The Shack - is it really theology?

Working on the premise that wee can do our theological thinking using any book I have to add the caveat that whilst ALL and ANY book can challenge and shape my theology this does not make them 'theological'!

A brief conversation with someone who is studying theologically left me rather confused as they regarded the aforementioned tome as an authoritative theological voice on the Trinity. This for me was on a par with the 'darkness' offerings of Frank Peretti being regarded in the same light regarding Angelology.

Please don't think I'm knocking the books or the writers, I'm not. I can honestly say that having read them and enjoyed them to varying degrees my concern is that those who would consider themselves as students of that Queen of all sciences (Aquinus' term - not mine - Schleiermacher's too!) 'Theology' are in possession of such thinking.

More concern-making perhaps is the fact that the person on the other side of the conversation also thought that the 'Left behind' series was 'great theology' and a wonderful way to teach about the end times, after all (and I quote): 'It's easier to understand than revelation, isn't it?' 

It certainly is, but it is not the authority some might confer upon it!

I am becoming increasing aware that I am moving towards a similar position as that occupied by that wonderfully visceral and curmudgeonly old goat, and namesake, Victor Meldrew when I say:
'I don't believe it - and I wish you wouldn't either!' Perhaps it's increasing old age taking effect - but hopefully it's an increasing desire to see people shape, share and apply stuff that sits well with the Bible.

Mind you, gut feelings apart, I am struggling to think that there are people who see angels sitting around the church building giving demons the bird and members of the Holy Trinity as characters like Mr McHenry, zipping around sans tricycle!

Stimulation and analogous writings are great because they give us different ways of looking at things. Fiction can, as I have said, shape, inform and bring about responses in us, but we need to keep a weather eye on how far we let them take us - after all, those who take the King's shilling and  seek to serve Him in the ministry have a personal and a pastoral concern to be concerned over.

The Shack? It's a book - let's not lose sight of that?

Pax

Tamworth - An offer you can't refuse

For a few years now I have wondered how best we can serve the people of our town and one exceptionally valuable (and effective) way we can do this appears to be by getting out on the ground and getting involved with those who come into our town to enjoy a social life in the evenings.

And before anyone gets on their soap box - It's not one of those 'Christians Only' (or even just a 'certain type of Christian') things - there are no monopolies and there's nothing about the ghetto here for all are welcome to help in what will be a collaborative effort between volunteers and other agencies (including the police and other statutory bodies).

So - if you are an adult (18 or over) living in, or around, Tamworth and would like to help listen, support and provide care for those coming into the town to enjoy its great social life then now's your opportunity. Training is given and all we will be asking is that you commit to a minimum of one night a month, usually from 10pm to around 2am.

The role is varied and a typical evening might see you handing out water (or chocolate), talking to angry, confused or disorientated people; perhaps you'll be arranging a taxi (or a lift from someone at home), taking shopping trolleys back to somewhere safe so they don't end up going through a window or used as a weapon when tempers flare (and they do from time to time). Sometimes it's giving out space blankets or tea, coffee or another hot drink and other times it's something you've never thought of before.

Whatever the problem, we're on the streets to make the evening run smoothly and to keep the incidents and incidence of hurting people to a minimum.

And if you don't live in Tamworth?

Why not take a look at:

And find out what there is going on in your community (and if there's nothing - start something)