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Falling into Theological Heresy

>I do think he was unfair with you in one way, especially. You were asking
>theological questions as a LAYPERSON. He seems to expect you to hold to a
>standard for theologians in order to deserve an answer. That's unjust.

I hadn't even considered that, but it makes sense.

You know, I've been really spoiled by the graciousness of my father. You can come to him with the most outlandish and silly theological position, poorly worded, and barely formulated or thought out, and he'll listen carefully. He'll even try to articulate your position for you. Then, once the two of you agree on what your position is, he'll point out gently and graciously--often through the use of questions--where your position falls on its face. He'll point out similar positions held throughout history. He'll have you explore the implications of your ridiculous position. But he'll never make you feel silly. And, in the end, you can trash the faulty position and still retain your dignity. And he never reminds you, "Remember when you almost fell into that insidious heresy?"

And, somehow in all that, you'll see the spark in his eye, and you'll be infected with his love for the truth.

Too bad a lot of other men couldn't sit at my father's feet and learn this from him. But...I'm not sure it's a method to be taught and learned. It has to come from the heart.

copyright 1997 by Rebecca Prewett

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