I have argued before–as have others–that the Church needs to develop a theology of patience. After all, the Edenic sin of impatience– that of taking something without being prepared–has plunged us into innumerable other sins. We are a future-oriented people, which means we can afford to be patient.
Robert Jenson observes that Church must regard “waiting as the most creative of activities…theology is itself a form of the waiting we must practice (viii).” The Church needs to carefully work through a host of issues in this phase of history. Thus, an incremental approach may suit us at this stage. Not that we compromise on non-essentials, but that we take the Augustinian principle of theologizing first and foremost on creedal/essential matters. The lack of didactic creedal theology is the source of much division in this day. Trinitarian thinking has become a mere footnote in the minds of many when in reality it should shape our very being and life.
Patience is a theological dogma. May we learn it and practice it.
Uri,
Thanks for this post and your thoughts. I have been convicted similarly. Two text which underline this conviction for me are Isa 25:6-9 “…Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him” and Rev 14:1-12 “…Here is a call for the endurance of the saints…” Of course there are many others, but these two particularly have struck me about the state of the church this side of the resurrection.
thanks for the Good reminder,
Drew
Drew, thanks for this. How long have you been pastoring in the OPC?
Uri
Thank-you!
I was ordained to gospel ministry in the OPC May 21st this year, but I have been licensed and doing internships for a couple of years now.
Drew