I have recently begun writing "A Personal Theology" to help clarify my thoughts and inquiries and to solidify and articulate the theology to which I hold. So far I have outlined it and given my preliminary thoughts. I have posted those thoughts for your feedback, suggestions, complaints (snide remarks *for jared*).
Preliminary thoughts:
It seems best to me at this point in my education and preparation to begin to articulate my personal inquiries and conclusions concerning most areas of theology. The organization of these topics forms a structural framework. It attempts to follow Biblical, ecclesiological and logical order to maintain a solid body of information and rhetoric. I design to account for my theological beliefs, positions and understandings in the main areas of theology, while several appendices will no doubt address the sundry issues of the times current and times past.
I suspect that on not a few occasions I will give the information and persuasions at which I have arrived at this point. I will doubtless change a minor position or two after discussions, reading, praying, thinking or studying. However, I am fairly convinced of the main points concerning Scripture, the Godhead, the Gospel and the Church.
Finally, a defense [or request] for personal theologies: my intuitions of our times (or my study of any times) reveals the importance of the saints within the church understanding what precisely they believe and an articulate answer to - “why?”. Even more importantly, the leaders in the church (and I mean the Pastors/Elders and Deacons) ought to do this singular task themselves. It is my contention that deferring or consenting to another’s organization and articulation of theology, while not necessarily wrong, is of secondary value.
To clarify, let me say that the theologies that the historical church has provided for the present church is a great blessing and treasure that we must esteem and utilize. However, the value of articulating agreements or amendments to these writers is of primary value.
To qualify, let me say that this is no capricious endeavor. Inasmuch as the theological authors of the past and present take (quite necessarily) great care and attention to what they write, so we also must carefully search the Scripture and read the Church’s writing before and as we participate. May the diligence of the Bereans and the faithfulness of Daniel be graced by God upon us as we write, discuss and pursue the glories of the Godhead.
