You Are A Theologian
I recently had several similar conversations with people inside and outside of “professional ministry,” and I use the word professional for a reason. A common theme that appeared with my clerical friends is that we need to take all opinions on religion from lay people seriously. No matter the level of an individual's theological formation, each one has thoughts about religion and should be respected.
For example, children are not blank slates waiting for the church to teach them about God. They already think about God and incorporate those ideas into their daily experiences. They pick up new thoughts while playing in the park, looking at the intricacies of a leaf or talking to a friend. Questions begin to bubble up in their mind throughout the week.
It would be rash for the church to assume that children are all one big tabula rasa. Better yet, we should see children as constantly experimenting with theological topics in school and at home. The church can offer theological language to answer their questions. We are surrounded by little Sts. Augustines and Aquinases and don’t even know it!
The same is true for teenagers, young adults and those well into adulthood. One thing I have noticed while working with our small group ministry is the hesitancy of some to think that they cannot lead a conversation about the Bible because they do not have a theological degree. Yet, our greatest assets in the growth of this ministry are all the lay facilitators who lead those small groups.
You don’t need a degree to discuss God; you may know more than you believe you do. The church will build upon what is already there, giving theological language to your daily experiences. God is working in all our lives, and it is important that, as theologians, we reflect on our daily experiences while being informed through Scripture and the community of the church. It is important work that shapes the lives of those inside and outside of the church.
Yet, let’s be clear on one thing: you are a theologian.
