What is Pyro-theology?

More recently I have been trying out a new term that might help to differentiate my own theological project for those of others. The term, which we developed and used in ikon, is pyro-theology.

My next book will seek to describe what pyro-theology is and show how it can revolutionize faith structures, but for now I thought I would attempt to offer a very broad definition. Pyro-theology describes a very specific theological enterprise. It is not a systematic, constructive or narrative theology. It is not concerned with building upon, supporting or altering the current understanding of Christianity. Nor is it interested in calling the presently existing church to a deeper fidelity to its ideals. Rather it represents a fundamental questioning these ideals and signals an approach to faith that claim the central event of Christianity is nothing less than a type of white-hot fire that burns up all we believe about ourselves, our gods and our universe. Pyro-theology thus offers a genuinely different theological approach to that found within the contemporary literature embraced by churches today.

Over the millennia the church has gone through a series of fundamental shifts. These arise as different interpretations of the world, the source of the world and our place in the world via for dominence. In pyro-theology the truth of faith is not seen to be located in one interpretation or the other. Nor is this truth thought of as a type of container within which all such conflicts are ultimately reconciled. But rather the truth of faith is seen to be expressed in the antagonism which generates the conflict and causes us to readjust our thinking in light of new contexts. The truth then is not that which remains after the fire which burns away the old ideas, but rather the fire itself.

The question for those seeking to build collectives that fan the flame rather than trying to extinguish it. Collectives that invite those who attend into the event of absolute loss reflected in the Crucifixion so that we might experience Resurrection.

All institutions operate with a set of beliefs and doctrines. The challenge is in forging an institution that, in its liturgical heart, fundamentally and resolutely undermines the beliefs and doctrines that it cherishes.

To hear me talk about pyro-theology check out the talk I gave at Mars Hill recently.