Theology Weaponized

 Sometimes in doing everyday reading, I come across something that really strikes home.  And sometimes, whatever it is that strikes home for me seems to be something really unusual or even, shall I say, somewhat weird for me.  However, the Spirit moves in mysterious ways, and if weirdness is a way of catching my attention, then so be it.

In the January/February 2023 issue of “Christianity Today” magazine, there is an article titled  “Fury Isn't a Fruit of the Spirit.”  In it, the author, Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio, says this in the opening paragraph of the article.

“What is the matter with theology today?  Far from being described by the string of virtues that make up the fruit of the Spirit, much of what is labeled “theology” is insecurity and fury disguised as dialogue or thoughtfulness.  Even the most cursory scrolling of social media could lead you to the conclusion that you must be angry in order to do theology.  In our day, it is not uncommon to see theology used as a weapon and not as a well of joy.”

Wow!  She cuts to the heart of her article quickly right at the first, and, dare I say somewhat aggressively.  No beating around the bush here.  And this criticism of theology is from a professor of theology.

But how does she then continue?  She lists three ways that she says theology is used in modern society that are not at all in accordance with the fruit of the Spirit.  But before we get into that in some depth, let's quickly review what the fruit of the Spirit really is.  And for that, I quote the Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 5 who, after discussing the works of the flesh such as immorality, jealousy, uncontrolled anger, and so on, then says this:  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Now, as for those three ways Kurtz says theology is inappropriately used, the first she lists is this: “Maybe you've seen theology weaponized as an instrument of division.”  She says that often, Christians will draw boundary lines regarding points of doctrine and create an “us versus them” mentality.  Fellow Christians are warring with each other issues that should never be used as weapons, causing disunity among the faithful.

Secondly, she says, “Maybe you've seen theology weaponized as an instrument of pride.”  She goes on to point out the accumulating theological knowledge sometimes leads to inflated egos and self-importance.  Arrogance soon follows.  Theology becomes a show...theologians become actors on a doctrinal stage.

Her third point is, “Maybe you've seen theology weaponized as a replacement for sanctification and wisdom.”  She goes on to say that devotion to the Lord isn't measured by the memorization of theological lingo and logic.  Theological knowledge doesn't guarantee either Christian sanctification or the wisdom in life and living that comes from above.

Whether we're aware of it or not, most of us who are Christians have seen theology used as a weapon in at least one of the ways Kurtz describes.  It's relatively easy for the human spirit...the “works of the flesh” as the Apostle Paul puts it, to take charge of things and cause discord, disunity, and distress through something as spiritual as theology...the study of the nature of God.

So, how does Kurtz end her article?  What is her point?  Just this.  As she says in the article, “Theology done well can drive the virtues that make up the fruit of the Spirit deep in our souls such that we become Christians marked by wisdom and stability.”  She goes on to put together three passages written by the Apostle Paul from Philippians, Romans, and II Corinthians, in this way.  “Contemplate the good, the true, and the beautiful in Christ, and in so doing be transformed by the renewing of your mind by beholding Christ from one degree of glory to another.”  Think about these things.  AMEN