Defining a Personal Theological Method

[Michael Schlatt]

Abstract:

Theology is important. Whether we realize it or not, our theology informs our daily decisions and significantly shapes how we love God and love others. But, with our misplaced priorities, personal and cultural biases, and an overload of information, how should one go about understanding a particular theological topic?  What lens should we use in order to bring clarity to an opaque or difficult theological issue? This paper humbly seeks to articulate a personal theological method--a simple, helpful method to use when wrestling with topics of theology. It starts with an understanding of Jesus Christ as embodying truth and seeks to see the world through his eyes. It then takes into consideration several categories of personal biases and attempts to mitigate their distortions by emphasizing what has been classically understood by the church as the norming sources of truth: scripture, tradition, and reason. The essay ends with a series of questions that can be asked of any theological position in order to guide the process.

The full paper is attached to this post.