Theology and Religion

Blue Mountains, Sydney

photo from Richard Cross

Richard's website:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_richard_x/

My dialogue with Rick in the comments in the last article has provided some ideas for this article. We were discussing academic and common evangelical ways of interpreting the word ‘religion’. Religion can be correctly understood in evangelical circles as human attempts to know God, whereas Biblical Christianity originates from God revealing himself to humanity in Scripture. I can agree with this explanation, but since I am completing a PhD at a major secular University, I must be prepared to use academic definitions. I am sharing in small amounts some of my dissertation material on this academic philosophical theology blog.

According to S.A.Nigosian, religion is derived from the Latin religio, but its etymology is disputed. Some scholars have tried to connect religio with other Latin terms such relegere (to reread) relinquere (to relinquish), and religare (to relegate, to unite, to bind together). The last word has often been connected to religio, but overall this is too narrow of an approach. Nigosian (1994: 1). Nigosian notes that the term religion has little significance to non-Western persons, who would view religion as some type of relationship between God and human beings. Nigosian (1994: 1-2). Lewis M. Hopfe explains also that the word religion comes from the Latin religio, which refers to fear or awe one feels when in the presence of a spirit or a god. Hopfe (1991: 3). Hopfe writes that religions often deal with the relationship between the unseen world of spirits, demons, and gods, have a system of myths and attempt to commune and appease these unseen forces, are organized and have places of worship and scripture, have statements about the afterlife, and have some type of following. Hopfe (1991: 7). Nigosian comes up with a definition, which states that religion is the creative activity of the human mind that satisfies inherent spiritual needs. Nigosian (1994: 6). Although I acknowledge these are acceptable academic definitions, and would be suitable for my PhD dissertation and questionnaire, they do not accurately fully describe my philosophical theology. There is definitely an element of Christian theology, which understands human beings as seeking to learn more about God, but within my Reformed perspective this would take place through the guidance of God’s Spirit. It has been stated repeatedly on this blog in several ways that God predestines those who shall follow Christ as in Ephesians 1:4-12, and that God makes the choice to regenerate a certain individual and moulds a person through the work of the Holy Spirit to freely believe. Following Christ is not a human choice primarily, but I do not believe persons follow Christ through compulsion. Calvin (1543)(1996: 68). A person is regenerated by God’s choice and freely believes simultaneously. Therefore in the context of this blog, the term religion may suffice in a limited way to describe Christianity as one theological perspective among many claiming to be true, but in a deeper sense the term religion fails to adequately deal with many aspects of my philosophical theology. It must be remembered that when one is writing academic material there needs to be objectivity used at all times and in certain contexts by classifying Christianity as religion in enables the reader to understand that the writer at least can intellectually grant that many in the world, both scholars and students, view Christianity as merely a religion among many. My writings will of course counter this understanding, but the use of the term religion can allow the Christian theologian to enter Biblical Christianity into the debate among what are deemed as world religions, and then respectfully argue for the truth of Christian theological systems.

My approach in dealing with the term ‘religion’ demonstrates how this blog works. On one hand, the material is academic and slightly watered down from what appears in my PhD, and on the other hand, I attempt to make it as readable and relatable as possible to scholars and students alike who may read and comment on this blog. Satire and theology deals with this material at times as well, but I have opted there to make the articles shorter and with less use of citation. On thekingpin68, however, I am dedicated to this being an academic, philosophical theology blog from which I learn more about theology and related subjects, and hopefully help some others. The tension of remaining true to academic criteria and also being understandable to the average reader will always exist. This will take continued learning for all involved in this blog, for myself and my readers and those who comment. But, 1 Peter 3:15 tells the believer to always be ready to give a defense to everyone that asks, and therefore Christians, both scholars and student alike are compelled to learn everlastingly.

On a side note, I am interested with linking in blog links with others. If anyone is considering placing a link to this blog (and/or satire and theology) on your blog or website, I would seriously considering linking you back.

Cheers

Russ:)

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

HOPFE, LEWIS M. (1991) Religions of the World, New York, Macmillan Publishing Company.

NIGOSIAN, S.A. (1994) World Faiths, New York, St. Martin’s Press.

http://satireandtheology.blogspot.com/2007/11/facebook-quotes-2-post-halloween_01.html