I love analogies. This one came to me tonight.
Our theology should be like a well-inflated tire.
If the tire is pumped too full, it becomes rigid. The slightest stone or pothole causes it to pop rendering the tire not just useless, but shredded. Like a systematic theology too tightly woven, one problem and the whole thing falls apart. So the driver spends the majority of his time driving around obstacles, trying to navigate objections and inconsistencies, rather than driving the path of faith.
Looks like a Presbyterian
Meanwhile, if the tire is underinflated, it is likely to blow out or become unbalanced. Either way, the driver is jerked off the road, unable to drive a straight path. The tire lacks the stability to withstand the pothole and the car is pulled every which way.
A well-inflated tire is flexible. A stone or a pothole changes its shape. The tire adapts to the character of the road, whether a smooth asphalt highway or a bumpy country road. However, its basic structure and shape remain the same. The tire shifts and it shapes but it holds to its fundamental character in all seasons.
So that’s my goal – a well-inflated tire theology. Tune in next week to discuss which denomination is which tire company and consider the resemblance of the late Jerry Falwell to the Michelin Man.
Quote of the Day – “If we insist that we must first prove that God exists before we can turn to God then we shall never find God, because we are trying to treat the God of our being as though God were an intellectual problem that we can solve, define clearly, and then grant him what we consider God’s due. Such a God does not exist.” Gerard Hughes, God of Surprises
Gary,
I like the analogy. I think this argues against both sides of the coin. One side says, “Who needs theology? Just give me real life stuff (and basically, I don’t have to think about anything).” The other says, “Theology. Theology. Theology.” And studies it systematically to a fault.
I love the quote. A God that we can fit into our boxes (i.e., our systems) does not exist. Thus, we must keep coming back to our own understandings of God and reevaluate. Changing where we need to change, and always allowing room for mystery (which is something I’m a fan of).
I for one would like to hear more about how the tire pictured above resembles a Presbyterian. If obliged, I will in turn find a tire to represent my own Baptist background. And at that point, we’ll just have to keep going and turn it into a whole new blog, adding new tires and explanations for every denomination, religion, and tradition in existence.
New blog readership: 2.