Writing about Theology

Entering the Discussion

(This section is still under construction)

It is humbling to realize that as a student of theology you have waded into a stream of thought and communication that has been flowing for thousands of years. Yet it is sobering to realize that you are responsible to God for the words that you contribute to this stream of thought. Learning to write theological papers is as much about what not to do as it is about what to do. As mentioned in the section on research, you should incorporate reliable sources while presenting your own message. But when it comes to theological writing, it is quite true that "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). A theologian may be presenting a fresh viewpoint by making connections that other scholars have overlooked. A prime example is Bishop Sutton's book That You May Prosper. However, if you think you have discovered a completely novel idea, beware. Most likely you have instead recycled an old heresy.

Acceptable Tone: Speaking the Truth in Love

Whether you are writing an academic paper, a sermon, or a Sunday School lesson, you will want to make sure that you represent Christ well both in the truth that you expound and the way that you expound it. Sarcasm may make for a clever-sounding essay, but unless your readers agree completely with your point of view, a sarcastic tone may leave them feeling insulted and angry. That is not to say that academic papers should be flaccid and apologetic, just that they should be written as though to other human beings who are made in the image of God. As with every other aspect of writing, audience and purpose factor into choosing the applicable tone and other rhetorical strategies.

Consider the Apostle Paul’s visit to Athens (Acts 17:16-34). Upon his arrival, he noticed how entrenched the city was in idolatry, and he could not keep silent. He spoke in the synagogue and in the marketplace, and though we are not told exactly what he said, we can be sure he was serving as a watchman, warning of the dangers of continuing on such a path. But the passage does tell us what his message was to the pagan philosophers who asked him to speak about his “new doctrine.” He does not begin by blasting them with hellfire and brimstone, Instead, he begins by making a gracious connection with them, first noting they are so religious that they have constructed an altar to honor a god they may have overlooked, and then rightly identifying that their religious rites have neglected the only God worthy of worship. Only after unfolding the story of the Creator and Sustainer, the God and Father of mankind, does he invite them to repent and escape the final judgment by believing on the risen Christ.

At the conclusion of his address, them scoffed at his message, while some wanted to hear more before deciding whether they believed him. “However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Acts 17:32-34).