Advice to young theologians
Last night at our small meeting there was a small discussion which some thought was not beneficial to the group. It was a matter not of great theological significance but was Scriptural nonetheless. What sticks out to me is not the topic which was lightly debated but the lack of tenderness that I felt in hearing one of participants speak. He was completely right in what he said but he was not as clear as he could have been and did not seem very patient with those that were not up to speed with his theological education. It reminded me of a book I had to read for my first seminary class, called A Little Exercise for Young Theologians
“There is a hiatus between the arena of the young theologian’s actual spiritual growth and what he already knows intellectually about this arena.”
and “in us men truth and love are seldom combined.”
and “It can be sacred theology or diabolical theology. That depends upon the hands and hearts which further it. But which of the two it is cannot necessarily be seen by the fact that in one case it is orthodox and in the other heretical.”
I do not feel I have always grown beyond this but I have been convicted of using the Sword of the Spirit against those I love, congratulating myself that I have forced them into an intellectual corner. Whereas instead of using my Scriptural knowledge against others I needed to use it against my sin and my flesh.
So from one middle-aged armchair theologian to all young theologians, do not use your knowledge to win an argument and show off your intellectual prowess, which you probably ripped off of someone else. But use it to display the glory of God and the joy that he offers. Only set Scripture before people and allow them to wrestle with it and what it plainly means giving them as much grace as God has given you.
