Wednesday, 20th September, 2006

Session 1 - Methods of Theology?

Oh boy, what sort of theologian am I.
Am I absolute? Definitely not, but that is about as far as I can currently define. I have been off work today with flu, I have wanted to sit down and write but all I have done is slept and wallow in self pity.

I had been trying to define the following.
Absolute, Transitional, Independent, Contextual. I didn't bring back the description sheet as we only had one between us. Found a link on the net.

What do they all mean? Where do my thoughts and reasoning start and finish, if indeed they ever do. That's a clue to my definition. My thoughts never do finish. Whether it be Theology or Science I never stop reasoning.

Theology explores the building bricks of my faith, exercising my beliefs by reflecting in them with God. I have a keen interest in science, but I find more truths, more acceptable answers for the big questions like “Creation” and “Purpose for Life” from within my faith and my relationship with God.

Is Absolute a scientific approach? Scientists have found there is not enough mass in the universe to account for it's acceleration so they create a theory "Dark Matter". Even mathematicians differ on the most efficient way to stack oranges! New Scientist I think I will go to bed and read some of the Preliminary Readings in preperation for next lecture.

Back again!
Over the last few years I have been used to questioning the validity of the Bible, the more I have to reflect and offer to God, the more secure my faith. But reading the preparatory reading I wonder how good a theologian I could be. I feel the Gospels are literal events, God interacting with humanity.