Doing Theology

Doing theology is only useful if it can be nailed to the Cross. If it can't be nailed to the Cross, then it's just an intellectual exercise.

Two Theologies

This excerpt from Archimandrite Sophrony couldn't be more accurate. I think it shows graphically how some Christians go astray.

"There are two ways for theology: the one, widely familiar in previous centuries, appertaining to the professional theologian; the other, which means being crucified with Christ, knowing Him in the secret places of the heart. The first of these types is accessible to the majority of the intellectually endowed having a preference for philosophical subjects--genuine belief in the Divinity of Christ expressing itself in a life lived according to the spirit of His commandments is not needed. The second is the theology of the confessors, which is born of a profound fear of God in the firey flames of repentance, leading to existential reality through the appearance of Uncreated Light. Academic theology combined with living faith affords blessed results. But it can easily degenerate into abstract theory, and cease to be what we see in the lives of the Apostles, Prophets, Fathers--the direct action of God in us."
-- Archimandrite Sophrony, On Prayer

Some Thougts on Mission and Learning

"Evangelization is inseparable from professional teaching ever since the Word became flesh. Not even Eternal Wisdom could remain within the theological center of the Trinity, but He became a roaming teacher, and itinerant Instructor. Nature decreed that certain things kept to themsleves spoil. Almost everything in the universe was made to be spent. Wealth hoarded makes it keeper a miser. Learning for the sake of learning makes the student proud. University professors desiccate by never making their knowledge available to those who do not sit at desks. The Logos or Word of God taking a child on His lap will forever remain the misison of education--to share it as wealth must be shared." --Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen