Theology, as a study, is a safe topic because we are studying God: “describing the indescribable,” as it has been put. We are defending a denominational point of view which tends to be more about God’s matchless greatness and less about our weaknesses. Besides, denominationalism is a kind of support group in which it is “safe” to believe what we believe. We make sure of this by selecting the right one that matches our beliefs (or so I was advised by one Presbyter once.) But the safer thing is to keep it about God!
In one Bible study, for example, on Jonah’s tale of God imposing Nineveh on the reluctant prophet, we were able to discuss God’s persistence in sending the prophet because He, God, knew what the people’s response would be. God being slow of anger and full of mercy responded to the king’s decree to repent—what Jonah knew all along would happen [Jonah 4:2].
But when we came to Jonah 4:1, no one was quick to relate to the text [NIV]: “But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.” The Hebrew says, “He was ‘eviled’ with a great ‘evil’ and enraged!” I wanted to know whether or not we were ever is this place: where we wanted God to punish someone we hated because—we rationalized—they deserved punishment; “Let ‘em burn!”
That might have been too personal a question. When Bible studies turn personal some probably think we are heading into dangerous territory. We become far too vulnerable and exposed emotionally. We are leaving the analysis of how we feel in the hands of amateurish counselors—quite unqualified to explain me to me. Anyways, it is always and only the Spirit’s task to “convict” [John 16:8]. So, Bible studies are kept elevated on this level of describing the indescribable God or discussing theology in a comfortable, non-controversial setting.
“Theological distancing” I call it. This is a phrase I coined during the Covid pandemic when it was thought best to keep 6 feet between ourselves and everyone else. We tend to keep our distance from the Biblical message if and when it seems to be getting too personal! But I made a ministry doing it anyways which aggravated some. One elder correctly perceived what I was about. I think he wanted me to “stick to the theology!”
It is this desire to live God’s Word that often brings us to the frontier of Christian thought, where life is a matter of spiritual survival and not just a dogma. Faith is not dogma but trust. Is is not about what we believe but rather Who we believe in. Faith applies to life, itself!
When you’re hurting or grieving or worried or frightened or in pain, I don’t think it helps much to take comfort in a study on Justification by faith or the omnipotence of God. We just want to cry unto the Lord.
Let’s raise the question again for meditation’s sake: Have you ever been ‘eviled’ with a great ‘evil’? I sympathize with a brother who just spent 3 days wrapped in sea weed at the bottom of the Mediterranean, even if he did it to himself. God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry?” [Jonah 4:4] to which Jonah snorted, “I want to die!” [Jonah 4:9].
Why do we make it so much harder for God to get His message of love out there to others who will listen if we share! Why not say what God wants said and sense the joy in knowing God is gracious and merciful. Then take the boat home—not the fish!
