I began studying theology in 2011 through a degree at Liberty. g Since that time, I
have seen in my own life and through personal reading the need for Christians to
be theologically informed and to be able to present their views to the world
around them. g As the world continues to search for morality and ethics, it is the
responsibility of each Christian to be able to publicly present the moral and
ethical baseline defined in the Bible. g Vanhoozer calls this public theology which
he defines as “theology in and for the public square.”[1]
g g g g g g g g g g As the Christian church, we have been called out and separated from the
rest of the world. g This distinction is easy for the world to recognize as the fruits
of the Spirit are counter to the natural reaction expected. g That is why the Apostle
Peter wrote “Always be ready to tell everyone who asks you why you believe as
you do. Be gentle as you speak and show respect” (1 Pet 3:15).[2] As the world
searches for meaning and hope, Christians have the opportunity to share God’s
design through engaging in public theological discussions.
Early in my faith, my natural inclination was to keep my faith private. g I did not
want to conflict with the views around me, especially as I felt ill equipped to
defend what I believed in the Bible. g But, as my faith continued to grow, my
boldness to share the Gospel increased as well. g Specifically, I remember two
important events in my life where I was able to present God’s ethics and
character in a public forum. g First, I was asked “How can God be considered good
when He allows so much evil?” g While my response wasn’t elegant, I was able to
convey God’s perfect character allowed free will to humans who have a natural
bent toward sin. g Next, an acquaintance of mine was having an affair with his
friend’s wife. g He asked me “As a Christian, why is this a sin?” g This shocking
question allowed me to present God’s design for marriage while encouraging a
response.
g g g g g g g g g g g As church leaders, this responsibility falls immediately upon us. g Todd
Wilson states “(Pastors) are the visible, tangible presence of Christ and the
church at every moment of crisis.”[3] While all Christians must be ready to
present these arguments, pastors are expected to present thorough arguments in
the public realm. g One of the best examples of this is Paul as he spoke to the
Athenians about their “Unknown God.” g In Acts 17:23 Paul says “For as I walked
around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with
this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you
worship--and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” g Paul engaged with their
culture and used what they believed to present God to those willing to hear. g In
the same way, Christians today have been called to “go and make disciples of all
nations” (Matt 28:19) and to do this, must be theologically informed and prepared
to discuss God’s character and ethics each day.
[1] Kevin J Vanhoozer, The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision
(Grand Rapids, Baker Academic, 2019), 17.
[2] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New
International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011).
