Theology and Philosophy

I’m burning up. I’ve been studying some theology lately and it’s inspiring me. I’m reading Paul Tillich’s Systematic Theology and referring to Erickson’s Christian Theology for an overview or summary of what I read in Tillich. Tillich’s Method of Correlation is really fascinating. It’s inspiring me to study more about contemporary culture. Whether that’s Art, Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Music or Literature, it’s putting a drive in me to learn the existential cry or concern that lies at the heart of modern -- or post-modern, rather-- American culture. Tillich basically asserts that where Philosophy develops the ultimate questions concerning existence, Theology provides the answers to such questions. So every theologian should dabble at least a bit in philosophy so that he can be aware of the questions society seeks and yearns for. I agree with this, and I really like what Erickson has to say on the subject. While he agrees with Tillich that the Theologian should rely on the Philosopher’s analysis in order to better formulate his answers, Erickson adds the warning that the Theologian should never rely on the Philosopher to the degree where the Philosopher is influencing, skewing, or marring the Christian message. In other words, the philosophical questions of what concerns us ultimately ought only to influence the form of the answers, not the content; the content is provided in Scripture and by the guidance of Spirit of Truth. I agree with that as well. Philosophy and theology should always be distinct and separate I think. They shouldn’t be silent or indignant with one another, however. They should be like old friends who often come together for a good chat now and again. There should be a continual conversation between Philosophy and Theology, and they should certainly influence each other, but the bed is off limits in my opinion.
So all this is rad and getting me pumped for college. I’m almost considering getting a very broad liberal arts degree for my undergrad so that I can get a good grasp of my culture, in order that I might come to an understanding of the questions of this society, so that I can better formulate the answers provided in Jesus Christ. IDK, just a thought.

The System

Wrote this while I was at The Salvation Army Training for Officers.

It isn’t the people that I hate; no, it’s not them. It isn’t the teachers or any of the other students. It isn’t the grumpy old man across the hall. It isn’t the food or the ceaseless and relentless schedule. It isn't even the lack of quality in the education. It’s the System. It’s the iron cogs of tradition grinding behind the walls that cause these bones to ache. It’s the fact that whatever problem I have is my fault alone. There is no problem with the System; no, the System is perfect. So perfect that anything that comes against it, or is contrary to it, or is merely other than it is clearly flawed and in dire need of repair. To disagree is to not belong. To think differently is to provide evidence that the god of the System has not “called” you; for if he had, you would conform, there would be the provision of strength from above. Contrary opinions and opposing viewpoints are not permitted, for the System has given everything: food, shelter, even salvation; therefore to think other than what it has prescribed is to commit treason and the only just punishment for such a crime is anathema. One cannot complain about such things, one should not even think of such things, for the hand-that-feeds is lurking, waiting to expose the heretic,or the “uncalled one.” No, I am in a new world, where Tradition is Law and Stubbornness is Virtue. Out there is America, free to think and feel and believe however you want. In here it’s “Think like us or leave.” Even though you sold all your possessions and left everything behind to be here. I long for authenticity, but authenticity is not permitted; therefore existence is not permitted in its full and true sense. I must “be” something that I am not, and naturally my true self resists this with all its might. At times it lashes out in fierce contradiction like a fire. It could very well be pride, but it is pride in what God has made, and I will not lose it.