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How We “Do” Theology                                       

Recently I was part of a group that was assigned to a Theology Institute conducted for relative newcomers to the United Church of Christ. For me, it is a required portion of the ministerial ordination process. There were many issues explored during the session: the historical roots of the denomination; how various racial and ethnic traditions have contributed to the fabric of its present day identity; and the search for language that best reflects collective ideologies forming a unified community of faith. One of the most engaging topics of the day prompted a vigorous discussion…how do we “do” theology? To translate, how do the church’s actions reflect its intentions to speak for God in the affairs of society? Do the church’s activities mirror its theology? While the answer is surely different for every congregation and every minister, the reality is that current events demand our voices and our actions. Economic injustice has fueled both the Tea Party and the Occupy Movement. Anti-Mormon and Anti-Muslim movements find so called “Godly” people pushing other denominations to the margins simply because of their “otherness”. Nearly 50% of the country’s children live below the poverty line. Ratings for our “talk shows” and “reality shows” reflect a morbid fascination with the dysfunctional. When you consider all this, praise and thanksgiving is nice, but it’s time for the church’s beliefs about possibility for ALL God’s children to translate into actions. In other words…,”Real Church for Real People”.

If the church values everyone’s personhood, we have a theological responsibility to get involved as advocates for those in need, and those who cannot do for themselves. As the church, the poor need us, the sick need us, the homeless need us, and children need us. Recently, as a member of the Board of Directors for the Baltimore Child Abuse Center, I witnessed the signing into law of a “child neglect bill”. Because of this bill, the neglect of someone too young to fend for themselves can be prosecuted just as readily as if they had been physically or mentally abused. My reason for engaging with the Baltimore Child Abuse Center is simple…Jesus demands that we look out for “the least of these”; my theology demands that my actions are consistent with it.

Perhaps, you are seeking a church that wants to “be involved”. Perhaps you want to be part of the “work” as well as the “worship”. The church’s work should grow “organically”. In other words, no longer should the church present you with “cookie cutter” ministries. Keep this in mind, because a brand new UCC church is starting in Owings Mills. Let’s unpack YOUR concerns so this new church can uncover and develop New Solutions. Let’s “do” theology in a manner that the times demand.