Glendale Church of the Brethren

Saturn:  Seen from almost a billion miles away, through the ice and dust particles of the rings, Earth appears as a tiny, bright dot to the left and slightly behind Saturn.

 Quote from a New York Times Article:  “To my mind.” Dr. Porco said, “most people go through life recoiling from its best parts.  They miss the enrichment that just a basic knowledge of the physicaly world can bring to the most ordinary experiences.  It’s like there’s a pulsating, hidden world, governed by ancient laws and principles, underlying everything around us — from the movements of electrical charges to the motions of the plants — and most people are completely unaware of it.” – Dr. Porco heads the Cassini Mission’s Camera Team.

Dr. Porco laments our lack of scientific knowledge.  She urges us to learn about the physical world so we have a greater appreciation and insight to the beauty of the entire universe.  We can make the same analogy to good/bad theology.  People live unfulfilled life journeys because of “bad theology.”  Unfortunately “bad” theology misinforms people, narrows their view, and makes many people believe that they must choose between faith and science.  Shame!

Signs of Good Theology:

1) Scripture is seen in light of the historical setting, type of literature, and intent of the author/editor.

2) Affirms the basic goodness of creation and all humans.

3) Remembers that the Gospel is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and love found in Jesus Christ – not a rule book.

4) Promotes healthy relationships

5) Trust in the only one ultimate force in the universe – God.

Signs of Bad Theology

1) Rejects clear science when it disagrees with a literal understanding of scripture.

2) Raises up one race or aspect of humanity over another.

3) Is shame based and life is to be lived by strict oppressive rules.

4) Separates you from healthy, loving relationships.

5) Believe that Good and Evil are equal in their force.

 We invited you to learn all about “Good Theology” by becoming a part of our church family here at the Glendale Church of the Brethren.

Peace,

Pastor John