My Theological Conversations

I think I just realized something. Even in doing theology, my first instinct is not to draw on the "sources" of Christianity or from within the history of the church - because then if I did that, I would only be talking about those and to those within the church. My conversations are with people not necessarily in the church - my conversations, even my theological conversations, are with feminists and other people on the boundary of the church. So I begin with sources I come across in daily life, with more popular sources and 'secular' feminist sources that may connect with people to whom Christian sources are not engaging or interesting. At the point of offering my own contribution to a theological topic, I then draw in from one of Christianity's primary source, the Bible, in hopes of creating an alternate entry point and interpretation for people not in the church.

Why? Probably because 1) I am always working out (read justifying) my own participation and continuation in a religious tradition that is patriarchal and has many times served to oppress, and so I offer my interpretations and reflections to those with whom I do not want to lose connection because of this continued participation on my part, and 2) because I do indeed really see an alternative and life-giving way of living and relating in the life of Jesus as he lived it in his time and place and with his companions. Jung Young Lee says all theology is to some extent autobiographical...I am definitely guilty.

It's a confusing thing let me tell you. But worse, it's not very conducive to trying to fit my theological work, that which I am inclined to do because it's ultimately what inspires and motivates me, within the method and expectations of my chosen field of Practical Theology...not good!!