Journal yuri benjamin's Journal: Theological Survey 1
Richard's Simple Theo-Survey
I got this from Liora's Journal
Who were/are the top 3 Christian thinkers (apart from Jesus or the apostles)?
There have been too many good thinkers to narrow it down to three.
The list would need to inlcude C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, John Wesley, Martin Luther, D.L. Moody and more recent thinkers like Ravi Zacharias, Chuck Missler, Hal Lindsay, Dave Andrews (Author of Christi-anarchy, Derek Prince - the list goes on
Sorry, can't pick the top three.
Do you think that the objects of theology are fundamentally rational?
Hmmm. On one level, theology is an attempt to rationalise God. The deeper you get into it, the more you find there are more questions than answers.
What is the proper relationship between theology and philosophy?
I'll steal a line from Dire Straits:
Philosophy is useless, theology is worse - Industrial Disease
What is the proper relationship between theology and science?
Science was made possible by the assumption that the universe obeys laws, and that these laws can be observed and/or deduced. Cultures that believed everything was random did not develop science.
Science, approached honestly, leads to an appreciation of the Creator.
What is the proper relationship between philosophy and science?
Science is for things that can be discovered. Philosophy is just a bunch of abstract ideas - great for late night discussions. One can philosophise about science
God: One Substance and Three Persons or Three Hypostatic beings?
Not the latter.The former comes close. I'll ask Him when we meet face to face.
Who sends the Holy Spirit? Does it matter?
Jesus said He would send "The Helper". What matters is the fact he was sent, not who sent him.
Does the host's meaning come from Transubstantiation, Consubstantiation, Symbolism, or something else?
"Do this in memory of Me" - the only proscribed New Testament ritual.
All rituals proscribed by God are mere shadows of a spiritual reality.
Natural theology: Nay or Yay?
It has its place. See my answer regarding science and theology.
Do you hold to any certain eschatological stance?
I'll wait until I've read all relevant passages in the Bible before I make up my mind - right now I'm leaning Pre-Trib, Pre-Mil.
Human Will: Are you a libertarian, molinist, hard determinist, compatiblist, or something else?
All of the above.
Apologetics: Do you prefer classical, evidential, presuppositional, existential or something else?
Whatever is required, if any.
Mysticism: Does it (need to) play a role in a person's spiritual life?
There are always new things to explore.
Governance: Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational, Libertarian or other?
Church governance? Universal accountability where everyone is accountable to everyone else, but first and foremost to God.
Should there be a sharp distinction between clergy and laity?
That veil was torn in two from top to bottom while Jesus was hanging on the cross.
Do you agree with common law marriage?
If the church had a monopoly on marriage, that would make all Hindus, Moslems, Buddhists, Taoists etc illegitimate!
Marriage is whatever the couple make of it. Having God involved is helpful, but shouldn't be forced on anyone.
Should Christians fight during a war?
Specify a war and I'll answer in context of that war.
Same Sex Marriage or Civil unions: right, wrong or "who cares"?
Some christians make too big an issue out of this. The most important issue in someone's life is not their sexuality, but their relationship with God. That said, God did not create us for same sex erotic intimacy. People with such attractions should be treated with compassion but not indulgence.
What role do the Christian scriptures have in contemporary ethics?
Ignored at our peril.
What is a proper Christian attitude towards a person who commits suicide?
Compassion should be first and foremost.
Who are the top 3 Christian artists of our time?
This week? This month? This year? This decade?
I don't follow contempory pop culture, "christian" or secular.
What is the most pressing issue that confronts Christianity at this time?
Authenticity.
Should there be such a thing as Christian Pop Culture?
Christianity should not be a subculture, but a counterculture.
Can a Christian vote Liberal/Left Wing/Democrat or Conservative/Right Wing/Republican?
A christian can and should vote according to his or her conscience.
Should Christian's work to 'Christianise' the morality of their nation via censorship laws?
The only way to "Christianise" anyone is by example.
Can a Christian support the death penalty?
Yes, as long as the person throwing the first stone, or flicking the switch, or tying the noose, or pulling the trigger is themselves without sin.
Where do you see the Western (North America/Europe) Christian church in fifty years?
True believers probably raptured. Those left behind either getting real serious about their faith or swept along in worshipping this new charismatic leader.
Where do you see the southern (South America/Africa/Asia) Christian church in fifty years?
True believers probably raptured. Those left behind either getting real serious about their faith or swept along in worshipping this new charismatic leader.
Augustine, Aquinas, Pseudo Dionysus, Calvin, Luther, or Barth: Who would win in a bar fight?
Whoever is physically strongest and fastest and fittest. It wouldn't change the rightness or wrongness of their respective theologies though.
Interesting! (Score:2)
What is the proper relationship between theology and science?
Theology is the study of God's Word.
Science is the study of God's works.