Theological Education
It has been a while, here is what is on my mind.
Henry Nouwen wrote,
“Seminaries and divinity schools must lead theology students into an ever-growing communion with God, with each other, and with their fellow human beings. Theological education is meant to from a whole person toward an increasing conformity with the mind of Christ so that our way of praying and our way of being will be one.” (147 The Way of the Heart)
I am afraid that christianity has lost our way with theological education. From what I have been hearing lately, union with Christ is no longer its priority. Rather, it has become reason, apologetics, and logic. When we remove the primary goal of our studies, union with Christ, we shift to a core that is no longer stable and it will lead us astray. I have been hearing lately that knowledge rather than communion is the primary goal–I disagree.
According to Nouwen Theology originally meant “union with God in prayer.”
Today it has become about academic rigor. No wonder we produce Christians who make it their goal to beat up others with the Word, and try to reason or shame them to repentance. This is a fools effort. Only the Spirit can convict causing shame and guilt…it is not our place. Our place is to love.
peace.
