Impossible Landmarks 3.28.2024

     Every academic field has produced giants. These are the titans who in many ways define the terms by which the discipline is conducted, chart the course that is followed, and articulate the questions to be asked. In theological inquiry, some names stand as the founders of the discipline. Irenaeus, Augustine, and Jerome come to mind. As the Church grew in numbers and influence Gregory the Great, Basil, Anselm, and Thomas Aquinas defined the Great Tradition until the time of the Reformation when we meet Martin Luther and Jean Calvin. Luther and Calvin along with the counterreformation spearheaded by the Jesuits in Roman Catholic theology and additional emerging protestant voices have continued this theological conversation through the twentieth century into our contemporary studies and pulpits. “Recent” voices of individuals like Bonhoeffer and Barth offer their voice and pen to add further layers to the Great Tradition. Who knows what the current century will bring? 

    Two millennia of great thinkers are bound to produce a few geniuses. As well as a few knuckleheads. On the one hand, they help orient the contemporary reader as to her place in the ongoing and expanding theological discussion. A dialogue that the Apostles initiated in Acts 1. On the other hand, it can be daunting because there are so many thinkers and so many thoughts. Even for a lifetime of fruitful study and diligent work, it seems so inaccessible, like climbing an imposing and impossible landmark. 

    You need not feel that way and that is not what the great landmark theologians are for. They serve as guides and reference points. They are not the goal. The goal is to know the content of Scripture and the mind of Christ. Theologians both the universal and local are guides. They have been where you are going. They are pointing the way. The mountain is steep, and the path may be treacherous, but you can do this, and you must do this. If you are to preach and teach it is essential for you to be the theological shepherd for your people. Others have blazed the trail. Now the journey is yours to take. 

    In short, these great theologians, whom we consider impossible landmarks of learning, are examples and mentors for us. It is surprising how many (particularly in the early Church) primarily thought of themselves as pastor-theologians. Their job combined the leadership of a congregation or congregations with the training of others for the tasks of pastoral ministry, and for them, pastoral ministry always required a Pastor-theologian.     When we read their works of exegesis or theological guidance, we are using them as they were intended. The relatively recent development (300 years or so) of purely academic work in theology and other “ministry” disciplines, clouds our collective memory of the time when the giants of exegesis and theology led the Church and prepared ministers to serve. Perhaps you are the next landmark thinker whose diligent work in the Scriptures will prepare future generations for diligent service and ardent discipleship. Happy Easter, Preacher.