Frameworks, and the study of God

Ever wanted to have the basics of Christianity right in front of you? Try this:

Theology is simply “the study of God” or discourse involving the Supreme Being. Theology can be very academic, but the truth is everyone undertakes theology, even the atheist. In the case of the atheist, God is still considered, because in the simplest of ways he is described in the effort to not believe in him.

We all have a framework of theology that supports the life we live out. Sometimes overlooking the creation and development will lead to hefty inconsistencies when the theological framework is “fleshed out”. False ideas about who God is and what he is doing make this so.

As we consider God, and undertake knowing him, and knowing about him, we may do well to think of this effort as the creation of an armature. A sculptor fashions a wire armature, before the clay or other material is added on. The framework holds fast and supports the malleable materials needed to literally flash out the rest.

When we allow God to be the sculptor, we can get a bit more out of the way, so he can fashion us in his image. Notice the process of this artist below and the 3 steps depicted to create something true to life.

1st step: Build wire frame (armature)
Step 2: add materials to frame.
Finished piece

What has helped you in setting foundation of your theological framework?

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Spark My Muse

Lisa Colón DeLay writes often on matters of the attending to the inner life, creating a beloved community, spiritual formation, and consciousness. She is also a designer, teacher, speaker, and host of the weekly broadcast Spark My Muse since 2015. Lisa is Latina (born in Puerto Rico) and holds an MA in Spiritual Formation and is the author of "The Wild Land Within" (Broadleaf Books) and other books.

One thought on “Frameworks, and the study of God”

  1. What has helped me is remembering that theology must never be divorced from our greatest source of information about God: the Bible. This source is neither boring nor dry. In fact, it is living, powerful, fear-inspiring, and love-producing. The Bible contains the very Words of the living God, including His laws, principles, and His righteous dealings with sinful man over the centuries (His judgments.) (Psalm 19:9)

    How I treat the Bible is probably a good indicator of how I feel about its Author. Am I willing to forsake opportunities to gain personal wealth in order to spend time studying God’s Word? Do I desire to be instructed in revealed righteousness more than I desire my favorite foods? Money and food may provide sustenance (temporary life), but the judgments of the Lord point toward Christ Jesus, the Provider of eternal life.

    “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10

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