When Priscilla and I became engaged to be married we started planning the wedding and trying to figure out what our new home would look like. She had just graduated from Baylor and was living with her aunt in Fort Worth. I had my own apartment.
A few months before the wedding, a great condo apartment became available from a mutual friend, and we decided to take it. It was perfect timing. Priscilla would move into the condo. I would keep my apartment and move in with her after the wedding.
At one point, Priscilla started talking to me about decorations for the new place. I shrugged my shoulders and said, “No Problem. I can bring my stuff from my apartment and hang it up in our new place.”
She frowned.
My apartment decorations consisted of a large framed Houston Oilers poster (I’m showing my age), a baseball signed by Tom Seaver on a nice marble and gold stand, a George Brett Rookie Baseball Card (also framed), and a Walmart bookshelf crammed with about 1,000 books.
Priscilla slowly shook her head and in her best teacher voice, said, “I don’t think so, buddy.” I didn’t know what to say. I was flabbergasted.
She got to work on our new place and I hate to admit it, but it did look a lot better than my beloved poster, baseball card, and books (all of which found their way into a hall closet).
She expertly placed a few pieces on the walls, knick-knacks on the coffee table and kitchen counters, and smelly candles in strategic areas to make the place look elegant and lived-in at the same time. Honestly, I’d never given much thought to the role of decorations in a home. They are typically underappreciated by my gender group.
Decorations, on first glance, don’t seem that important. I hardly notice them … until they’re gone.
What I’ve learned is that beautiful decorations make a house feel like a home and bring beauty, peace, comfort, and familiarity to a place. Are they absolutely necessary? No. You can certainly figure out a way to live without them. But in my experience, it’s a cold and drab existence.
Art, music and other beautiful things are like that. You don’t always notice them until they’re not there. You think you can live without them until they’re gone and you realize how much joy and beauty and goodness they brought to your soul.
Theology is a lot like that. Can you live without it? Sure. You can figure out a way to do it on your own. But, it’s a cold and drab existence. Unless you’re a theology nerd, you don’t think about it from day to day. In other words, you don’t miss it until it’s gone.
The mistake is in thinking that you don’t need it (just because, technically, you can live without it).
Theology, often perceived as a realm reserved for theologians and religious scholars, goes beyond the confines of academia and theology nerds. It’s a profound aspect of human life that influences beliefs, actions, and the very essence of our existence. I want to explore the ways in which Christian theology (in particular) makes a significant difference in life, transcending religious boundaries and touching on the universal aspects of human experience.
Providing Meaning and Purpose
At its core, Christian theology grapples with the fundamental questions of existence. It delves into the nature of the divine, the purpose of life, and the afterlife. By engaging with Christian theology, individuals find answers that offer a sense of meaning and purpose to their lives. These answers guide them in making decisions and navigating life’s challenges with a sense of direction and significance.
Moral and Ethical Framework
Christian theology plays a vital role in shaping our moral and ethical frameworks. It provides a foundation for distinguishing right from wrong, just from unjust. All theologians, regardless of their religious tradition, contribute to the development of ethical principles that influence personal conduct and societal norms. This guidance helps individuals lead virtuous lives and fosters a more just and compassionate society.
Coping with Suffering and Adversity
Life is often marked by suffering, adversity, and moments of despair. Christian theology offers solace and comfort during these challenging times. It provides a source of hope and resilience, enabling individuals to find meaning even in the midst of suffering. Faith and theology can be a powerful source of healing and emotional support in times of loss, illness, or other trials.
Fostering Compassion and Empathy
Christian theology emphasizes love, compassion, and empathy as core values. Belief in the God of the Bible commands individuals to extend these virtues to others. Christian theological teachings have inspired acts of kindness, charity, and service towards fellow human beings throughout the centuries. This fosters a sense of interconnectedness and promotes a more compassionate world.
Encouraging Self-Reflection and Growth
Christian theological inquiry encourages self-reflection and personal growth. It prompts individuals to examine their beliefs, values, and actions, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This introspection can lead to personal transformation and a commitment to continuous self-improvement.
Fostering a Sense of Community
Religious communities, often rooted in theological beliefs, provide a sense of belonging and support. Christian theology brings people together, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Christian communities can be sources of friendship, social support, and a sense of collective identity.
Shaping Cultural and Artistic Expressions
Christian theological themes have influenced art, literature, music, and architecture for centuries. The belief in the God of the Bible has inspired some of humanity’s most profound creative works. Christian theology serves as a source of inspiration and symbolism, enriching cultural expressions and contributing to the beauty of the human experience.
Addressing Existential Questions
Existential questions about the nature of life, death, and the human condition have puzzled humanity for ages. Christian theology provides a framework for contemplating these questions and seeking answers that offer solace and understanding. It addresses the fear of mortality and offers insights into the nature of existence.
Promoting Interfaith Dialogue
Theological discussions often extend beyond the boundaries of a single religious tradition. Interfaith dialogue encourages people from different religious backgrounds to come together, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Christian theology can become a bridge that connects diverse communities, promoting peace and cooperation.
Inspiring Social Justice and Activism
Many social justice movements and acts of activism have been driven by Christian theological beliefs. Christian theology calls for justice, equality, and the protection of the marginalized. Leaders inspired by their Christian theological convictions have played pivotal roles in advocating for civil rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian causes.
Christian theology, far from being an abstract or esoteric discipline, permeates every aspect of human life. It provides meaning, shapes ethical frameworks, offers solace in times of suffering, and inspires compassion and empathy. It encourages self-reflection, fosters a sense of community, and influences art, culture, and social justice movements.
Whether one is deeply religious or secular, the impact of Christian theology on human existence is undeniable. It reminds us that our beliefs, our pursuit of understanding, and our commitment to values can truly make a difference in the world and in our own lives.
And like my wife’s decorating acumen, it makes life so much more beautiful.
This insight was written by Dr. Ellis Orozco. Dr. Orozco served in ministry as a pastor for 30 years. He is the founder and CEO of Karooso Ministries and the Public Theologian in Residence at Stark College & Seminary.