Theology

I know theology’s supposed to be dead, but I don’t buy it. Okay, I buy the part about putting an end to the modern, rational approach to theology – you know, the one that kills all mystery and paradox. But theology lives, and is more relevant than ever. Sometimes I see why some want theology (denominations and the church, for that matter) to die. Earlier this year, the denomination I belong to fought over the gender and leadership issue. It was poorly handled, but the result was right: we couldn’t agree. Some struggled with that, but I thought it was great. It was a reminder that good and goldy people disagree on the issue, and that it’s not worth splitting over. Besides, there are many more important issues that we’re completely ignoring. I received word today that the issue’s being resurrected for next year’s convention. It seems we’re going to fight the battle all over again. The position’s already been defined: it’s the complimentarian (patriarchal) view. Theology lives – but not this kind of theology. This is what gives it a bad name. There’s so much wrong with the state of the church; so many opportunities to make it right; so many of them missed. This is what makes me lose heart.