Thoughts on the Theology and Praxis Divide

There is a tendency to think that theology and practice are two different things and are divided. Some are theological in that they are more abstract in their explanations, and they are hard to understand. They speak in foreign languages. Well, this is what people normally call those people who are merely theological. And most importantly there is no mention on how this theological aspect translates to life.

Many tend to be harsh with those on the theological spectrum. Sure, i agree with their arguments. They are in fact valid. I get frustrated if sermons merely touch on who God is and studying that dimension only in scripture and preaching. And mostly these sermons are merely that. Just the study of God without telling the listener how it is to live. So people want the easy to understand stuff. Just the practical will do.

But just to contend for that is rather a shallow. Sure, practicality and how we are to actually live as Christians is important but if it is just practical teaching alone, on what basis do we anchor our practicality? If there is no basis then it is just normal ethical teaching.

I think the divide of theology and practicality needs to be reconciled and not divorced. Paul’s letters is always theologically ladened, but it is always rejoined with how we are to live life in response to that. I think that’s what Ben Witherington wanted to emphasize in his two volume set, “Indelible Image,” where he treats the issue of theology and ethics as one. I think we also should do the same.

Actions without theological reference is just moral doing. Theology without how it effects living is meaningless mental exercise.