Ponderings

Along the way we run into moments which challenge some of the things we thought were nailed down and poured in concrete.  Life has a way of calling us to examine what we have always thought to be unquestionable.  For example, what do we do with the a Word like Psalm 51:5, "Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me"  when we start thinking seriously about what it means to be made in the image of our Creator?  And as that Wendell Berry character, Jayber Crow, wonders, how do we pray after we have come to the praying Words Jesus taught us to pray which say, "Thy will be done?"  (Matthew 6:10)       

 One certain thing is change.  Of course, not all of the changes we bring about are necessarily for our good which makes us a bit cautious when it comes to pulling up the nailed down planks which hold our theological house together.  Each change we make has a rippling effect.   If we lay aside the concept of human depravity, what do we do with the cross and if one part of a prayer makes praying about other things seem unnecessary, why pray anymore?    

In figuring out a workable theology, I have often turned to John Wesley, the father of Methodism, who taught that what is theologically true is determined by looking at it through the lens of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.  Another thing I have found myself adding over the years is taking what is believed to be true to its logical conclusion. When we get there we may decide it is a place we cannot live which only means going back and starting the journey over once again.