Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Tillich, 1948. Chapter 15, "The Theologian (Part 1)"

Chapter 15, “The Theologian (Part 1)” pp. 118-121

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

The audience for this sermon was particularly a group of theology students. What makes a theologian? According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 it is the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit gives gifts, not simply abilities. The theologian, therefore, depends on the Spirit to give gifts. So in a very real way, being a theologian is being one who receives these gifts.

Being a theologian is not all that different from any other role in the Church. All Christians are those who receive God’s grace to confess Jesus as Lord. The theologian has a special gift and opportunity to express that faith in Jesus, considering all its implications.

The true theologian is not the person who is certain and without any doubts. A true theologian is full of doubt and wonder, asking Jesus again and again for acceptance. This is only grasped by the Holy Spirit.

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