This was very lovely. It reminded of how true religion is revealed in action, with thought of James, and true theology is in obedience, for if we know and are known, then so we love, and to love is to obey. I read this several days ago and wished to write something thoughtful, yet nothing came to mind beyond that i am very fond of that section from Peter which you quoted and referenced.
I think you have articulated well the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They are both necessary. Theory is the vision. Application is how we build. I enjoyed your article.
I liked this essay. It made me look up 1 Peter 3:15-16. I think that some focus more on apologetics and overlook living a good life that would bring others to shame. They might not even know what a good life even is. Like you said, it's all about love.
This is a beautiful and thoughtful article. Very well said and deep. The faith truly is amazing! I’m so grateful that we have a God who understands us and is so willing to be patient with us as we navigate the wonders of faith. Thank you for sharing! I bet many people can find peace and comfort from your post :) .
I relate to your thoughts here Emilia. I have found like most things in the Christian life, this one is about balance and proper order. You said it well when you described how love should be at the top and knowledge is a vehicle to get you there.
I believe modern Christians on this side of the Enlightenment could use a dose of Christian mysticism as well. This has been true in my life.
The simple act of admitting God is beyond understanding leads to a humble experience of His presence that is beyond words.
We should strive to know while also being aware of how much we don’t know.
Excellent article as always :) I relate to this on a personal level, especially when it comes to Bible study. In the not-so-distant past, I would sit there with my Bible--my computer open, along with a handful of books. It was overwhelming to say the least. I never felt like I was learning "enough" (whatever that means). I felt ashamed of my lack of knowledge of theological concepts, especially compared to my peers. While your experience seemed to be a natural tendency toward the intellectualizing of God and the Christian life, mine was one of questioning myself and making the intellectual pursuit a performance. Struggling to understand and growing exhausted mid-study made me label myself a "bad Christian." This was compounded by what I realize now were toxic Christian communities online--the kind who split hairs over worship song lyrics.
Something that's really helped me is the teaching of the perspicuity of scripture, that everything that is essential to salvation and the Christian life is made clear in the Bible. Though I'm wondering if these struggles of interpretation are more unique to Protestants than to Catholics :)
This was definitely what I needed to read, as I have the same tendency - too much time reading and thinking about God and not actually communing with Him or living my faith! James is definitely a wonderful epistle on this topic ❤️
I remember hearing a story of a believer who was in a theological debate with an atheist friend. In the middle of the debate, the friend asked a question about suicide. Taken off guard, the believer thought it was an argument tactic and proceeded to adeptly dismantle his friend's argument with theologically accurate information, ultimately ending the debate.
After the discussion ended, another took the believer aside and asked him, "Do you know why your friend brought up suicide? His wife died by suicide years ago, and he's been an atheist since."
The believer argued great theology, but missed his chance to evangelize.
Social media especially seems to reward left-brain theological discussions, which isn't wrong in itself as you point out. It's only wrong in as much as it supersedes love.
I pray that I always strive to remember to wash feet before I presume to teach.
This was very lovely. It reminded of how true religion is revealed in action, with thought of James, and true theology is in obedience, for if we know and are known, then so we love, and to love is to obey. I read this several days ago and wished to write something thoughtful, yet nothing came to mind beyond that i am very fond of that section from Peter which you quoted and referenced.
Thank you so much, Leithia! You are spot on
I think you have articulated well the difference between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They are both necessary. Theory is the vision. Application is how we build. I enjoyed your article.
Thank you so much, Joseph!
I liked this essay. It made me look up 1 Peter 3:15-16. I think that some focus more on apologetics and overlook living a good life that would bring others to shame. They might not even know what a good life even is. Like you said, it's all about love.
Thank you, Daniela
This is a beautiful and thoughtful article. Very well said and deep. The faith truly is amazing! I’m so grateful that we have a God who understands us and is so willing to be patient with us as we navigate the wonders of faith. Thank you for sharing! I bet many people can find peace and comfort from your post :) .
I relate to your thoughts here Emilia. I have found like most things in the Christian life, this one is about balance and proper order. You said it well when you described how love should be at the top and knowledge is a vehicle to get you there.
I believe modern Christians on this side of the Enlightenment could use a dose of Christian mysticism as well. This has been true in my life.
The simple act of admitting God is beyond understanding leads to a humble experience of His presence that is beyond words.
We should strive to know while also being aware of how much we don’t know.
Thank you for saying this, Emilia.
Here's to wearing our religion like a skin.
Excellent article as always :) I relate to this on a personal level, especially when it comes to Bible study. In the not-so-distant past, I would sit there with my Bible--my computer open, along with a handful of books. It was overwhelming to say the least. I never felt like I was learning "enough" (whatever that means). I felt ashamed of my lack of knowledge of theological concepts, especially compared to my peers. While your experience seemed to be a natural tendency toward the intellectualizing of God and the Christian life, mine was one of questioning myself and making the intellectual pursuit a performance. Struggling to understand and growing exhausted mid-study made me label myself a "bad Christian." This was compounded by what I realize now were toxic Christian communities online--the kind who split hairs over worship song lyrics.
Something that's really helped me is the teaching of the perspicuity of scripture, that everything that is essential to salvation and the Christian life is made clear in the Bible. Though I'm wondering if these struggles of interpretation are more unique to Protestants than to Catholics :)
This was definitely what I needed to read, as I have the same tendency - too much time reading and thinking about God and not actually communing with Him or living my faith! James is definitely a wonderful epistle on this topic ❤️
I’m glad you found it helpful! 😊
I remember hearing a story of a believer who was in a theological debate with an atheist friend. In the middle of the debate, the friend asked a question about suicide. Taken off guard, the believer thought it was an argument tactic and proceeded to adeptly dismantle his friend's argument with theologically accurate information, ultimately ending the debate.
After the discussion ended, another took the believer aside and asked him, "Do you know why your friend brought up suicide? His wife died by suicide years ago, and he's been an atheist since."
The believer argued great theology, but missed his chance to evangelize.
Social media especially seems to reward left-brain theological discussions, which isn't wrong in itself as you point out. It's only wrong in as much as it supersedes love.
I pray that I always strive to remember to wash feet before I presume to teach.
That’s exactly the kind of situation that’s been on my mind recently. Thank you, Justin
This was both incredibly thoughtful and thought provoking! Very well said!
I’m glad to hear, thank you so much, Kat!