Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically

by Beth Felker Jones

The early church articulated this connection with the phrase lex orandi, lex credendi, “the law of prayer is the law of belief.” Theologian Geoffrey Wainwright points out that this expression contains a double suggestion; it “makes the rule of prayer a norm for belief,” but it also implies that “what must be believed governs what may and should be prayed.”[1] The “law of prayer” suggests the whole of an active life of discipleship, a life in which individuals and churches are in personal relationship with God. That living relationship informs orthodox or correct belief even while belief informs the life of faith. So, the connection between academic theology and theology that happens in the life of the church runs both ways. While shaping our words, theology also shapes our reason, our lives as disciples, our worship as the church, and our mission to the world. As theology affects the way we talk about God, it also affects the way we think. We are to love God with our minds, and so part of our task is to think well about God. This is not easy, because as sinners we are “estranged and hostile in mind” (Col. 1:21). Before we can hope to reason correctly, we need God’s grace to transform our minds. This transformation takes place, in part, through the process of learning how to speak rightly

Creeda We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. a. English Language Liturgical Commission translation. From the United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989), 880.

Monophysite Nestorian Orthodox Number of natures One Two Two Relationship between the natures Mixture of divine and human Association of divine and human Unity of divine and human Humanity of Jesus Flattened or overpowered Fully human, but inappropriate for God to take on Full humanity becomes God’s own Implications for salvation Jesus is not truly one of us Separation between God and us Reconciliation and mediation between God and us In practice Jesus may seem distant and unattainable. We may believe that our own humanity must be destroyed if God is to transform us. Our human messiness may be viewed as separating us from God. We may not believe that God is truly with us. Jesus, our high priest knows and owns our human nature. Because of his true compassion and empathy with us, we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). Practicing Christology

Benediction A Prayer for the Practice of Christian Doctrine Holy God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Be with your people as we seek your face. As it pleases you, Lord, use doctrine as a teacher for your people, opening our eyes to whatever is good, true, and beautiful. Take our lives and make us witnesses to your goodness, truth, and beauty so that the world may see your love and mercy. Lord, empower the discipline of theology. Wrench us out of ivory towers, and lead us into your world. Shape us for the faithful practice of doctrine, and give us power for that practice. Illumine the darkness of our ignorance. Shape us in trusting confidence in the truth of your revelation. Make us grateful for the sweetness of your Word, and drive us to the Scriptures again and again. Free us from doubt and unbelief and from the hopelessness that would give up on knowing you. Shatter our idols, Lord, and lead us to worship you. Let us know your triune goodness, and help us to give praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in all that we do. Break us of our habits of disdain for your creation. Shape us, Lord, as people who delight in your world. Make us faithful stewards, helping us to exercise the servant dominion we have learned from Christ. Make us truly human, God. When we try to find our identity in other people, in careers, or success, or power, free us for confident identity in Christ. Restore your image in us so that we may be faithful witnesses to your grace. Come to us in our lo...