A little Exercise for Young Theologians

A little Exercise for Young Theologians by Helmut Thielicke is possibly one of the shortest books you will ever read. It is also quite possibly one of the most profitable books for anyone who considers themselves to be a recreational or studied theologian. The book is a short read, and will take you literally a few hours at most to read. I highly recommend it.

While speaking about the necessity of maintaining a relationship with God as you attempt to become learned in matters of theology, Thielicke says this, "a theological thought can only breathe in the atmosphere of dialogue with God". This is something that really struck home with me becuase I think one of my greatest fears as I have studied religion is the idea that as I learn more, I distance myself more and more from God.

He goes on to say that the only way theological study can be understood is when:

1) I recognize that the text is directed at ME
2)I become involved in formulating a reply

Thielicke claims that the first time someone transitioned from second person terminology regarding God to 3rd person (Genesis 3:1) is also the first time someone asked "Did God really say that?"

Educating myself Take 1

So As I have complained here before I find myself feeling completely uneducated these days and I feel that my life is suffering because of it.

I have come up with a schedule/life plan to help myself get educated and challenge myself. I have committed to:

• Staying off the internet when I get home at night.
• Watching less TV
• Reading things that stimulate my mind
• Working on my Greek, and doing a better job of making sure i don't lose it all.

So far to work on this I have been doing a pretty good job. I have failed a few nights, but mostly I have resisted the force to get online at night.

I have restricted my tv watching to a few less days a week.

I have read 2 articles in a church history journal, and am currently working my way through a book about hidden children during the holocaust.

next on my reading list is: A book by George Elliot, More of St. Francis, and A book about biblical interpretation.