Often, people don’t recognize how multifaceted the answers are to “what is religion?,” “what are the sources of theologies,” “what are the components of theologies?” Talking about Christianity, the Bible is often seen as the theological source. By recognizing how the associated histories and theologies, as well as how the Bible is far from the only source, we begin to recognize how much the actual practice of any religion (or any interpretation of any religion) does and can (and should, as needed) change.
Sources of and/or elements of theologies:
- certainty
- charity
- community and group experiences
- doubt
- education/proselytizing
- fiction (e.g., novels, film)
- group doctrines
- history (e.g., past, present, future, end/eschatology)
- iconography
- memoir/advice books
- mores
- music
- myth
- personal experiences and feelings
- philosophy
- prayer
- rituals
- sacraments
- sacred places
- sacred texts
- science
- secular law
- select individuals (e.g., ministers, prophets)
- tradition
- unexplained phenomena
- world view
Did I leave out any componets/sources you can think of?
Dr. Andrew Joseph Pegoda
Categories: Thoughts and Perspectives
Liked the post, but the like button isn’t working…oh well, you’ve given me something to think about.
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I have problems off and on too. Clearing the cookies helps.
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I think another component of theology is based upon one’s desire to find fulfillment. In the physical realm, fulfillment is tangible or maybe just more defined by social constructs. In the spiritual realm, fulfillment is very broad and open to interpretation.
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Great addition. Thanks!
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Dr Pegoda
What about salvation?
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Absolutely! Thanks for the addition
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