Light & Heat
Third in our series on the Theology of the Pentateuch, Old Testament professor Alex Kirk shares his reflections on an often-overlooked aspect of the Fall: what does it mean that Adam and Eve were “naked and unashamed”? What did it mean for them to become conscious of this? He explains, “After she eats, the Serpent’s words come true but there is a cruel twist. Divine knowledge becomes nothing other than self-consciousness—that sinking feeling that you are on a stage with no clothes on.”
The idea circulates that theological study is futile. Why study the ineffable God? Many a modern Christian seems to gravitate towards chucking doctrine, perceiving the pride and folly of claiming to know with our small brains what can only be understood by our omniscient Father. Rather than advocating a heaping helping of humility, some are seduced by a false dichotomy: doctrine or mercy, doctrine or mystery, doctrine or mission.
What can a 17th century German theologian have to say about 21st century concerns? Gerhard aims to fortify his readers with comfort and assurance as they face the certainty of death. “It is appointed for all to die;” he says, “but to die with piety, to die in Christ, to die happily is not for everyone. Therefore the soul must be prepared for that blessed ability to die well and must be armed with the shield of the Word and prayer.” Gerhard was equipped as few Christians are today to provide that preparation of the soul.
“Christian faith, and therefore Christian theology, emerges out of the shock of the gospel…the comprehensive interruption of all things in Jesus Christ (43).” So begins the late Professor John Webster (1955-2016) in a series of six lectures given in 1998 at the University of Otago in New Zealand, recently republished as The Culture of Theology.
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