Theology as Poetry

Theology is, I think, more poetry than science.

I have an MA in [Christian] Theology, and I was trained in ways of discovering and connecting with the grand Tradition. Great effort was made to remain historically grounded, to articulate beliefs that have existed before. At times, it was like an archaeological expedition, digging in thousands of years of dirt to discover precious findings. We may articulate these beliefs differently now, using updated metaphors, but the beliefs themselves have not changed.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that necessarily, as long as those beliefs are not inherently un-true or damaging to people. I also do not think that is the sole purpose of theology, to discover and defend the tradition or belief system. I love tradition, as I find a profound connection with those who have come before. Wisdom is found in the collective, not in individuals. My goal is to find my place within the grand story that is human history and the narrative of faith.

I have no interest in tearing down the Tradition simply for the sake of tearing it down. I have no interest in launching off on my own to discover new ways of thinking about God. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who have come before us, and I do not desire to jump off of those shoulders.

Theology, though, also includes an ongoing debate on how to live here and now. It is not solely debating abstract ideas, but it is responding to the needs we encounter from moment to moment. How do we live in a capitalistic society? How do we respond to contemporary acts of racism? What about gender inequality? How do we live as neighbors of those who believe differently?

Theological endeavors include answering these questions. Sure, I can discuss the soteriology of Origen and the ecclesiology of Martin Luther, but how am I living in 2019? My faith informs everything I say and do. It’s impossible to journey through life and act without the influence of whatever belief structure with which you are currently operating.

Theology is poetry. It is an ongoing act of creative thinking in response to issues never faced before. My theological training was not for the purpose of guarding a museum of Christian faith. Rather, it was to prepare me for the ongoing redemption of a broken world.

Much of my life is improvising from moment to moment, making snap decisions in light of the unique and particular situation in which I am faced. It is the same for you, but every decision we make is informed by past decisions, your current belief structure, and the influences of those around you.

Theology is not only archaeology, but it is quite creative, a poetic act of ascribing beauty, or pain, to the life you are living. It is expressing deep emotions about the suffering of the world. It is celebrating the beauty you perceive in life. It is basking in the mystery of the Divine in a world that we so desperately want to control.

Theology, I think, is more poetry than we imagine.