photo by furryscaly
A quick look through the book catalog (not to speak of an Internet search) suggests that I need to clarify what I mean by “relational theology.” “Open” theologians claim the label, as do members of the “Emergent” Church. Then there are psychologists who use the title, as well as some who appear to think of “relational” theology as opposed to “traditional” theology. Note that the words “open,” “emergent” (or “emerging),” and “traditional” have no fixed meaning. I welcome readers’ responses to the following paragraphs.
My Biblical frame of reference is Jesus’ parable of the vine and branches in John 15. The image that Jesus used was that of an organic relationship between believers and himself and by extension, relationships among the branches themselves (though I have never heard any message that made the second application). This organic relationship, essential for life, is the heart of the Gospel. Jesus came to be the connection between believers and God–and among themselves.
I believe that this organic relationship that allows God’s life to flow into us is a powerful image of what God does for us every day of our lives. Yet when I turn to the Articles of Faith of my denomination, or the 39 Articles of the Church of England, or the Westminster Confession of Faith (and most other Protestant and Catholic creeds), I find a series of propositions about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, sin, redemption, and the future life. I am not opposed to these creeds–they have been hammered out over centuries, back to those early centuries when publicly declaring those propositions placed one’s life at risk (and for many Christians today it is still true). But when intellectual assent to propositions (and I am all for a solid intellectual component of faith–take a look at the current issue of Christianity Today) becomes disconnected from an organic bond between God and the believer, and among believers, the essential meaning of spiritual life becomes clouded.
I remember growing up with the Sears Roebuck catalog in our home. Occasionally, Mom filled out an order form, mailed it, and in a few weeks (haven’t times changed!) the postman delivered a box. I learned to think of prayer in the same way–launch my order off to Heaven, and God responded with a heavenly delivery–a box of faith, grace, peace, or material aid. It took me years to understand that God gives us nothing but himself. His presence is peace, and there is no peace apart from his presence. Grace is nothing more than his energy at work in my world. Material aid is nothing more than visible fingerprints of the Holy Spirit who indwells us–and every other believer.
Now, let me clarify my definition of “relational” theology. God is a trinity, a Community essentially united in perfect love. He made us in his image, so we cannot be human without loving relationships with other believers. The love that energizes these formative relationships is the Holy Spirit in person. Every believer is immediately and intimately bound together in a web of relationships with God and other believers as the Body of Christ in the world. The creeds are commentaries on that web of relationships, or perhaps, technical manuals that illustrate the absolute primacy of Jesus in understanding God in this way.
Okay. That’s were the life comes from. Now we can turn to the commentaries and technical manuals to understand as much as humanly possible about the life of God in us and our world. Remember: there is no life in them–only directions to the Life.
I have big fun read this post. I need to see more about this subject.. Appreciate creating this good info.. Anyways, I’m planning to subscribe to your rss and I hope you make useful posts again rapidly.