Author: Wayne Brouwer

The concept of Christian biblical theology is rooted in this. Although biblical theology – the investigation of the scriptures that speak authoritatively into the faith community – is foundational for systematic theology, their relationship with one another has often been inverted. Systematic theology has come to be viewed as the official voice of the church, with biblical theology useful only for finding texts to support its tenets.

We are entranced by seemingly strong leaders like Dr. Schuller, and their public bravado: blasting ahead, around, over and through the tedious organizational structures that the rest of us have to endure. Yet in the wisdom of God, the church of Jesus has been led by elders from its earliest expressions (Acts 14:23).

There is something wonderfully paradoxical about the Christian church. Its origin as a unique social phenomenon clearly dates from the Pentecost events described in Acts 2. Yet at the same time, Jesus’ disciples would say that this “new” community of faith was simply part of a centuries-old already existing people of God, stretching back all the way to Abraham and his family.

Reforming is a part of life, simply because deforming inevitably follows upon forming in nearly everything that humans touch. So the Reformation continues, regardless of one’s personal affiliations or theological persuasions. As the great hymn soberly put it: “Change and decay in all around I see. . . .” The great comfort is that the One who most specializes in Forming (creation) is also the God of Redemption and Reconciliation, two very Reforming activities!