I want to offer some concluding remarks on my recent mini-series of posts on systematic theology. I'm going to start with a joke that I heard in a sermon that I podcasted recently because I think it perfectly illustrates the reason why systematic theology can become so dangerous in the body of Christ.
One day, John found himself walking across a bridge. About halfway across, he noticed another man who was about to jump. John rushed over to the man and said, "Don't jump, there's so much to live for!"
"Like what?" responded the jumper.
"Well, are you religious?" asked John.
"Yes."
"Me too! Are you Christian, Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist?"
"I'm a Christian."
"Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant."
"Protestant," mumbled the jumper.
"Me too! Are you Episcopalian, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, or Baptist?"
"I'm a Baptist."
"Me too! Are you Southern Baptist, General Baptist, Northern Baptist, or Separatist Baptist?"
"Separatist Baptist."
"Me too! Are you Original Separatist Baptist or Reformed Separatist Baptist?"
"I'm Reformed Separatist Baptist."
"Wow, me too! Are you Reformed Separatist Baptist Reformation of 1879, or are you Reformed Separatist Baptist Reformation of 1915?"
"I'm Reformed Separatist Baptist Reformation of 1915," the jumper responded.
"Die, you heretic scumbag!" John bellowed as he pushed the jumper off the bridge.
This joke makes the point better than I ever could. One of the main reasons I have been on such a bent against systematic theology lately is that the system one creates too easily becomes the grid through which one judges all others. When we force the Bible to answer our questions, rather than respond to the questions it asks of us, we believe that what we come up with is inspired truth (after all, it is biblical!), and anyone who disagrees is therefore a second-rate Christian at best. To be included in the holy club, we must agree with the prevailing theology of that club!
The solution to the problem is found on Jesus' interaction with the thief on the cross. The thief simply expresses a heart that is oriented towards God when he asks Jesus to remember him when Jesus enters the kingdom (Lk 23:42). Jesus responds by saying, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (v. 43). Notice what Jesus didn't ask him: anything. Jesus wasn't concerned about the thief's Christology or his understanding of the nature of God's providence. Jesus simply recognized the thief's heart and said, "You're in."
Friends, this is the kingdom. We are called to mirror Christ in all areas of our lives, chief of which is the area in which we relate to the lost. We are to welcome anyone whose heart is oriented towards God into our community, regardless of their past and, maybe more importantly, regardless of their theological stances. May we be a community so overflowing with the love shown us on the cross that the world flocks to Christ, asking only that He remember them. And remember them He will.
A disclaimer: I don't think systematic theology is inherently wrong. In fact, many good things have come from it! Rather, I'm suggesting that we keep a proper distinction between systematic theology and one's place in the kingdom. You don't have to have all the right understandings of inspiration, providence, and the like; you need simply to ask Jesus to remember you in the kingdom.
I'd like to mention at this point that the vast majority of this post, including the joke, was found in a terrific sermon given by Greg Boyd entitled "Church of the Scumbags." You can download the sermon here.
Grace and peace to you all.
Mike
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