On a more relational theology
Can it be said that
religion is relational? Today we had an exercise where we chaplains sat in a
circle and discussed what formed us in our walk with Christ. We did this in
small groups. My group had five chaplains in it. The other chaplains spoke of
cognitive and intellectual studies. They brought books and sermons that they had
read showing how these shaped who they were and what they had become.
I had forgotten the project and had to think
through it just before we met. As I sat and thought through what had shaped me I
pulled up several pictures on my computer.
First I had a picture
of my father. I did not have a picture of my mother (it was back on my desk) but
used both to demonstrate the single most influential factor in my life. Mom and
dad shaped who I was and how I viewed life. Now, I find that the person that I
want to call most when looking at a theological issue is my pastor – my
dad. He can take what I am thinking about and put it into a light that I had not
thought of before. Mom drove me to do more than I thought I could. I suppose
there are psychological issues in my life that one could point to and say that I
am driven in memory of my mom. Family is all one has in life. You cannot change
that family – you are connected to them biologically – how does that
move you?
2. I showed a picture of a
class that I have taught. (It happened to
be
the 2005 10th grade class at GCA)
This simply demonstrated how I have been shaped as a teacher. I told my
colleagues (callous as it sounds) that if they couldn’t teach children,
they couldn’t teach. (I smiled as I said this, it came across nice –
hey, I’m a nice guy!) Another teacher in the mix echoed my sentiment. My
students have forced me to think, to better myself on both an intellectual and
practical level, and FORCED me to relax! (After all, if you can’t laugh at
yourself and your students as a teacher – you WILL lose your mind!!!)
3. I spoke of a single book that I had
read: Where is God When it
Hurts? By Philip Yancy. Of all the books I have
read in my life, looking back on which ones have shaped how I think – this
one wins hands down. If I had not experienced various tragedies with my family,
I don’t think it would rank quite as high. However, it shaped how I viewed
(and currently view) suffering. Also fascinating, is how that view on suffering
has changed my theology on a grand scale. This change in theology has changed
both my practice and paradigm.
4. I
showed a picture of Jesse Gardner and Josh Ledbetter – two of my dearest
friends (both will be in my wedding). They represent the importance of my
friends in my life. These men are not afraid of asking me the hard questions. In
my life I have avoided foolish decisions because of wise counsel from
friends.
5. The last symbol I presented
was the hymn “Be Still My Soul.” This was just to emphasize the
importance of music in my life. Often, I do not reflect or meditate on life
without music. (It occurs to me that the choice of hymn says much about who I
am as well)
All this
to note that looking at my five greatest “spiritual shapers” I
noticed that they are all relationship oriented. For all I have read and studied
– it comes down to relationship. Thinking through those that have
ministered to me in times of stress I find that I did not benefit from a
repetition of reasons and “answers” in the situation. I remember
those that just cared enough to sit and listen. It puts a much greater emphasis
on ministering than changing. I cannot change anyone. I cannot make a person see
life from any particular perspective. I can only help them on their own journey
of personal discovery. If we are at all “free-thinkers” then we need
to come to conclusions on our own. I figure if people want to know – they
will ask. I just need to serve. It is in service that my life reflects Christ.
Posted: Mon - March 28, 2005 at 10:46 AM