Little Theologies & Where The Rubber Hits The Road

“Way back Mexican Mennonites [a very culturally conservative and separatist brand of Mennonite] developed a great little theology of rubber tires [they didn’t use them]. About the time they developed this great little theology of rubber tires they stopped doing theology. So when drug use became an issue they failed to develop a great little theology of drugs.” Alfred Neufeld (no relation)

After the laughter subsided we knew that a keen observation had been made and that great wisdom had been spoken. The setting of this conversation was a gathering of global church leaders (it was refreshing to find the North Americans outnumbered both as participants and as presenters – it was truly global). Over the next few days we testified to the wisdom and importance of having “great little theologies” by jokingly talking about having a “great little theology of coffee breaks” “a great little theology of blunt talk” and “a great little theology of (you fill in the blank)”

Question: What challenge or issue are you facing for which you need a “little theology”?

“Little Theologies” look through the lens of faith and address the challenges and crisis that specific communities find them self caught up in. Do you have a theology of conflict resolution? Do you have a theology of change? Do you have a theology for technology? Do you have a theology to deal with the changing ethnic or economic complexion of your church or organization? Do you have a theology of weekends and holidays?

We are in desperate need of “little theologies” At times we look back in amusement at the “rules” placed on previous generations of Christians by their churches. If the context has changed and these rules still cast a shadow over believers our amusement is well placed. But often these “rules” pointed to a church that was actively addressing the situations it was facing at a specific time and place. Rather than laugh we should celebrate a thinking church that seriously believed that God through scripture and the community had something to say.

So… how are you, how am I, how are our churches connecting what we believe about God with the day to day challenges we face. Pause for a moment and ask your self if you have little theologies that inform how you channel surf, navigate a car pool conversation, or deal with a crisis in the ICU. These days I am asking myself three questions:

1. What little theologies do I need as I play in the mud of my culture?

2. What resources can I draw on so that my little theologies are biblically sound?

3. Who are my conversation partners as I sort out some little theologies that work?

Laugh if you want at having a theology of rubber tires. And rue the day when you only posses out dated “little theologies” or have no theology at all to address with the changes and challenges you are facing today.