Not Theology, But Theologies

Throughout seminary, I spent way too many hours trying to study, converse, debate, and understand theology. To be honest, I don’t think I did very well and I know that through all my studies I only scratched the surface of the world of theology. In its broadest sense, theology is the study of the Divine and religious beliefs, which also means theology is never simple. Theology expands our understanding of the Divine, of ourselves, and often how we live and work in the world. 

Many theologians express that all theology is practical, contextual, and is a result of lived experience. Therefore, it centers the perspectives and experiences of a particular viewpoint, person, location, or demographic. Because of this, there is not simply one theology. There are theologies. For instance, there’s Western, Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Liberal, Conservative, Systematic, Feminist, Black, Liberation, Latin American, Asian, Queer, Dogmatic, African, Womanist, Indigenous, Process, Mujerista, and Practical theology, to name just a few. 

Since 1951, the Spiritual Life Center has hosted the Clifton L. Snidow Lecture on Christian Life and Work. This lectureship series has brought esteemed scholars and theologians to speak about the practical ways one’s faith or spirituality influences and impacts one’s life and work. In essence, it’s a lecture on theology and how one’s theology is lived practically in the world. 

This year, we have the honor of hosting Brian Murphy and Shay Kearns from Queer Theology, which is an organization devoted to creating a space where people can explore how their sexuality and gender identity can enrich and expand their faith and spirituality. This lecture will be a way to engage ideas and concepts about the Divine that isn’t mainstream but is essential to living a spiritual life. For those who have often been marginalized or shunned in particular religious communities, we hope this lecture will be a healing balm that speaks to how we all can live a theology that is practical, contextual, and life-giving. The lecture will take place in Snidow Chapel at 7pm on Monday, September 26th and will also be live streamed (See link in email).  Additionally, we will be hosting a free lunch and discussion with Brian and Shay on Monday, September 26th from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the East Room on how universities can create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. We do hope you will join us.