In recent days and weeks among a variety of settings I have been witness to a great amount of discussion that was of a theological nature (I know big surprise!). Much of that discussion seemed to revolve around having a correct position or understanding of one issue or another. Was the position taken “theologically correct?” Following from that assumption, assertions and defense were made as to the state of a person’s eternity because of said position. In other words, based on a position you held on a specific belief, you were deemed to be either in accord or contrary to scripture, and from that whether or not your eternal soul was in danger. I’ve sought to stay out of much of the discussions and arguments. For many of us, our theological positions are very personal, and we get very emotionally involved when we either find our positions to be challenged or when we believe we find fault in others. I really don’t want to get involved in these discussions, as I too have become emotionally involved when simply reading and hearing what others say, but I feel like I need to say something.
One of the realities of modern Christianity is that we are made up of a great number of denominations. Each of those denominations have confessions and understandings that are uniquely theirs. Many denominations claim to have a corner on the truth when it comes to how they understand the sacraments, or predestination, or scripture, etc. If that is followed to its end, that claim says that their version of Christianity is the only “true” understanding, and that all other claims to the contrary are false. If that is to be understood as true, how are we to know what is “truly Christian?” There are many different perspectives and opinions in modern Christianity, and many of them are contrary to positions held by others in the Christian tradition. Are women allowed to be pastors? Can pastors be married? Is the Bible the literal word of God? Is drinking alcohol or smoking a sin? Is baptism of infants a useless? Each of these positions are either enthusiastically embraced or denied by members of the Christian tradition, who each feel that they are correct in their position.
Thus, it seems difficult if not impossible to truly know what is right. So, does that mean we are supposed to just throw our arms up in the air and give up? Of course not. But, we must also always be careful when we make statements that are universal in their claim to truth or correctness. I’m a person who tends to be very theological, I like to think deep thoughts about why we believe the things we do, why we hold as truth certain things and not others. But, I’m also very aware that I must always remember that I cannot truly know anything about God, all I can do is believe. I know that when I drop a rock, it will fall. But I do not, I can not, know what God feels about a certain issue; I can believe based on scripture and tradition that God feels a certain way, but I cannot know. For who can truly know the mind of God? (1 Cor. 2;11)
As people, and as denominations we have marked out specific territories and positions, and will often go to extremes to defend them. We are very concerned that we have the correct theology; that we are not thinking about God in a wrong way. We often feel that our very soul is dependent on having a correct theological understanding. Perhaps it is, perhaps not.
Matthew 25:31-46 has some very important words to speak, and I think we would all do well to listen (myself included.) According to Jesus himself, in the final judgment will we be judged based on how we understand the sacraments or the trinity or soteriology? Jesus declares that we will be judged not on our theological understandings or positions, but on the way in which we have served those in need. Serving them not to get something out of it (like salvation), but simply because they are in need. If you notice, the list doesn’t include helping those who had “wrong beliefs”. I challenge you to find the word faith or belief anywhere in that passage.
Are our personal and denominational theologies and understandings as important to God as how we treat and care for one another? Is it possible that perhaps we all don’t need to believe the same things about God? Is it possible that perhaps what is one persons “sin” is not for another (Romans 14)? Perhaps God’s desire isn’t that we all agree on what is right or wrong, on a specific Biblical interpretation, on a certain theological understanding. Perhaps God is more concerned with how we live in community with one another. Not seeking to prove ourselves right and another wrong, not seeking to show how we are theologically correct, or how we will be saved in the end and someone else won’t. Perhaps, just perhaps, God could care less what we believe if our actions are done in love and servanthood to those around us.
What saves you? Your belief about God or God? When it comes down to the final judgment, when you are kneeling before the throne of God, do you really want to be judged on whether you held the right position on some theological issue, or whether or not you sought to live your life as best you can following the path that was laid out for us by our Savior. Who though he was the very Son of God, God himself incarnate among us, did not think of himself as better, but took the role of a servant, and served humanity without limit – even to the point of death (Philippians 2:5-11).
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