By: Nathan James

Nathan James — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 02:52:14 +0000

Thanks for your comments Sheena. I think I’m always stumped by people’s need, desire, to develop theories, explanations etc of anything to do with God. God is an experience not something which can be objectified. For example I’m always perplexed at people’s need to explain Trinity, for me, Trinity is Trinity and no amount of analogies to the three forms of water or clover leaves etc will give me an experience of Trinity. Similarly if one asks for a theology of caring I can objecify the act of caring that arises out of my belief in God but it tells you nothing about how my heart feels drawn to the need to care for others which comes out of experiencing and knowing God. Even that as I read it makes no sense.

By: Sheena

Sheena — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:39:06 +0000

The phrase “theology of caring” stumps me a bit - it seems to be trying to develop a theory and a scientific distance from something which is entirely emotional, subjective, and unscientific. The theology behind love is in Jesus’ greatest commandment “Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength….Love your neighbour as yourself.” The New Testament does expand on love a bit, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13, but I think you need to apply it creatively to each person you come across. As a nurse, and listening to you talk about your adventures with high school kids, I think you have it pretty well down already.

Comments on: Developing a Theology of Caring

By: Nathan James

By: Sheena