[mattslope]

1. Academic theologians
2. Folk theologians

[Adam K]

Originally Posted by mattslope

1. People who act like they know what they are talking about post there.
2. People who really do know what they are talking about post there

Fixed?

[tlj009]

Why I hate Theology.
1. Academic theologians
2. Folk theologians

I am just wondering why a person would be part of a religion without being a theologian.

[mattslope]

Originally Posted by Adam K

Fixed?

Close. In my experience Folk theologians have no depth of knowledge and can sum up their arguments with witty bumperstickers and t-shirts.

Originally Posted by tlj009

I am just wondering why a person would be part of a religion without being a theologian.

We are all theologians, but we don't have to be the extremes. I'm transitioning from Lay theology to Ministerial theology. I can express my interpretation of the Bible without shouting idiot rantings I heard my parents state over the kitchen table.

[tlj009]

We are all theologians, but we don't have to be the extremes. I'm transitioning from Lay theology to Ministerial theology. I can express my interpretation of the Bible without shouting idiot rantings I heard my parents state over the kitchen table.

And the difference in Lay theology and Ministerial theology is what? That you have gained greater insight, knowledge, and understanding of your beliefs or that you have learned to express yourself better?

[mattslope]

Originally Posted by tlj009

And the difference in Lay theology and Ministerial theology is what? That you have gained greater insight, knowledge, and understanding of your beliefs or that you have learned to express yourself better?

Lay theology asks questions and seeks answers for one's own benefit. Ministerial theology assists others in their search.

[BillSPrestonEsq]

Originally Posted by mattslope

Lay theology asks questions and seeks answers for one's own benefit. Ministerial theology assists others in their search.

hopefully using academic theology.

I say that a bit tongue in cheek, but all too often the options are right, but with an attitude so wrong, they negate their points.

Or just plain wrong.

[mattslope]

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

hopefully using academic theology.

I say that a bit tongue in cheek, but all too often the options are right, but with an attitude so wrong, they negate their points.

Or just plain wrong.

I'd feel more comfortable drawing from Professional theologians, who are in the business of training and equipping me.

Are you saying that Academic theologians are wrong due to their attitudes, or that I am?

[Skeeter]

Originally Posted by mattslope

We are all theologians, but we don't have to be the extremes. I'm transitioning from Lay theology to Ministerial theology. I can express my interpretation of the Bible without shouting idiot rantings I heard my parents state over the kitchen table.

Strange as it may seem, there are many discussions that take place in the Theology forum that don't involve "idiot rantings."

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by Skeeter

Strange as it may seem, there are many discussions that take place in the Theology forum that don't involve "idiot rantings."

The majority.

[mattslope]

Originally Posted by Skeeter

Strange as it may seem, there are many discussions that take place in the Theology forum that don't involve "idiot rantings."

Agreed. There are also many discussions in CPF that don't contain or

I'm glad we had this discussion.

[mattslope]

Originally Posted by slap_j

The majority.

I disagree.

[tlj009]

Lay theology asks questions and seeks answers for one's own benefit. Ministerial theology assists others in their search.

It just seems strange to me to place a label on it like Lay theology or Ministerial theology. If someone asks you a question and you know the answer, do you refrain from teaching them because you are a Lay theologian instead of a Ministerial theologian? At the same time, if you are a Ministerial theologian do you not search for any answers yourself but only when someone else asks a question? It is strange that you would label yourself as one or the other when it is obvious that both should be part of your life.

[mattslope]

Originally Posted by tlj009

It just seems strange to me to place a label on it like Lay theology or Ministerial theology. If someone asks you a question and you know the answer, do you refrain from teaching them because you are a Lay theologian instead of a Ministerial theologian? At the same time, if you are a Ministerial theologian do you not search for any answers yourself but only when someone else asks a question? It is strange that you would label yourself as one or the other when it is obvious that both should be part of your life.

Oh, that's not the case in my instance. I am emerging from a level of questions chasing answers to the point that I am answering them for others, but I certainly wouldn't suggest that I, as a Lay theologian, had enough answers to serve others with my insight. It's not about limits of position but rather an undertanding of where you fall at present.

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by mattslope

I disagree.

You're not being very ministerial. Try harder.