Reaction Theology

There are many techniques and methods used to develop one's own personal beliefs. In a world where we are immersed in competing view points, varying experiences, and differing systems of theology it's hard not to have an opinion on all things related to God, spirituality, and/or religion. What I have begun to see as a dangerous and all to prevalent trend in Christians is what I like to call "reaction theology".

Reaction theology is the act of hearing a belief, idea, concept about God that contradicts or even just mildly disagrees with our own beliefs, ideas, etc. and we respond by building an entire belief system around proving the opposing side wrong. Our reaction, due to the great amount of pride that comes with personal conviction, is never to seek out the truth that may lie in the opposing side's argument or middle ground. Unfortunately we often lack the humility to see that we are not perfect, therefore our beliefs may also inherit this imperfection. That's not to say that our beliefs are wrong but that they may be lacking in some area. By engaging an opposing argument/belief with a humble heart and a contrite spirit we may actually learn something that could benefit our spiritual lives immensely, if only to give us a more complete understanding of the many unique perspectives that exist in society.

This is why I believe people like Calvin have flawed theologies. Calvin's 5 point TULIP system is a reaction to the Arminiast's argument against predestination. Instead of seeking to find where the Arminiast obtained their perspective of God in scripture or even seeking out the truth of Scripture with an unbiased mindset, Calvin sought to prove his own ideas about God with Scripture. As a disclaimer, I definitely side more with Calvinists than Arminians, but I continue to wrestle with both points of view.

Our reaction to what we oppose usually leads to harsh condemnation of the other side's complete being. The more we enforce our own biased beliefs the more we seek to prove the other side wrong with the ultimate goal of destroying their entire credibility. It's an interesting paradigm in which we feel as though we are being enlightened but we are in actuality closing the doors in our hearts and minds that would, if left open, lead us to discover the whole truth found in considering both positions. It's like using a teeter-totter to measure weight. Inevitably you only find out that one side is heavier or lighter than the other side and not the actual weight of each object.

Current examples can be found by watching how conservatives REACT to liberal points of view and vice versa. Look at how Christians handle issues such as homosexuality, women in leadership, the trinity, and the rapture. We are so polarized by our reactions that I'm sure God looks down and is disgusted by the lack of UNITY amongst His people. We need to go back to the basics and be slow to speak, slow to get angry, and quick to listen. Maybe then we can actually reach some degree of true enlightenment and rectify the relationship lost amongst many religious communities and even maybe bridge the gap between believers and the secular society we inhabit.

So overall, my point is that the next time you or I hear something that contradicts something unspeakable inside ourselves that we should first look inside our hearts and minds then turn to scripture in order to find out why we disagree with what we've heard. This would be a much more rational option than lashing out externally to belittle the opposing beliefs and the people who hold them.

All that to say, just make sure you know what you know and why you believe what you believe before ya go spouting off about this and that. And don't ever spout off for that matter! Phew. Sigh. O well, it's just my reaction to take a shot in the dark about all this.