Chapter 15, “The Theologian (Part 3)” pp. 125-129
Acts 17:22-32
First we looked at the “believing” theologian, then the “self-surrendering” one. Now we see the “answering” one, able to teach by being a new person in Christ.
Paul’s answer for his faith has three parts. First, he says that the people questioning him are somehow aware of the answer. All the world has been touched somehow by the true God. Second, Paul says people try to flee from God. We twist the reality of God, adoring that twisted image of God. Tillich suggests that Paul’s listeners are able to accept this two part answer. Where they no longer accept the message is when Paul reaches the third point. God has appointed a Man to judge and bring life. Jesus is the Christ. This makes idealists and realists, pagans and Jews stumble. Yet the job of the theologian is to provide exactly that stumbling block. It is the only one we have, and the only one we put in people’s way.
No comments:
Post a Comment