I’ve always wished that someone would invent teleportation technology like they have in Star Trek. It would really make my morning commute to work a whole lot quicker! Unfortunately, it remains a theoretical concept.
There are two main disciplines of science. On one side, you have theoretical science. This is usually associated with with theoretical physics and quantum theory. It is the exploration of how reality works at the smallest levels. These scientists are not necessarily looking for practical application in the immediate future. They are just trying to understand the building blocks of what we perceive to be reality.
On the other side, we have applied science. This is the practical stuff. These are scientists who take what is already known and understood and put it to everyday use. All of the gadgets you have from your iphone to your car are the result of applied science.
You wouldn’t have applied science if it weren’t for the theoretical scientists. They are the ones who first discovered how stuff works so that others could figure out how to make it useful and make our lives better.
One example of this is the study of electricity and magnetism. They were once thought to be unrelated forces. That is, until James Clerk Maxwell, working from what Michael Faraday had discovered, figured out electromagnetism. This ultimately led to the development of electric motors, generators and a safe electrical grid. From this basic discovery, which came from theoretical science, we have applied science to give us the countless practical applications that most of us feel we couldn’t live without!
I love theology and have been a student of it for most of my life. I think it would be fair to say that theology or faith, like science also has the same two categories—theoretical and applied.
The study of theology is solidly in the theoretical realm as nothing about God can be empirically proven. Is it important to study? Absolutely! It is essential to come to some understanding about what God must be like and what God wants with humanity. Why? So that we as people can live to our full potential. So our lives can have true meaning. It is not enough to have a theology which ignores the problems of here and now because we can supposedly just escape to some theoretical “heaven” someday. What good is it if I know all of the atonement theories and can tell you what “hypostatic union” and “theosis” mean, but don’t allow that knowledge to affect my daily life? The end result of my faith or theology must lead to tangible and positive change for myself and everyone around me if it’s going to be worth having.
Theology, like science is one of those disciplines which can lead to either good or bad results. The fruits of theoretical science have led us to both medical breakthroughs which have given us a better quality of life, but also weapons of mass destruction which have brought destruction, fear and pain to humanity and our planet.
Your theology can result in harm or good. From the crusades and the holocaust, to Mother Theresa caring for the poor in India, all of this practical action came from the theoretical discipline of theology. I guess it just depends on whether you understand God’s highest attribute to be holiness, which needs to be defended…or love which defends all.
In James 2:14-17, the brother of Jesus ponders, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”
What does your faith—your theology look like in practical application? Does it teach you a mindset of scarcity where you can blithely observe the needy and not do anything to help? Does it lead you to protect your rights? Vote for and support political leaders (on both sides) who are compulsive liars and actively disadvantage and dehumanized other people? Does it allow you to think that true justice is retributive?
Or, does your faith—your theology lead you to love others? To involve yourself in restorative justice? Does it lead you to live generously? Does it bring you a sense of peace? Do you find yourself naturally wanting to care for those around you because your faith has revealed to you that this is who you are?
Mother Theresa once said that “we are God’s hands and feet.” She didn’t just say it either. She lived it! Too many “people of faith” use their theoretical theology to pass the buck onto God. I constantly hear religious people pray that God will do this or that. We even blame the devil for all sorts of evil, but we fail to take responsibility for our own actions. In some ways, I wonder if atheists have better insight for healthy living than religious people. They seem to realize that if they want the world to be a better place, they just have to engage in that activity themselves.
Imagine what would happen if we would all realize that perhaps God is love, that the universe is a safe and generous place, that we are all born of God, that perhaps God lives and experiences life in, though and as us, that the way God acts in this world IS though you and I!
Healthy theology with healing application. Sounds like the “kingdom of God” to me. I want to continue being a student, I also need to be an active participant. How about you?