Some people look down upon theologians as overly intellectual and unspiritual. After working with many I consider good friends I can see where people get that impression. Theologians trust their thinking more than their feeling and often distrust people who speak in terms of feelings, impressions or divine revelation. The disdain between the “thinkers” and the “feelers” is often mutual. The consequences of this disdain are dire. The charismatic movement has lost its theological and biblical moorings. The prosperity gospel seems to have infected most of the movement. Christian television is a theological wasteland. Among many conservative evangelicals we find an unnatural obsession with political power and a narrow set of social issues.
The people that could bring correction are too isolated from the local church. When they do speak they are one voice among many. If they aren’t a successful pastor or an author with market power their influence is limited. Many of our grounded theologians watch and perhaps shake their head but are not in a place where they feel they can make much of a difference.
<idle musing>
I couldn't say it better myself. Many are feeling that the link between theology and church life has been severed.
I know that my boss, Jim Eisenbraun, feels that way. The nice thing is that he is in a position to make a contribution, being a publisher. Consequently, Eisenbrauns is going to be publishing a journal entitled The Journal of Theological Interpretation whose goal is to try to reunite the two. Sound interesting? Then check out the sample issue.
I hope that doesn't sound like a shameless marketing blurb, because it isn't; it is a genuine concern which we are trying to address. It isn't easy trying to launch a new journal, especially with libraries cutting back on acquisitions. This journal grew out of dialog with theologians, not accountants :)
</idle musing>
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