“Theology, not morality, is the first business on the church’s agenda of reform, and the church, not society, is the first target of divine criticism.” -Michael Scott Horton
And… discuss.
Thoughts?
Todd
12 thoughts on “Thoughts On a Quote”
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I think he has it all wrong. Although theology is important, morals also are.
I’m not sure that theology nor morality are even a part of the mission of the church. It seems that the church’s purpose is to spread the gospel and to build community and discipleship among believers.
I think Mr. Horton is absolutely right, to our (the church’s) detriment. If we worried less about things like Theology, (that is, what besides Christ we profess to believe) and more about morality (that is, IMO, what we SHOW we believe by our actions and attitudes), the world may not like us any more than they do (probably even less!), but then God could weed out the hypocrisy, and lead us to be who He wants us to be.
Because, honestly, I know we have the Bible, but does that REALLY tell us all there is to know about God? I think it would limit Him greatly to say that anyone has all the answers. There are so many different takes on so many different parts of the Bible. . .but only one thing that matters, and there is no mistaking that. John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” All the rest may help us understand Him more, but nothing else matters as much as that.
Agree. We can no more reform the world’s morality than heard cats. We need be more concerned that “our” house is in order than trying to clean up the World’s morals.
I agree and disagree. If the church was more moral than may be that would change the way the world sees the church (us). We will not change the morals of many but our morals may change the morals of some. We need to be more Christ centered and less world centered.
If our theology is incorrect, our morals could very well be. Our theology is what helps determine our morality.
As far as divine criticism, I do agree that the Church is the first target. We are the ones who should know better.
Theology – the study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.
I agree with the statement. Morality is, so to speak, in the eye of the beholder. Regarding theology, or what we think about God, colors every aspect of our lives. It shapes what we think, what we do, and where we go. If the church doesn’t think correctly about God then an incorrect message is shared.
As the church goes so goes the world , if we the church cannot articulate and communicate who God is (the trinity) then we have no fiber in our theology tree we will be blown flat, as a trusted christian historian has told me so many times: never has the church been so spiritual but so biblical illiterate, we need to get back to the study of GOD ( theology) its not just for preachers and seminary teachers ,it is for all believers who want to know the GOD of the bible and not the God we make with our minds
Theology? Morality?
Which is it of these that causes a group of professed Christians to go out and try to help a situation by attacking and attempting to demoralize those they most feel the need to help?
Instead of reaching out a hand and saying here let me help you up and did you know there might be another way please let us try to help, the approach taken is to shame those they wish to help with the expectation that it will lead to dialogue.
Apologies a recent “protest” I came across has stirred my thoughts greatly.
Am I living all wrong by trying to approach the world from a loving caring perspective and solving problems by hopefully presenting a valid alternative and “not standing up against what is wrong i.e. not joining the protest”?
I feel that if we were to truly embrace the love of Christ, then morality, theology, intellect and wisdom would pour out of us naturally. That would then put aside differences in the church and allow us who are already in a relationship with Jesus, to share that love with others. Jesus said that if we loved Him, then we would follow his commandments. And in my opinion, Jesus’ commandments encompass theology and morality, so there would be no need for to church to reform.
I think he is making a statement on the church being criticized by God for it’s focus on theology for reform when in reality we should be focused on morality as a means of reform in his opinion.
I think the concept has some truth in it – but I would take it even further. I would go as far as to say that divine criticism will fall upon the church because of a focus on theology or morality as opposed to a focus on what the Bible tells us the church should be. We are not what was taught.
Jesus clearly stated that we are to first love the Lord our God with all of our being – and then second to love others as ourselves. Those are the most important commandments. (Matt. 22:37 – 39)
There is often little room for theology and morality if we are busy loving the Lord our God and also others. If we truly love the Lord with our entire being – a natural morality will flow from it as an expression of love, but I don’t think morality should be a focus in place of love.
Further, those who overly concern themselves with theology and morality often begin to lack love in their dealings with others most especially. I see a sad lack of Christ-like behavior in the church these days. Churches are often more prone to judgement, works in service to the church, and following a set of “laws” than they are to dealing with people in love as Christ did.
When was the last time any of us walked up to a hated and despised person and showed them love? We shun people of obvious sin and Christ absolutely did not do this.
The Bible also tells us that religion pure and undefiled is to look after the widows and orphans in distress and to avoid personal defilement. (James 1:27) I’m not sure where in that verse we see that theology and morality should be a part of religion.
So we give a 10% tithe to pay an electric bill for a huge building of people who go to hear about theology and morality when there are children suffering all of the world. Deuteronomy 26:12 tells us that the tithe is for the priests, the fatherless and the widows – I’m not sure how this translates into lease/mortgage payments on churches and electric bills to hear about theology and morality.
So I guess what I’m saying is that theology and morality is a moot point. What theology and morality we do have should be a natural expression of following the two most important commandments to love first the Lord completely and then others as ourselves.
Heck – I can’t even drive down the highway and show love to people driving around me on most days.
Do we suffer divine criticism? Yes. For more than one reason.
Does the church need reform? Yes!
Does true reform come from theology or morality? No. Only love.
I think you need both for a reformation. Theology is the study of divine things and religious truths. Morality is the conformity to the rules of right conduct. Morality therefore, should follow naturally from sound, Christ centered theology for all Christians. Both theology and morality should be the business of church reform. Ephesians says no immoral, impure or greedy person has an inheritance in the kingdom. James also calls us to be doers of the world not hearers only and asks what good is it to have faith but not works. So in leading its people and guiding them in their journey toward the heavenly Father, the church not only has a duty to teach what the word says, but to carry it out in moral living, and help its members carry out moral works according to the theology it teaches. Acts says to be on guard for yourselves and all the flock. It goes further to say the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers to shepard the church of God, which he purchased with His blood. If you are appointed heads of the church then you must watch over and guide your flock in teaching and in task as well as be an example of moral life. To address Jamie’s argument for love, I’d have to agree that the path to doing these things must be started on love. Love of Christ, and love for one another. Without it none of this is really possible. If you don’t truly love God you will not feel called to learn and follow His word and will for you the way He wishes.