How Do We Do Theology?
MBS has the privilege and heavy responsibility of training our students in having the right, biblical theology. For our students to be able to theologise correctly and biblically, the whole faculty needs to be involved. The students need to be trained in OT, NT, Doctrines, Pastoral Ministry, Greek and Hebrew exegesis just to name the major disciplines.
Our faculty will be happy to partner and work with churches to help your members, and your leaders to be trained to think biblically and theologically. We are happy to talk to you and tailor make a curriculum that would suit the training needs of your church. Do talk to us.
But how do we train our students in such a way that they do not turn up to be Job’s three friends? Where the three friends are so sure that their theology is right and therefore, they have the responsibility and right to tell Job he is wrong. As such, Job must repent of his sinful behaviour and not protest that he is undeserving of the sufferings inflicted on him. Job suffered greatly, because his three friends were not doing theology correctly.
Students encountering studying serious theology for the first time, can find it a heady experience. To debate with fellow students using the new tools they have been given and using the new knowledge they have gained, makes for exhilarating, adrenaline-charged, potent debates!
This is good. As long as it doesn’t make us more concern to be right than to be Christlike. Many times – what is important is our particular and exclusive understanding of theology:
I am a Calvinist, or I am an Armenian. If we are not careful – we will look at people and not see their sufferings, sorrows and pains and instead fit what we see into our theological systems – so the three friends! It is like if a man is too tall to fit into the bed, we then cut his legs, so that they may fit!
Can I leave all of us with this bit of challenge and sound advice from Brian Morykon (CS Lewis Institute)
“If we ever find ourselves in a room talking about God, impressed with our own insights, dissecting Scripture and saints while Jesus stands outside knocking—for heaven’s sake, let’s invite him in. Theology at its best is a conversation around the table—attempting with humility to articulate and live into the beauty of God and God’s Kingdom—as if Jesus is alive and well and sitting there with us. Because, in fact, he is.”
I want to take this opportunity as always to thank all or faithful supporters. Without your prayerful, loving and financial support, we will not be able to discharge the responsibilities God has given MBS to train lay leaders, pastors and missionaries for His Church. Thank you so much. We deeply appreciate your kindness and support this year and in the years ahead!
In His Amazing Grace,
Rev Dr Tony Lim