Like and Love, Ramblings of a Theologian in Progress

Let it never be said that academics don't spend too much time in their heads. If anything, spending that much time alone with our thoughts is probably the single greatest hazard for academics. You build and build up circular walls until you've discovered that you're in a well. And I have a suspicion that those in theological fields might be in more peril than other fields. There is an inherent worry because ultimately, if you are working in theology, your subject isn't just an interesting topic. It isn't just something that is important to you. Theology is built upon those questions of ultimate concern. Who is God? How does my understanding of God affect my understanding on myself? The world? Ethics? Salvation? How is God revealing God's self to humanity? To me? These questions are coupled with rote demands of academic life as well. We live in a culture that has started viewing education through the lens of economic models. Society demands that money spent

If you have a television, you may be familiar with a type of programming called “edu-tainment.” These shows embark to be a hybrid of documentaries, reality television, and serialized sensationalism. The epitome of the “edu-tainment” empire is the History Channel- a station that markets itself not only as rooted in teaching history, but also in franchising a series entitled “Ancient Aliens,” a reception of history if major events were controlled by aliens. And if you think I am being derisive to these programs, let me stop and confess that I LOVE them. While I’m not exactly proud of this, I’m also not so ashamed by it that I wouldn't confess to it if asked... or preaching a sermon. This is a long running love of mine. Twenty-five years ago, when TLC stood for “The Learning Channel” and actually created somewhat educational content, there was a series of programs about the end of days and the Book of Revelation. As a child I mistakenly watched this programs and proceeded, as few