Tuesday, April 07, 2009

I am wondering how age changes our theology? Or does it? Take me, for instance. Since I came to know Christ I have been a Calvinist, premillenialist, soft-cessationist, believer's baptism, presbyterian-government, complementarian kind of guy. ALl of that was in place in my head by the end of 1972. Since then--two theological degrees, 37 years, four states, three churches and two daughters grown up later, all of that is still in place. I have seen no reason--though I have listened carefully--to change any of those core descriptions of my theology. This means that either a) I am pig-headed, b) I was trained well and in a balanced fashion early, c) my nature resists change in core-thinking, d) I remain unconvinced of the alternative systems of theology enough to alter mine. Does theology change with age? Of maybe it changes with circumstances which sometimes, coincides with aging. If I become old and sick and alone, will I abandon my Calvinism? If Israel gets pushed into the sea by the Arabs, will I decide amillenialism is more reasonable? If I come down with a mental illness, will I suddenly become charismatic? Does aging automatically induce change in theological convictions?

2 comments:

Sandy said...

I am a lot like you in this regard.
I put it down to good training.

So maybe longtime friendships are not likely & easily changed either?

Jeff Burke said...

If you had had the life changing things happen to you that hsbr happened to me---things that cut you down to the core you would let go of the vestiges of spirituality that you inherited from those around you and you would go back to the church that has remained unchanged since the beginning of Christ's ministry, Check out the Orthdox Church. It has remained consistent and unchanged since the very beginning. Don't cling to new doctrines---even if hey are 500 or so years old. Seek after the truth, even if it means losing your nob/career/ministry.