Observations/Reflections: On Theological Method and Theoretical Physics
Status: Dictated but Not Reviewed
Published: 07/29/09
Written: 05/04/09
Dictated By: Flint McGlaughlin

As time passes it grows clear for me how I should pursue my theological reflection. While some scholars focus on historical and linguistic exegesis, I prefer to approach the text differently (though preliminary exegesis is often necessary). Indeed, I make the most progress by simply identifying what is plain within the text and then contemplating its patterns and their fuller implications. This can lead to fresh (sometimes revolutionary) personal understanding. This approach reminds me of theoretical physics, or of Einstein's thought experiments.

This method is not something I determined, but rather something I have developed over a period of years. I am not saying it is the best way, but I like tentatively beginning with a simple meaning, then, I love the unfettered, soul-soaring experience of reflecting on this meaning using limitless operators such as these: "either or," "if then," or "what if." I do not engage this method in order to develop absolute positions, but rather to lose myself in pure worship.