Remarks on Theological Education for the Diocese of Algoma Synod
Presented on May 12, 2023 to the Diocese of Algoma Synod I’m very grateful to John Gibaut and to the Synod of Algoma for giving me a few moments today to share a bit about the task of theology and the work that we do at Thorneloe University. I was once asked by a friend of mine if studying theology was destroying my faith in God. This friend was worried that too much studying about God was somehow in conflict with my ability to know God. I remember being confused and, honestly, a bit offended by the question, but it’s a sentiment that I’ve encountered only too often since. “Theology” is seen by many Christians today as something that is at best, a dubious enterprise. For some, it is an obsession with the minutiae of doctrines and dogmas that just gets in the way of the more important business of ‘doing’ our faith. For others, it’s a way of dressing up hurtful ideas in fancy language that can be used to beat already far too vulnerable souls into submission. For an increasing majority,