In class we talked about the differences among theologies within Christianity across cultures- and the interesting idea that we won’t have our theology right or complete until every culture creates its own theology, asking the questions unique to them. Groups with different theologies are asking different questions, not necessarily saying different things, but highlighting different aspects of God. I’ve also heard God described as a multi-faceted gem or crystal. Each group (cultural, gender, economic status, age, etc.) accentuates one facet, one face, of Him. We don’t see His richness and fullness until we include everyone’s perspective.
What a beautiful theological picture we paint when we allow every “tribe and tongue,” every culture and subculture to add its brushstrokes to our picture of God!
I resonate with this idea so much personally. I think this is why it is so hard for me to claim one denomination or hold fast to one stream of thinking. I love the supernatural, intimate God of Pentecostalism and the grandness and “otherness” of God in Catholicism. I love the contemplative nature of the mystics. I love the God who cares passionately for the earth and social justice and I love the intellectual God of academia. This generous view of God reminds me of Brian McLaren’s book, Generous Orthodoxy, which I read this past summer. I wish Christianity as a whole would spend more time appreciating the truth in each other’s theology and less time arguing over who’s right.
