Theological Perspective
I have had many opportunities to write “statements of faith” in my many years of being entrenched in Evangelicalism. When writing a statement of faith in that context, I was essentially asked to affirm my belief in what those churches believed to be true. I wasn’t allowed to think or wrestle on my own to come up with my own theology. Writing my theological perspective here for the United Church of Christ is a new experience as I grapple with what it is I really believe.
My theology, as with anyone’s personal theology, has been significantly shaped by the experiences and relationships which have molded my very identity. As these factors are constantly in flux – ever changing and growing, adding new layers and dimensions
…show more content…
Many child development studies indicate that children think in concrete, rather than abstract, terms until the age of ten or twelve. Therefore, the words used in their education can stay with them for the rest of their lives. Adult perceptions are formed by language as well. The way we pray really does shape the way we think. What we sing, pray, hear, and see in song, stories and sermons shapes and defines what we believe about God and God’s people. In addition, language is an important consideration in mission. Since God loves all people, our explanation of the wisdom of scripture should reflect an inclusive understanding of …show more content…
The UCC’s uniting identity is ongoing in our many ecumenical and interfaith partnerships. As a testament to the UCC’s commitment to live fully into the words of John 17:21, “that they may all be one,” the UCC is in full communion with several Christian denominations. The UCC is also an active participant in the work of Churches Uniting in Christ, a national organization that is strives to unite partner churches against racism. We are a member of the World Council of Churches. We work jointly with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to extend our influence around the world. And even on local levels, many UCC churches are active in joining with local churches of other denominations to work together on issues in local communities. The UCC believes in uniting together with other denominations to form ecumenical partnerships for the greater good in our
If as believers we fail to completely trust the Word of God and form our life under its direction then our witness will become misleading and even confusing. Believer’s effort in diligently understanding, applying and holding full trust to the word of God in all aspects of our life will be instrumental in building our faith. Such a faith will elevate us to enable us rise above the unrelenting wave of our culture’s non-biblical ideologies. Biblical worldview is very important in order to develop a life, which can be emulated by others in diligence, integrity and honesty in the modern society (Tackett, 2014).
The character of this connectionalism is missional, organizational and financial. First the UMC is connected by its mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Throughout the world the UMC has conferences of local churches. Second, the UMC is connectional in organization and governance, having a worldwide governing body (General Conference) and various general boards, general councils, general commissions, and agencies. Finally, the UMC is connectional through the sharing of resources. Local churches participate in giving apportionments to the conference to be used within the worldwide ministry of the church. Furthermore, according to the trust clause, “All properties of United Methodist local churches and other United Methodist agencies and institutions are held, in trust, for the benefit of the entire denomination, and ownership and usage of church property is subject to the
While comparing her time, theology and spiritual practice we realize she lived during the time of immense change, similarly we are living on the edge of a challenged modernity. Her spiritual direction allows us to recognize and develop further abilities in our pastoral ministries of caring for one another as participants within the corporate communities as well as within the mission fields.
Nichols, John. The. The Very Fundamentals of Christian Faith. Core 9 Lecture - "The. Shen Auditorium, Rensselaer, Germany.
In Miguel A. De La Torre’s Liberation Theology for Armchair Theologians the subject of liberation theology was explored. De La Torre biblically expressed Liberation theology by using the main point of the poor being followers of God and God himself is the leader of the poor, who will not let them down. Besides De La Torre, using the underrepresented society as an example of how Liberation Theology works, he uses a world view which taps into different theologies such as Black Theology, U.S. Feminist Theologies, Hispanic Theologies and many more. Although De La Torre lists different theologies from different groups they all tie in together melting into the pot of Liberation Theology.
Everyone has a worldview and a way they see life. Christian teachers should be willing to use their own biblical worldview to help the students in class develop a strong set of beliefs by integrating biblical truths into their lessons daily and encouraging their students to apply what they learn in class to not only their biblical worldview, but to their life.
"EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 & 2." EXPLORING THEOLOGY 1 2. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2014.
Out of the desolation of World War II sprang the Australian Committee for the World Council of Churches. This developed into the Australian Council of Churches which, in 1994, grew to be the National Council of Churches in Australia. The NCCA is 15 Christian churches, gathered from across Australia, who have embarked on a pilgrimage together . Each brings a widely diverse record of place, experience, and theology, but all share a mutual faith and confession in the Jesus Christ as God and Savior. All share a common future as they are confident that the future of Christians in Australia lies together, not in division. The aim of the NCCA is to deepen the relationship of member churches so as to communicate more visibly the unity willed by Christ and to rally towards the achievement of their mission of common witness, proclamation and service .
Suchoki, Marjorie Hewitt. God, Christ, Church: A Practical Guide to Process Theology. New York: 1999.
Paul Tillich. “What Faith Is”. The Human Experience: Who Am I?. 8th ed. Winthrop University: Rock Hill SC, 2012. 269-273. Print.
points for their beliefs. Webster’s definition of theology is “the study of religious faith, practice,
...s distributed in Theology 101 at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle on 22 April 2008.
Boyd, Gregory A., and Paul R. Eddy. Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009.
Maddix, M. A., & Thompson, R. P. (2012). Scripture as formation: the role of Scripture in Christian Formation. Christian Education Journal, S79-S93.
The following essay will evaluate the importance of the journey that takes place from Systematic to Practical theology; this view will be explored through Ronelle Sonnenberg’s research done regarding ‘being together’ in a youth setting. This essay will first build on the basis of Practical Theology; furthermore addressing the importance of the community aspect within a youth setting; this will lead to the process that takes place between a Systematic stance, leading to a Practical theological stance.