Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi

So much theology, over the years, has been against, yet I find myself wondering if, at its core, theology is supposed to be a for discipline, rather than an against one.

The concept arose out of a discussion I had this afternoon with a college student in my church.

Consider women in ministry or discipline (which have traditionally been matters of great contention in the church). Is it possible that intellegent, faithful, discerning people can come to differing views despite studying the same scriptures and seeking God’s will through the same Holy Spirit? I believe it is.

The question then, becomes one of motives rather than one of belief. (Although I’m certainly not suggesting that there are no wrong beliefs!) I am suggesting that the “right” belief with the “wrong” motives is equally as appropriate as the “wrong” belief with the “right” motives.

For example, to seek the scriptures and come to a conclusion that women do (or don’t) belong in the pulpit is a vastly different story than seeking the scriptures with the desire to prove that women do (or don’t) belong in the pulpit. The conclusions may be the same, but one is seeking God’s guidence for the church, the other is seeking amunition against a theological opponent (usually based on a visceral reaction or personal opinion).

My seminary education would lead me to suggest that it’s related to the distinction between exegesis and eisegesis. The former approaching the scriptures in an effort to discern God’s will; the latter seeking something the scriptures to prove mine (or aliviate my discomfort, or make me happy).

In the reformed tradition I may be the difference between the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort. The Belgic is a document for, while the Canons are against. The Belgic seeks to explain what true faith looks like; the Canons seek to explain what faulty faith doesn’t look like. (Did you get that double negative?) Perhaps this is why the Belgic is inviting while the Canons are often viewed as cold and antagonistic.

I’m pretty sure theology for is more effective and transformative than theology against. What do you think?

Grace and Peace,
`tim

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