Theology's Hindrance: Exploring Faith's Complex Relationship

The relationship between theology and faith is a complex one. Some argue that theology, defined as the intellectual pursuit of deepening one's knowledge of God, can strengthen faith and provide a more robust understanding of religious teachings. However, others suggest that formal theological education can lead to a cooling or loss of faith as individuals grapple with complex questions and interpretations. This is particularly evident in the history of science, where the break from medieval theology contributed to the emergence of modern science, creating a schism between faith and reason. The tension between faith and theology persists, with some arguing that theology can hinder faith by offering condemnation and exclusion, especially in the context of disability theology. Ultimately, the interplay between theology and faith is multifaceted, and individuals must navigate this complex relationship in their quest for understanding and belief.

Formal theological education may lead to a cooling of faith

This concern is not unfounded, as there are examples of individuals who have left seminary without their faith. One prominent example is Bart Ehrman, a well-known skeptic and New Testament scholar who studied at two strongly evangelical schools and now regularly writes books attacking the Christian faith. There are also many other ex-seminarians who have slipped into unbelieving obscurity.

For some, the simple understanding of the Bible learned in Sunday school and youth group begins to fall away when studied in a theological context. Certain answers that were once satisfying are now seen as inadequate, and this can cause anxiety as ideas change quickly. Some may retreat to the old and familiar, while others may boldly move forward to explore new understandings.

However, it is important to note that not all experiences with theological education are negative. Some individuals may find that their faith is strengthened by their theological studies, even if there is initial pain associated with moving beyond the faith of their childhood. The pursuit of truth, no matter how uncomfortable, can bring one closer to Jesus, and a stronger, more robust faith in God.

Additionally, the Church needs individuals who are willing to wrestle with the hard questions on an intellectual level. This journey need not damage faith but can instead lead to a deeper understanding of God's nature and how He works in the world.

Studying the Bible academically can cause a shift in theological beliefs

For example, in academic study, the Bible may be approached as a historical or literary text, rather than solely as a religious one. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context in which the Bible was written, and how this may have influenced its teachings and messages. Additionally, academic study may involve examining the Bible through a philosophical lens, exploring the underlying assumptions and arguments within the text, and how these relate to other schools of thought.

This type of academic engagement with the Bible can lead to a shift in theological beliefs as individuals begin to question and re-evaluate their previously held understandings. For some, this may be experienced as a ""shaking of faith", as they grapple with new interpretations and ideas that differ from those learned in Sunday school or youth group. Simple answers that were once satisfying may no longer seem adequate, and individuals may find themselves grappling with complex theological concepts and questions.

However, this shift in theological beliefs is not necessarily a negative outcome. As Stephen J. Bedard, an author, blogger, and pastor, shares in his article, "Is Theological Education a Faith Killer?", his own experience with theological education has been positive. While he acknowledges the initial discomfort of moving away from the familiar Sunday school teachings, he finds that the new understandings gained through academic study have led to a stronger and more fulfilling faith. He emphasizes that "all truth is God's truth" and that any quest for truth, even if it involves intellectual wrestling with difficult questions, will ultimately bring us closer to Jesus.

Additionally, academic study of the Bible can provide individuals with a deeper knowledge of God and strengthen their relationship with Him. By engaging intellectually with the Bible, individuals can gain a more nuanced understanding of God's nature and how He works in the world, which can lead to a more informed and thoughtful faith. This deeper knowledge can also equip Christians to defend their faith more intelligently when challenged and help them apply their faith to real-world situations in a more meaningful way.

In conclusion, while studying the Bible academically may cause a shift in theological beliefs, it is not inherently detrimental to one's faith. Instead, it can lead to a stronger, more robust, and more informed faith that is able to withstand scrutiny and engage thoughtfully with the complexities of religious belief and practice.

Theology can offer condemnation and exclusion to disabled people

Theology has often been interpreted as offering condemnation and exclusion to people with disabilities. This is evident in the experiences of disabled individuals within religious communities and through the ableist lens with which religious texts are viewed and interpreted.

Amy Kenny, a Shakespeare scholar and author of "My Body Is Not a Prayer Request," notes that the theology of many Christian services does little besides offering condemnation and exclusion to people with disabilities. She terms this "theological ableism," which limits the understanding of faithfulness and holiness to non-disabled people, thereby perpetuating the idea that independence and non-disability are virtues to strive for. Kenny experienced this first-hand, as churchgoers routinely attempted to "pray away" her disability, labelling her as defective despite their good intentions.

Traditional biblical and theological perspectives often conflate disability with sin, punishment, and a lack of faith, which has led to the stigmatization and exclusion of people with disabilities from positions of leadership and community life. For example, Leviticus 21:16-23 sets forth requirements for ministry, stating that physical imperfection is an impediment to the exercise of priestly office, thereby excluding people with disabilities from ecclesiastical visibility and authority.

Additionally, disability has been viewed as virtuous suffering, encouraging passive acceptance of social barriers, and as cases of charity, which can lead to the segregation and marginalization of people with disabilities. These interpretations contribute to what Eiesland (1994) refers to as a "disabling theology," reinforcing the marginalization and exclusion of people with disabilities in social, economic, political, and religious spheres.

However, it is important to note that there are also emancipatory and inclusive biblical and theological views on disability. For instance, the parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14 includes the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame, indicating that Jesus Christ intended to include people with disabilities within the unity of the Christian church.

Furthermore, disability studies provide a social model that relocates the problem of disability from the individual to society's response to disability, challenging the medical model's goal of rehabilitating or "fixing" people with disabilities. This social model emphasizes the importance of community, vulnerability, and dependence, which are essential aspects of being human and should be reflected in theological interpretations.

Faith and reason are in conflict

The relationship between faith and reason is a complex and multifaceted topic that has been debated by theologians, philosophers, and scientists for centuries. While some argue that faith and reason are inherently in conflict, others contend that they can coexist and even complement each other. In exploring this issue, it is essential to acknowledge the nuanced perspectives from both sides of the argument.

One perspective holds that faith and reason are inherently at odds with each other. This view often stems from the belief that faith relies on spiritual or supernatural explanations that cannot be proven or disproven through rational or empirical means. In this context, faith is seen as a matter of personal belief or revelation, existing independently of logical analysis or scientific inquiry. On the other hand, reason is grounded in logical thinking, empirical evidence, and the scientific method, which seeks to understand the natural world through observation, experimentation, and the formulation of testable hypotheses. From this perspective, the methodologies of faith and reason appear incompatible, leading to the perception of conflict between the two.

This conflict has been highlighted throughout history, particularly during periods of scientific advancement or paradigm shifts that challenged traditional religious doctrines. For example, the scientific revolution of the 12th century, as described by Philip Ball in his essay in the April 2008 issue of Nature, marked a break from the theology of medieval Christianity. This shift towards a naturalistic worldview, according to Ball, "opened the schism between faith and reason that has since widened into a chasm." The growing influence of secular learning and the explanatory power of science seemed to rival and threaten the dominance of theology, exacerbating the perceived rift between faith and reason.

However, it is important to acknowledge that the relationship between faith and reason is not universally viewed as antagonistic. Some argue that faith and reason can coexist and even support each other. This perspective emphasizes the idea that faith and reason operate in different spheres, addressing distinct aspects of human understanding and experience. For instance, religion often concerns itself with matters of meaning, purpose, values, and the relationship between humans and their Creator, while science focuses on understanding the natural world through empirical methods. From this standpoint, faith and reason can be seen as complementary rather than conflicting.

Additionally, it is worth considering the role of theology in navigating the interplay between faith and reason. Theology, as the critical study of religious faith, practice, and experience, seeks to deepen understanding and provide intellectual defense for religious beliefs. In doing so, theology engages with philosophical and historical perspectives, enriching the faith experience and strengthening its foundation. As Saint Anselm of Canterbury described, theology is "faith seeking understanding." This pursuit of understanding can help reconcile apparent conflicts between faith and reason, providing a more nuanced and robust faith that is informed by rational inquiry.

Ultimately, the question of whether faith and reason are in conflict is complex and multifaceted. While there have been historical tensions and apparent incompatibilities between the two, it is also possible to view them as complementary aspects of human understanding. The relationship between faith and reason is a dynamic and ongoing dialogue that continues to shape theological, philosophical, and scientific discourse.

Science and religion are incompatible

Science and religion are distinct belief systems that employ different methods of acquiring knowledge. Science relies on empirical experimentation, evidence-based explanations, and testable hypotheses. In contrast, religion is based on submissive conviction, supernatural beliefs, and spiritual intuitions. While science must adhere to the scientific method and verifiable evidence, religion can accommodate scientific findings by incorporating them into its spiritual framework.

The history of science and religion is marked by a series of "compromises" where science was forced to bow down to religion. For example, in the 17th century, science was granted permission to explore God's design of direct creation, and in the 18th century, the compromise was that science would learn how God's creation had been working perfectly since the beginning. These compromises were not true reconciliations but rather concessions made by science under pressure from religion.

Today, the conflict between science and religion persists, particularly in the realm of evolutionary biology. While many religious denominations have accepted the theory of evolution, some fundamentalist groups reject it, clinging to literal interpretations of religious texts. This disagreement stems from the inherent incompatibility between scientific explanations and religious beliefs.

Furthermore, science and religion make different types of claims about reality. Science seeks to understand the natural world through experimentation and observation, constantly refining its theories based on new evidence. In contrast, religious faith is often unaltered by conflicting evidence and typically involves entities that exist outside the realm of scientific investigation.

While some argue that science and religion can coexist, with each addressing different aspects of human understanding, the methods by which they seek to understand the world are intrinsically opposed. Science must adhere to its empirical methods, while religion can accommodate scientific findings by incorporating them into its spiritual framework. Ultimately, the two systems of knowledge are incompatible due to their contrasting approaches to understanding and explaining the world.

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