THEO621_Discussion 1 How We Know_08182021
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Jan 9, 2024
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Uploaded by ProfRaccoon3821
THEO621
Discussion 1: How We Know
08182021
1.
Why does Lodahl believe telling God's story is best done in narratives rather than principles and
propositional statements (pp. 13-16)?
As Lodahl describes in pages 13 through 16 of the text, there is great revelation when reading the Bible
due to its style of writing. We are able to place ourselves directly into the story, into the scripture, the
God breathed and inspired word of Our Father in Heaven.
“One of the strengths of the approach of narrative theology is that, when it is effective, it calls and
challenges its readers and hearers to locate themselves in the Story. When God walks through the
garden calling out to Adam, “Where are you?” the question is intended as much for the reader [you and
I] as for Adam” (Lodahl 2008, 15-16).
We have to involve ourselves into the verses as we read them, applying them to our everyday life,
standing upon the rock, utilizing the word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm
119:105). The fact that God’s story is done in narrative, it easily allows us to accomplish this!
2.
What kind of history is the Bible according to Lodahl (pp. 18-19)? What does Lodahl mean when he
says "no historical event ... is sheer facticity?" If the Bible is still open to interpretation, can we interpret
its stories differently than some of its authors do? What does Lodahl seem to think (pp. 20-24)?
Lodahl explains that “Histories are shaped by the perceptions and memories shared by communities
(nations, tribes, religious denominations), and usually written by people who represent such a
community (the historian), in which a patter or succession of events is selected and interpreted to tell
that people’s story from a particular perspective and for a particular reason” (Lodahl 2008, 18-19).
As we think back to our life history, we do not recount every single event that happened on a daily basis.
We may recall certain events, centered around moments of great joy, happiness, accomplishment or
even grief and struggle. Just as biblical faith “is centered in eventfulness” as Lodahl explains (2008, 18).
Throughout the Bible, various writers interpret event based on their historical account, which allows for
interpretation by the reader. This is something I greatly appreciate about the Bible, you can have so
many different perspectives on one scripture. From one verse, you could preach many different sermons.
Oftentimes in the Bible studies that I attend at my church, we have great discourse on our various
interpretations of whichever scripture we may be studying. This allows for rich dialogue, and to grow
deeper into the word, as I believe Lodahl would agree.
3.
What does Lodahl mean by "tradition (pp. 25-30)? How is his meaning similar or dissimilar from how
you think many Christians you know understand the term?
Tradition as explained by Lodahl is the “process of telling and living, reading and hearing, wrestling and
grappling” that we pass on to our successors (2008, 25). He goes further to explain that given scripture is
left open for interpretation, was written during a specific historical context but is read during another,
the passing down of these teachings and applications of the word may change as well.
“It is inevitable, therefore, that interpretations and applications of Scripture will vary according to the
varying historical and social circumstances of any given community of believers. This ongoing dynamic
THEO621
Discussion 1: How We Know
08182021
relationship between the Church and its Scripture is, again, what we mean by tradition, particularly as
that relationship is passed down from one generation to the next” (Lodahl 2008, 25).
Wesley’s understanding of living a life of love for God and our neighbors requires three characteristics,
that holiness is practical, loving, and expansive. Wesleyan tradition is open to “learn and benefit from
others…share its insights and particular accents with others…open to hear and to learn from voices in
other theological traditions” which is dissimilar to how many Christians think of the term today (Lodahl
2008, 30).
4.
What kinds of arguments for the existence of God have been put forward (pp. 31-38)? Describe them
briefly. Which do you find most convincing and why? How do these arguments reveal the limits of human
reasoning and the tensions felt at times between general and special revelation and natural and
dogmatic theology (pp. 32-34)?
5.
What two kinds of experience is included in Lodahl's discussion (pp. 44-45)? What is the relationship
between experience and Scripture? How does an understanding of prevenient grace as a basis of spiritual
experience outside Christianity provide a basis for natural theology and for "affirming the relative
authenticity of people's awareness of God in religious traditions other than Christian" (pp. 45-47)?
6.
Discuss the elements of the Wesleyan quadrilateral: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. How
do you see these elements to be intertwined? In Christian life and reflection, can any of these elements
really be separated from one another? Explain your answer.
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