Theological Idolatry

[nebula]

Sure, it does. But often times it is merely an academic pursuit, the enjoyment of His Word, and the ability to discuss His Word with others at a deeper level. It's not a snobby thing, just a real passion. So if the only "fruit" is time spent enjoying His Word and discussing it with others...

Put it this way, I'm not sure anyone would even know what I have studied, because I do it (mostly) just for me. Does knowledge always puff?

Like I said - intentions.

I agree with One Light that you aren't guilty of what is being presented.

I've been to a Christian college with a Bible class taught by an Oxford graduate. His theology would make you puke! His belief was that we all had the faith of our parents, and it was his job to break us of that and rebuild us [into Liberal theologians].

If I was stronger emotionally, I'd have challenged him, "Dude - do you know Jesus?"

The religious leaders that Jesus rebuked all the time - they were guilty of theological idolatry. They could quote the Torah inside out and backwards and forward . . . but they could not recognize the Torah-made-flesh standing right in front of them.

Does that make more sense?

[~candice~]

Yes Neb that makes sense. Perhaps I'm being a sensitive Nelly . But I often feel a bit (hmm offended isn't the right word, caught off guard?) when people suggest that an academic pursuit of theology is a bad thing. I think it's only bad when it excludes a personal relationship with the God you are trying to study. But after that's all said, despite my study I'm still not that good at it .

[OneLight]

I have come to believe that there are a set few people here who really understand the difference of the Hebrew and Greek ways of looking at scripture, and I have asked in the past so I could also have an understanding. My understanding is very basic, so I am asking that those of you who have actually taken the time to research the difference to post them so the readers will have the same understanding. We all to many times just hear that many have a Grecian mindset, in a condemning way, and the debate begins. This is counter productive. Will someone who truly understands either post a link to where this has been, or is being discussed, or take the time to enlighten those of us who would like to understand more about the conflict between the two?

http://www.worthychristianforums.com/index.php?/topic/144500-and-also-to-the-greek/

Please don't just post a link for us to wade through and sort out.

Please summarize it in easy-to-understand points.

I asked for a link and it was provided. This thread that the link brings us to is one that just began and requires participation to fulfill its value. It cannot be "summarized".

That will be the first thing in print that cannot be summarized.

Every book in the Bible can be summarized, but this cannot?

To try and summarize a work in process is only trying to summarize what has already been written and, at best, is incomplete. The Bible is complete and therefore can be summarized.

Anything written can be summarized, completed or not. . ."interesting" that it can't be boiled down on paper. . .

I've never seen truth that could not, completed or not.

If you want incomplete stigmatization then accept that the link is about the difference of Hebrew and Grecian ways.

Thanks, that's what I was looking for.

If I may ask, what is "incomplete stigmatization"?

Something that does not do it justice where even trying to explain set a stigma upon it. My explanation sets a certain idea in your mind, an idea that may be a disgrace to what it truly is.

[nebula]

Yes Neb that makes sense. Perhaps I'm being a sensitive Nelly . But I often feel a bit (hmm offended isn't the right word, caught off guard?) when people suggest that an academic pursuit of theology is a bad thing. I think it's only bad when it excludes a personal relationship with the God you are trying to study. But after that's all said, despite my study I'm still not that good at it .

[OldShep]

Thank-you all for your replies, my education continues--and I find my thoughts recalling a parable that Jesus taught us in Luke 12:41-53 about being "faithful and wise manager"{s}, and 2 Timothy 2:14-18.

ICL Dennis

Thanks, Dennis. . .and 2 Timothy 2:23-26. (mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa)

I have a hard enough time with English, I'm assuming (I hate to do that ) this is Latin.

These machines nowadays are great, translated the above to this: {my fault, my fault, my fault, the greatest}

Yes, all of 2 Tim, could apply to my question I guess. All I know is the older I get the less I know and the more I have to trust in the Faith and the Grace that the Dear Lord has given to me.

Dennis.

[Botz]

Apologies to any Greeks here who might not understand the Yod humour

Hey, it's not a joke!?

The only humor intended is that some people around here are probably tired of hearing me say it. But this is the most complete answer to the OP, though I can see that not many here understand what I'm saying. And btw, it has nothing to with being from Greece since the greek spirit actually comes from the island of Crete. (I have now started a new thread to explain without derailing this one.)

There is nothing wrong at all with studying and gaining knowledge, yet (godly) wisdom is in how that knowledge is applied.

Out of Germany comes what I believe is the most important Christian book written in the last 50 years....maybe ever.

This book, "The Veil of Silence" addresses the question posed better than any. Unfortunately, it's not in English until December...

http://www.tos.info/tos-medienshop/index.php?page=product&info=1123

I thought I was being humorous bro...of course I understood your point, maybe there was a hint of irony in my response.

I am constantly striving to get a correct understand of the NC in the light of Hebrew thought and expression and often have to re-adjust my thinking and the things I have absorbed through Greek and poor teaching.

The Book you mention sounds really interesting....could you pm me a synopsis if you have time. Cheers. Botz

[Botz]

I have a fair bit of free time and I love studying theology as it's better than other ways to pass time and I often find that people find it a rather "religious" thing to do, instead of a real joy (which I find it to be). So, there are two sides to this coin.

Me too...I find it an absolute pleasure...because through it all the glory of G-d permeates into my spirit

[EricH]

Don't you know???

It's a greek spirit.

Arguing theology predates the greeks. Long before the greeks came on the scene there were intense theological disputes even within Israel.

[Guest yod]

Don't you know???

It's a greek spirit.

Arguing theology predates the greeks. Long before the greeks came on the scene there were intense theological disputes even within Israel.

yes, I realize that.

The greek spirit is specific. It only seems like a vague, generalized answer because it is so pervasive in the world still today.

[nebula]

The Book you mention sounds really interesting....could you pm me a synopsis if you have time. Cheers. Botz

I think he did here, the link Isaiah posted:

...and also to the Greek