Does the Church Need Theology? 

Addressing the Gap Between Professor, Pulpit and Pew

- Registration, tea and coffee 9.30am, first session 10am -

There is a growing sense among many Christians that a gap has arisen between much of contemporary theology and the life and work of the Church. This gap manifests in both the dismissal of theological reflection by some, and a fear of ‘dumbing down’ by others. While, as theology students, we believe theology is called to perform a vital function within the church, all too often we look in vain for its presence in our congregational life. We are aware – as are many others – of a distancing between academic theology and the practical ministries of the church. This distance partly arises from the need to meet people where they are, with much of academic theology being too specialised for the needs of congregations. Yet this distancing also arises from a mutual suspicion between those that claim that the church must possess a reflective and critically aware faith with which to engage with the modern world, and those that view critique of existing church doctrine and practice as ungodly, and the education of ministers in institutions of higher education as at best pointless and at worst a dereliction of trust in God. In the midst of this on-going tension lies the question of the church’s mission to the world, and its aspiration to provide ethical alternatives to political and economic systems that fail so many. In this light, the theological reflection of the church becomes a matter of great responsibility, called as it is to witness to a reality that challenges and overthrows the prevailing expectations and prejudices of this world.

With a view to discussing and analysing this perceived problem, we seek to bring together representatives from across the Church – academics, ministers and pastors, Christian NGO workers and members of congregations – to address the following questions:

-          Is a theology degree necessary to understand the Bible?

-          Are theologians out of touch?

-          Do ministers need a university education?

-          Is the Church ‘dumbing down’ the Gospel?

To help us to discuss these issues, there will be opening presentations from:

-         Dr Paul Nimmo – Meldrum Lecturer in Theology at New College

-         Rev Vanessa Parr – Associate Rector of St Paul’s and St George’s Church

-         Rev Kathy Galloway – Head of Christian Aid Scotland

It is hoped that this event will begin a process of dialogue within the Church in Edinburgh that will be fruitful in overcoming real and perceived barriers to the full integration of theological reflection and practical ministry, thereby uniting all elements of the Church to the service of the Kingdom.