struggling theologians

This week, a theological congress was held in Apeldoorn about the gap between biblical scholarship and dogmatics. Two theology schools, the VU (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – Free University Amsterdam) in Amsterdam and the theological university of Apeldoorn, held a two-day symposium under the title ‘On reading behavior and doctrinal authority’.

A professor gave an example of a problem encountered when reading the Bible. I quote:
“According to Paul, Christ offers salvation without conditions, even without sanctification. But when I read Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount mentions quite a few things I must do, otherwise I will not receive salvation.”

This immediately raised the question of how preachers should deal with this. “Present both views to the congregation, do not remove the tension from the texts,” said one. “Let it depend on the context of the congregation,” said another. “In a lukewarm congregation, you might have to emphasize Matthew more; in an activist one, more of Paul.”

Was there then no one in this intellectual gathering who, for example, pointed out that Jesus’ message was solely intended for the house of Israel with a view to the approaching Kingdom? While Paul is the called apostle and teacher of the nations? No, apparently not. The report exudes a gloomy atmosphere that I would describe as: ‘theologians love problems—invite them in!’ Clear Biblical answers are presumably not so interesting in such a climate.

The Dutch Christendom is in a crisis of faith, as was concluded at the congress. “That is partly a result of our theology programs,” was the self-aware analysis.
Reading the report, I think: yes, indeed!

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