The Journey Holland -- Theology

When my daughter was just a few years old, we drove past a Popeyes restaurant. She said, “Pope yes.” Now, she didn’t break down the word and come up with a religious statement in support of the head of the Catholic Church. She just said what she thought she read.

When we break down the word theology we come up with theos, which is Greek for God, and logia, which is Greek for knowledge or study. So theology is the knowledge or study of God. Some people spend their whole lives studying God.

You can read books about canoeing, but until you experience it yourself, you’ll never really know what canoeing is all about. In the same way, you can read books about theology and God, but until you experience God for yourself, you’ll never really know God.

Elsewhere, I try to explain my theology, at least what it is now, because I believe parishioners have the right to know where their pastor is coming from. Then we ask you some questions to perhaps help you formulate your own theology. Theology is a lifelong endeavor. And although it may not be as fun as canoeing, it’s The Journey each one of us is on.

I believe in God: as a spiritual presence as invisible as the wind, and as visible as the heavens. I hear God: when I sit, when I walk, when I get a parking ticket. I speak to God: praying in church, walking in the woods, singing in the shower. I see God: in the sunset, in the face of a homeless person, in the smile of a child.

I believe in Jesus: as someone worth imitating, as someone worth emulating, as someone worth following — all the way to Calvary.

I believe in the Spirit: Holy, sacred, and, blessed; and I believe each one of us has the ability to live in the Spirit, from here to eternity.

I believe in Humankind: created in God’s image; blessed by God, loved by God, Children of God; a little lower than the angels; with the capacity to choose love over hate, truth over lies, and peace over war.

I believe in the Bible: filled with wise words, profound parables, and tremendous truths.

I believe in Baptism: when the church recognizes that a Child of Creation is a Child of God; and when that Child of God wades into the community of faith and dives into the glory of heaven.

I believe in Communion: open to all, as Jesus was; when we gather together to give thanks for and share in the abundance of spirit and life.

In many ways, The Journey is discovering what your theology is. So, The Journey has listed some questions, which might help you formulate your theology on The Journey.

What is your view of God?

Have you ever experienced what you would call God?

If so, when and where?

After a seeming coincidence, which some call odd, do you call that God?

What is your view of Jesus?

Have you ever experienced what you would call the presence of Jesus?

Like Mother Teresa, do you see Jesus in the face of those in need?

What is your view of the Spirit?

Do you try to live in the Spirit?

What is that like?

How do you get in touch with your spirit, the Spirit?

How do you view creation, including humankind?

How do you view the Bible?

What do you think about Baptism?

What is your view of Communion?

If you would like to share your thoughts with Rev. Freeman, he would love to hear what your theology is. (Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be the same as his.)

	Theology on The Journey Greetings, When my daughter was just a few years old, we drove past a Popeyes restaurant. She said, “Pope yes.” Now, she didn’t break down the word and come up with a religious statement in support of the head of the Catholic Church. She just said what she thought she read. When we break down the word theology we come up with theos, which is Greek for God, and logia, which is Greek for knowledge or study. So theology is the knowledge or study of God. Some people spend their whole lives studying God. You can read books about canoeing, but until you experience it yourself, you’ll never really know what canoeing is all about. In the same way, you can read books about theology and God, but until you experience God for yourself, you’ll never really know God. Elsewhere, I try to explain my theology, at least what it is now, because I believe parishioners have the right to know where their pastor is coming from. Then we ask you some questions to perhaps help you formulate your own theology. Theology is a lifelong endeavor. And although it may not be as fun as canoeing, it’s The Journey each one of us is on. Blessings, Rev. Bill Freeman *The Theology of Rev. Freeman* I believe in God: as a spiritual presence as invisible as the wind, and as visible as the heavens. I hear God: when I sit, when I walk, when I get a parking ticket. I speak to God: praying in church, walking in the woods, singing in the shower. I see God: in the sunset, in the face of a homeless person, in the smile of a child. I believe in Jesus: as someone worth imitating, as someone worth emulating, as someone worth following — all the way to Calvary. I believe in the Spirit: Holy, sacred, and, blessed; and I believe each one of us has the ability to live in the Spirit, from here to eternity. I believe in Humankind: created in God’s image; blessed by God, loved by God, Children of God; a little lower than the angels; with the capacity to choose love over hate, truth over lies, and peace over war. I believe in the Bible: filled with wise words, profound parables, and tremendous truths. I believe in Baptism: when the church recognizes that a Child of Creation is a Child of God; and when that Child of God wades into the community of faith and dives into the glory of heaven. I believe in Communion: open to all, as Jesus was; when we gather together to give thanks for and share in the abundance of spirit and life. What is your theology? In many ways, The Journey is discovering what your theology is. So, The Journey has listed some questions, which might help you formulate your theology on The Journey. What is your view of God? Have you ever experienced what you would call God? If so, when and where? After a seeming coincidence, which some call odd, do you call that God? What is your view of Jesus? Have you ever experienced what you would call the presence of Jesus? Like Mother Teresa, do you see Jesus in the face of those in need? What is your view of the Spirit? Do you try to live in the Spirit? What is that like? How do you get in touch with your spirit, the Spirit? How do you view creation, including humankind? How do you view the Bible? What do you think about Baptism? What is your view of Communion? If you would like to share your thoughts with Rev. Freeman, he would love to hear what your theology is. (Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be the same as his.) 11:03 a.m. — Sunday Celebration, Sunday School, Child Care 451 Columbia, Holland, MI 49423; 616.894.0020; thejourneyholland.org Open & Affirming / Just Peace / United Church of Christ