering that is taking place in the world. At this point, theology becomes totally irrelevant, and as one well-known theologian said "even demonic."
What is the upside of having a theology? Theology helps us to:
1. Think critically and analytically about the implications of our faith. It helps us to identify not only what we believe, but also why we believe.
2. Avoid making our faith an emotional and mindless journey. It helps us to put our "grey matter" to work in deciphering divine truth.
3. Avoid the hodgepodge of syncretism. While there is an element of truth in every faith, we must seek to inquire where the basic and uncompromising truth of God lies.
The theological enterprise is not only much needed in the life of the Church, but is also part and parcel of the Church's mission in society and in the world. We are called to have a well thought out faith. We ask how does our faith help us to be in a better relationship with God and with our neighbor. The challenge for us, is then, acting, living, and thinking theologically. Thank God for the theological enterprise.
In the Name of the Creator, and of the Word, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dr. Juan A. Carmona
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