Once again I come away from another graduate class with highly mixed thoughts about academic theology. To me, "theology" is taking the spiritual knowledge of God and conforming it to what we are able to know as humans, which automatically robs God of part of his nature. Then, on top of that, we add the academic discipline to theology, which makes it even worse. So, instead of growth in Christian maturity and leadership meaning becoming more bold and spirit-driven in how we live our own lives, how we serve others, and how we carry the message, we instead encourage our most talented to become part of the institution ("full-time ministry"), which neccesarily means taking this growth and leadership and running it through the pounding and straining of "seminary."

Now, instead of learning the truths of the Bible and its immediate impact on our service in the world, we have a bunch of "academic theologians" pumping out entire libraries full of hair-splitting drivel that is only useful to other drivelarians for producing more drivel. I find it sadly humorous that these academics often refer to the "popular level" with a hint of distain. Far be it for one of them to produce something relevant -- it might break into such a level, and therefore become non-credible.

What an incredible way to waste this mission-filled life that God has given us.